Registration open for Cap Thanksgiving baskets, toy store, Man arrested after firearms, explosive found in north Bellingham home, Larsen to Host Veterans Forum in Bham and thru phone, Whatcom County assures public that nothing is wrong with Terrell Creek’s smell, Bellingham Plan to hold open house at WWU, Tribal members gather to demand the federal government uphold treaty obligations, protect salmon, WA seeks public comment on new landfill methane emissions rules
______________________________
Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Monday, November 6. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Registration open for CAP Thanksgiving baskets, toy store
The Community Assistance Program is encouraging north Whatcom County residents experiencing financial constraints to sign up for some additional support this holiday season.
The Program, which serves Blaine, Birch Bay, Custer and Point Roberts residents, will be handing out Thanksgiving baskets to families and individuals. Additionally, the Community Toy Store allows parents to purchase holiday gifts at a discounted price. The deadline for Thanksgiving basket registration is this Friday, while the deadline to register for the Community Toy Store is Sunday, November 26th. Registration for both can be done at BlaineCAP.org.
STORY: Man arrested after firearms, explosives found in north Bellingham home
A man was arrested in Bellingham two weeks ago after firearms and explosives were found in his home.
43-year-old Matthew John Simmons was arrested in his north Bellingham home on October 26th. A search warrant was served on Simmons’ house after deputies were told that he still possessed firearms after signing a declaration stating he had no weapons to surrender.
Items located included a loaded assault rifle, a loaded Glock handgun, 5 homemade explosive devices and bags of powder used in making explosives. Simmons was booked into Whatcom County jail with suspicion of possession of explosives without a license, and unlawful possession of firearms.
He was released from custody on October 27th after a $20,000 cash bond was posted.
STORY: Larsen to Host Veterans Forum in Bham and thru phone
U.S. Representative Rick Larson is answering questions in-person and remote this month.
Earlier today, Larson held an in-person meeting at the American Legion on Bakerview Road. Veteran forums are opportunities for veterans to ask their elected officials questions about veteran’s legislation and benefits. A similar telephone town hall will be held this Thursday at 5 pm. Sign up at Larsen.House.gov.
STORY: Bellingham Plan to hold open house at WWU
Bellingham will be hosting an open house event for its upcoming Bellingham Plan at Western Washington University.
Created in 1980, the Bellingham Plan addresses topics such as climate resilience, housing, recreation, economic vitality, transportation, and equitable growth. The City of Bellingham plans to lay out goals and policies to help city leaders make decisions with the next 20 years in mind. The city hopes that the student-focused Open House will provide unique perspectives as planners continue their work over the year.
The event will take place in the Viking Union Multipurpose Room, this Thursday from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Food will be available, and more information can be found on the city website.
STORY: Whatcom County assures public that nothing is wrong with Terrell Creek’s smell
In a recent press release, the Whatcom County Public Works assured the public that Terrell Creek in Birch Bay is fine.
Public works received multiple inquiries regarding the strange appearance and smell of the water. However, according to the County, it’s a natural seasonal occurrence caused by bacterial and algal (AL-gull) growth.
A buildup of decaying organic matter like seaweed happens every summer in places such as Terrell Creek. The natural conditions in late summer and early fall generate strong sulfur smells, surface films, and unusual colors in
the creek. The creek will return to normal once the fall rains start flushing out the waterways.
Although not unsafe, Public Works does recommend the public keep kids and pets out of the creek until it’s no longer stagnant and smelly.
STORY: Tribal members gather to demand the federal government uphold treaty obligations, protect salmon
Last week, 15 Washington tribes met at a convention in Tulalip to demand the federal government uphold their salmon treaty obligations.
The tribes, including Lummi Nation, convened to discuss the removal of the four lower Snake River dams in southeastern Washington. While the dams provide carbon-free electricity, irrigation, and transportation of agricultural goods, they also prevent the movement of salmon and have caused fish populations to plummet to near extinction. Convention speakers urged attendees to push harder to save the dwindling salmon and orca populations.
The fight to remove the dams started decades ago, with tribes arguing that the government has an obligation to allow indigenous people the right to continue their way of life and protect the fish. Both Senator Patty Murray and Governor Jay Inslee agree that the extinction of native salmon is an unacceptable cost to running the dams.
Federal discussions on the dams are still ongoing.
STORY: WA seeks public comment on new landfill methane emissions rules
The Washington Department of Ecology is seeking public comment on proposed new rules aimed at curbing landfill methane emissions.
The new rules would require municipal solid-waste landfills to do more to prevent methane from escaping into the atmosphere, to track emissions, and make reports to the state. Washington would also make $15 million dollars in grants available to landfill owners and operators to cover the costs associated with the proposed new regulations. Those proposed new rules would put Washington on par with California, Oregon and Maryland in setting standards for curbing methane emissions.
Public comments on the proposal will be accepted online, by mail or at a public hearing on December 6th.
WX: Rainy
This week is expected to be somewhat rainy. There’s a 90% chance of showers today, with a high near 55° and a low around 47 at nighttime. Winds are expected to remain calm, and the rain will likely persist until Wednesday night.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, and Connor O’Boyle. 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. I’m ________________ and thanks for listening.
###
Run after ruling–
The Washington State Supreme Court is set to hear a significant case involving the rights of people sheltering in their vehicles.
A growing number of homeless individuals in Washington are living in their vehicles, but they face challenges due to local laws, including bans on vehicle habitation, restrictive parking rules, and towing. These laws often force people to leave their communities, even if they have lived there for a long time.
Jack Potter, a longtime resident of Lacey, was forced to live in his travel trailer due to housing market pressures. Lacey passed a law prohibiting vehicles used as shelter from parking in town for more than four hours, essentially forcing Potter and others out of their community.
Tomorrow, Potter’s case will be heard by the Washington Supreme Court.
