Man dies after being ejected from vehicle in one-car crash on North Cascade Highway, Rolled semi-truck and trailer block southbound Guide Meridian, WA to train public defenders, prosecutors for rural, underserved areas, Rolled semi-truck and trailer block southbound Guide Meridian, Miami Seaquarium gets eviction notice several months after death of Tokitae, WNS – Tree coverage in cities crucial as planet warms, WA research shows, Free and Cheap
______________________________
Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Friday, March 8th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.
STORY: Man dies after being ejected from vehicle in one-car crash on North Cascade Highway
A 31 year old Marblemount man was killed in a single vehicle crash early Thursday morning.
Washington State Patrol reported that Skyler Marker lost control of his car on North Cascade Highway, near Moen Rd (MO-en) in Skagit, causing the vehicle to roll several times. Marker was not wearing a seatbelt. He came to rest against the eastbound guard rail, and the Subaru stopped in the westbound lane.
The crash occurred at around 6 am. North Cascade Highway was closed for 2 ½ hours following the collision.
STORY: Rolled semi-truck and trailer block southbound Guide Meridian
A semi-truck full of potatoes rolled over in Lynden earlier this morning.
First responders were dispatched just north of Main St. in Lynden at 8 am today, due to reports of a truck obstructing the road. The truck was found lying on its passenger side in the ditch, blocking the southbound lane. It took about an hour and half until the truck was back on its wheels, and according to a video posted by WSDOT (WASH-dot), potatoes remain in the ditch.
Both lanes are now open.
STORY: WA to train public defenders, prosecutors for rural, underserved areas
A bill aimed at addressing staffing and caseload challenges in Washington’s public defense system has passed the legislature.
Senate Bill 5780 will establish internship programs for aspiring attorneys in rural and underserved areas, along with training initiatives for early-career public defenders and prosecutors. Covid-related backlogs, declining law school enrollment, burnout among high-level felony case attorneys, and changes in policing make cases more time-consuming.
Proponents believe SB 5780 can establish pipelines from law schools to county courthouses and provide support for young attorneys to remain in these demanding, low-paying positions.
The bill received unanimous, bipartisan support and now awaits Governor Inslee’s signature.
STORY: Miami Seaquarium gets eviction notice several months after death of Tokitae
The place where Tokitae (TO-kuh-tay) was held in captivity for over 50 years has been served with an eviction notice.
Associated Press reports that Eduardo Albor (AL-bore), the CEO of The Dolphin Company which owns the Miami Seaquarium – was told last Thursday to vacate the waterfront property in Miami-Dade County by April 21st. That same day, County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava (luh-VEEN CAH-vah) said in a news conference that the Seaquarium had numerous violations, including allowing animal habitats to decay and employing inexperienced staff. Mr. Albor stated that he intends to let his lawyers respond to the eviction notice.
Tokitae (TO-kuh-tay) was held in captivity at Seaquarium for over 50 years, and died before she could return to the waters of the Pacific Ocean. A necropsy cited kidney failure as the cause of her death, as well as other chronic conditions including pneumonia.
STORY: WNS – Tree coverage in cities crucial as planet warms, WA research shows
Trees in urban areas provide benefits for people, including decreased temperatures and improved air quality, according to new research out of Washington state. Reporter Eric Tegethoff (TEG-it-off) has more.
TREES AUDIO
STORY: Free and Cheap
Here are some free or cheap events happening around the county this weekend.
Western is holding a Jazz Ensemble performance on tonight at 7:30pm. The performance features works from women composers like Cat Toren, Kris Davis, and Ann Ronell (ron-ELL). The event takes place at the Performing Arts Center Concert Hall, and is free to all.
On Saturday, the North Cascades Audubon Society is hosting a bird watching exploration of Whatcom Falls Park. Starting in the parking lot, guides will lead the group through the park, pointing out key landmarks. The event runs from 8:30 am to 10:30 am. Registration is available at NorthCascadesAudubon.org.
Every Friday and Saturday in March, the Upfront Theatre hosts March Improv Madness. At 9:30, different improv teams compete to win, with the audience voting for winners in a bracket-style competition. Tickets are 14 dollars, 10 dollars for students.
WX: Sun
Your Whatcom County weather: today will be cloudy and rainy, with a high of 50 degrees and moderate winds. Rain will continue tonight, as temperatures drop to a low of 41. Winds are expected to pick up this weekend, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Expect the rain to last through monday.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman and Tristan Trudell. 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. If you would like to help keep local news accessible, check out our new Patreon page at patreon.com/kmrenews or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. Remember, it’s Daylight Saving on Sunday so be sure to set your clocks forward. I’m __David Korb______________… thanks for listening.
##
