Train carrying molten sulfur derails in Whatcom County; BNSF investigation underway, Driver pulled from fiery vehicle after hitting tree in Bellingham, Whatcom County residents file petition to repeal “childcare tax”, Driver pulled from fiery vehicle after hitting tree in Bellingham, Whatcom County residents file petition to repeal “childcare tax”, Mindport Exhibits to Close After Nearly 30 Years, Bellingham City Council approves taller buildings in Fairhaven’s ‘pit’, Republicans fight to keep budget impact of November initiatives from appearing on ballots, Habitat for Humanity To Host Annual Trashion Show, Whatcom County to explore operating year-round homeless shelter
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STORY: Train carrying molten sulfur derails in Whatcom County; BNSF investigation underway
A BNSF-led investigation is underway for a train that derailed in Whatcom County on Tuesday night.
According to a recent update from Burlington Northern, the train was carrying molten sulfur, and six of its cars derailed at around 11 p.m. near Custer. Fire Chief Jason Van der Veen says no property damage, injuries, or spills were initially reported as a result of the accident. However, Portal Way between Valley View and Arnie Road is expected to remain closed again today.
Sheriff Donnell ‘Tank’ Tanksly said they will continue to monitor developments as BNSF investigates the derailment.
STORY: Driver pulled from fiery vehicle after hitting tree in Bellingham
A fiery vehicle crash in front of Sehome High School has sent one person to the hospital.
Yesterday around 7:40 pm, Bellingham Police Department received reports of a single vehicle crash along Bill McDonald Parkway in front of Sehome High School. According to the BPD, the vehicle hit a tree and caught fire. The driver was pulled from the car before first responders arrived on scene and was given lifesaving care by a witness, who was a nurse. The driver was then transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center. The investigation is ongoing, and the driver is suspected to have been under the influence of drugs, although no charges have been filed.
Following the accident, Bill McDonald Parkway was closed in both directions for about 2 hours and reopened around 10 pm.
No update on the driver’s condition has been given.
STORY: Whatcom County residents file petition to repeal “childcare tax”
Critics of Whatcom County’s childcare services tax have submitted an initiative to repeal it.
Proposition 5 passed by just 20 votes in the November 2022 election after a late surge of “cured”, or fixed, ballots pushed it over the top. The tax helps pay for early childhood education, childcare and other support for children in homeless or low-income families. According to Whatcom County Health and Community Services, the fund is collecting roughly $10 million annually, and has collected about $15 million so far.
The measure raised property taxes by 19 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or $95 for a $500,000 property. Washingtonians for a Sound Economy, a conservative political group who submitted the petition, says that it’s a heavy burden for many county residents.
The Whatcom County Auditor’s Office says they received the initiative petition on Monday, and are in the process of verifying the signatures.
STORY: Mindport Exhibits to Close After Nearly 30 Years
Mindport Exhibits, a science-based experiential learning center in downtown Bellingham since 1995, announced it will close its doors this fall.
According to recent reporting from Whatcom Talk, the decision to close the museum came as a result of its owner’s retirement in 2019, and the end of funding from their primary donor. Tallie Jones, current executive director of Mindport – said that they did have the option of becoming a non-profit, but decided they did not want to compete with other non-profits in the area. The exhibit does not have an exact closing date, but Jones says it will remain open until the Fall.
Updates on closing events can be found on their website mindport.org.
STORY: Bellingham City Council approves taller buildings in Fairhaven’s ‘pit’
The Bellingham City Council voted to allow the development of a four-story building on the Fairhaven site known as ‘the pit’.
Currently, the gravel lot on the corner of Mill Avenue and 11th Street is zoned for three-story buildings and has 75 free parking spaces. On Monday, the city offered an amendment for approval that would allow a building that exceeds height limits be built in exchange for public benefits that include a dedicated South Bay Trail easement, the inclusion of affordable housing units, and guaranteed parking.
The move prompted some dissent from Fairhaven business owners, who asked the council to deny the proposed zoning changes and keep both the open space and free unofficial parking lot. In addition, some business owners voiced concerns that four-story buildings would be “out of character” for the neighborhood.
The council vote was unanimous.
STORY: Republicans fight to keep budget impact of November initiatives from appearing on ballots
Supporters of three ballot initiatives are suing the state, arguing that the fiscal impact disclosures required by state law should not be applied in these cases.
A 2022 Washington state law mandates fiscal effects of ballot measures to be described for voters. This year, initiatives to eliminate the state’s cap-and-trade system, end the capital gains tax, and make a long-term care program optional are on the ballot, all of which would have financial impacts on the state budget. However, Republican leaders Jim Walsh and Deanna Martinez filed a lawsuit against several state officials, including Attorney General Bob Ferguson, asserting the disclosure law is too specific to apply to these initiatives. State attorneys state the measures would significantly impact state revenue and qualify for the disclosures.
If the court does not block the process, Ferguson’s office will draft 15-word fiscal impact statements for the ballot. Walsh and Martinez argue that these statements are partisan and unnecessary, while the state maintains they are essential for voter information.
A court hearing is set for Friday.
WX: Sun
Your Whatcom County weather today – Expect sun all day, with a high of 69 degrees. Tonight will be partly cloudy, as temperatures drop to a low of 48. The sun will continue shining tomorrow with even warmer temperatures, and through to all of next week.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman, Kye Salinas (KEY suh-LEE-nus), and Kyler Cantrell. 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. Check out our Patreon page or go to kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m ________________, and thanks for listening.
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STORY: Habitat for Humanity To Host Annual Trashion Show
STORY: Whatcom County to explore operating year-round homeless shelter
Whatcom County Council is currently exploring the possibility of a year-round, low-barrier homeless shelter.
A resolution was brought forth on Tuesday that would expand year-round shelter capacity, as well as proposing that the county run one of its own.
In the past year, Whatcom spent over 1.3 million dollars funding winter and severe weather shelters, with a single bed costing the county $426 per night. This proposal would cut that expense down to an estimated $64.34, as well as reducing the need to find seasonal staff and volunteers and coordinate with non-profit organizations.
County Deputy Executive Kayla Schott-Bresler pointed out that the hiring of full-time staff would impede the county’s ability to perform its existing tasks by creating more work for the county. Council Members Tyler Byrd and Ben Elenbaas also expressed sentiments that those seeking to utilize the shelter should be expected to be seeking employment or more permanent housing during their tenure.
Council Member Kaylee Galloway, one of the resolution’s supporters, acknowledged these concerns, but says that providing shelter to all homeless people in Whatcom County is possible.
