Lynden school bus driver killed in two-vehicle crash, PeaceHealth responds to UAPD and SEIU notice of intent to strike, Food banks ask for help from community as they face federal cuts, Free or cheap, Slow pace of condo development may lead Port of Bellingham to seek new developer, Bellingham brewery set to open second location, WA State Patrol launches pilot program to reduce freeway collisions with officers, Whatcom County seeking public input on 20-year environmental impact plan, WA State Patrol launches pilot program to reduce freeway collisions with officers, Foundation receives $3 million grant to protect Whatcom shorelines
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KMRE brings you local news for Friday, May 2nd. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.
STORY: Lynden school bus driver killed in two-vehicle crash
A Lynden school bus driver was killed in a two-vehicle crash yesterday morning.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene of the crash on West Main Street shortly before 8 a.m. Preliminary information indicates an eastbound SUV hit the bus, which was heading westbound.
The school bus was driven by Annette Lyon, who suffered fatal injuries. Lyon had been employed by the Lynden School District since 2021. There were no students on board at the time of the crash.
Lynden Police say the driver of the SUV was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center. The cause of the crash is under investigation, and it is unknown whether drugs or alcohol were involved. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage is asked to call the Lynden Police Department.
STORY: PeaceHealth responds to UAPD and SEIU notice of intent to strike
Tensions are rising at PeaceHealth as two unions delivered formal notice of intent to strike yesterday.
Members of the bargaining committees report that PeaceHealth responded by canceling two upcoming negotiation sessions set for Monday and Wednesday. In an email to KMRE, PeaceHealth expressed disappointment with the unions’ decision to strike, but emphasized its respect for caregivers’ rights to take lawful action.
PeaceHealth said, quote “We had been eager to get to resume bargaining with both SEIU 1199NW and UAPD to focus on reaching an agreement. Considering their decision to initiate a work stoppage, our full attention will turn to ensuring smooth and continuing operations in caring for our community and prioritizing excellent patient care. We will be glad to reengage and continue bargaining at the conclusion of the work stoppage.” unquote.
STORY: Food banks ask for help from community as they face federal cuts
Food banks across the country are bracing for major impacts after over $1 billion in USDA food assistance funding was cut by the Trump administration for 2025.
Locally, Whatcom County Council approved $750,000 per year for the next two years to help meet the growing need for food assistance—but that’s less than half of the $2 million originally requested. The funding comes alongside $250,000 proposed by Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund, and is intended to support organizations like the Bellingham Food Bank, who face increased challenges after the recent USDA budget cuts. KMRE spoke with the food bank’s Communication Director, Stephanie Sisson (SIH-sen), to learn more about how these changes are impacting local families.
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The Trump administration cuts for 2025 also include $500 million slashed from The Emergency Food Assistance Program, or TEFAP (TEE-FAP), which supplies staples like fruits and vegetables to food banks. The Bellingham Food Bank says the cuts have already forced cancellations of critical food orders. Sisson says the funding loss, combined with market volatility, will directly affect their ability to serve local families in need.
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The gap in funding for food banks across Whatcom County falls directly on the shoulders of families already struggling, forcing them to either find a way to pay for food themselves or go without.
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For those who would like to support the Bellingham Food Bank, their largest fundraiser of the year— Hunger vs Hunger— launched yesterday. Sisson says there are other things the community can do to help, such as: make a direct donation to the Food Bank, speak out against federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (which provides monthly food benefits to low-income families), or volunteer at your local Food Bank.
For more information, head to bellinghamfoodbank.org.
STORY: Free or 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.
Tomorrow is the first Procession of the Species since 2019. Organized by Gabriel’s Art Kids, the family-friendly walk features participants of all ages wearing homemade animal-themed costumes; the procession begins at 2 p.m. from Lee Memorial Park, 210 Central Avenue, and ends at Maritime Heritage Park in time for a community celebration.
Habitat for Humanity’s annual Trashion Show is taking place at 6 p.m. tomorrow at the Bellingham Circus Guild. The fundraiser spotlights creative ways to upcycle trash; last year’s event included a skirt made from plastic bottles! Runway outfits must be made from at least 75% recycled materials, and audience members who bring a bag of clothes for donation will receive a free raffle ticket. General admission tickets can be purchased for $25 at Habitat for Humanity’s website.
Finally, the Pickford Film Center will host another Independent Lens Pop-Up at 10 a.m. on Sunday. The public is invited to attend a screening of Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s, a documentary portraying three families confronting the unique challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and how it transforms roles and relationships. Tickets are free at the Pickford’s website.
STORY: Slow pace of condo development may lead Port of Bellingham to seek new developer
The Port of Bellingham is expected to decide next week whether to terminate its development agreement with Harcourt Developments.
The Ireland-based company is constructing three luxury condo buildings on Bellingham’s waterfront. Harcourt was selected as the “Master Developer” for the Port in 2015, but defaulted on its contract last year after falling behind schedule and facing environmental violations. If the deal is terminated at the May 6th meeting, Harcourt will retain the Granary Building and its condos, but the rest of the property will return to port control. Public comment will be accepted.
WX: Sunrise of Skywalker
And now weather:
Today’s forecast remains sunny and warm, with sporadic cloud cover. Daytime highs are projected in the upper 60s, with evening bringing a chance of rain and lows in the high 40s.
Weekend weather looks to run the gamut, with a rainy, cool Saturday, followed by a warmer, sunnier Sunday.
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, and Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg). 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 _David Korb________… thanks for listening.
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STORY: Bellingham brewery set to open second location
A popular Whatcom County brewery is headed to Bellingham’s waterfront.
Beach Cat Brewing, known for its Birch Bay taproom, will expand with a second location set to open in 2025. The new space will feature outdoor seating with views of Bellingham Bay and a brewing system capable of producing over four times their current volume. The new taproom will offer 16 taps, including beer, cider, seltzer, and non-alcoholic options.
An official opening date has not been announced.
STORY: Whatcom County seeking public input on 20-year environmental impact plan
In preparation for significant population growth, Whatcom County has released its draft environmental impact statement as part of a major 20-year planning update.
The statement evaluates housing, transportation, climate, and more across four growth scenarios. Residents can review and comment on the document now through June 1st. A public hearing and open house will be held on May 21 at the County Courthouse, with remote participation also available.
The comprehensive plan update is due by the end of 2025. More details are online at whatcomcounty.us.
STORY: WA State Patrol launches pilot program to reduce freeway collisions with officers
New technology being tested by the Washington State Patrol could soon make highways across the state much safer.
WSP is piloting a system called the Safety Cloud — a tool that sends real-time alerts to nearby drivers when a trooper’s emergency lights are activated. The alerts appear on navigation apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, and even on some in-car dashboards.
Officials say the tech can reduce the risk of collisions by up to 90%, giving drivers precious extra time to slow down and move over. The system is currently being tested near North Bend, about 30 miles east of Seattle, and could be rolled out statewide if the pilot proves successful.
The technology is already in use by thousands of agencies nationwide, and WSP says it could be a game changer for roadside safety.
STORY: Foundation receives $3 million grant to protect Whatcom shorelines
Over $3 million in state funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act will be reinvested to support salmon habitat restoration in Whatcom County.
According to the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, the award will go to the Northwest Straits Foundation (NSF), which has been working since 2019 to improve salmon spawning conditions along coastal areas in Whatcom and Skagit counties. The project targets the removal of man made barriers — such as seawalls and boulders — that disrupt natural erosion processes essential for healthy habitats.
The funding will also support technical assistance for property owners to help them identify shoreline restoration options suited to their land.
Nearly six-and-a-half miles of shoreline and stream habitat will be made more accessible for spawning salmon when the project is completed later this summer.
