Section of Birch Bay-Lynden Road closed indefinitely pending investigation into vehicle crash, No Kings Protest scheduled for Saturday, Post office outlet inside Bellingham market avoids closure following petition and contract re-negotiation, Bellingham Utility rates to increase in 2026, Artist Point section of Mount Baker Highway closed for season, Some Skagit farmers oppose proposed regulations on agritourism in Tuesday hearing, AG Brown proposes new legislation aimed at protecting migrant workers
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KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, October 16th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Section of Birch Bay-Lynden Road closed indefinitely pending investigation into vehicle crash
A Border Patrol pursuit ended in a crash Wednesday morning at Birch Bay–Lynden and North Enterprise Roads.
First responders were called to the scene around 9 a.m., where a Border Patrol vehicle collided with another car at the four-way stop. Both drivers suffered minor, non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s Medical Center.
Washington State Patrol says the collision happened during an operation involving a suspect pursuit. WSP is leading the crash investigation, while federal agencies — including Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI — are handling the related enforcement and criminal inquiries.
Birch Bay–Lynden Road was closed for several hours between North Enterprise and Woodland Roads as crews cleared the scene.
STORY: No Kings Protest scheduled for Saturday
The “No Kings” movement returns to Bellingham this Saturday with a rally at Maritime Heritage Park from 1 to 3 PM.
The rally is free and open to all, with a commitment to peaceful, nonviolent protest. Organized by Indivisible Bellingham and co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Bellingham/Whatcom County, the event is part of a nationwide day of action against what participants describe as authoritarian policies under the Trump administration. The protest has been granted a permit, however attendees will not be allowed to march. Participants can expect speakers, music, art, and community engagement and are encouraged to wear costumes.
Throughout Whatcom County you can also find protests happening in Nooksack at Everson City Park, Maple Falls, and Pt. Roberts at the corner of Gulf and Tyee Streets.
Additional No Kings protests are happening in LaConner at Gilkey Square, Anacortes, Burlington on Burlington Blvd in front of Popeye’s, Sedro Wooley starting at Hammer Heritage Square, Coupeville at the Coupeville overpass, Orcas Island at Eastsound Village Green Park, Lopez Island at the Lopez Community Center, Friday Harbor, and on Shaw Island at the Ferry Terminal.
STORY: Post office outlet inside Bellingham market avoids closure following petition and contract re-negotiation
A neighborhood post office in Bellingham’s Alabama Hill neighborhood will stay open after all.
The U.S. Postal Service has renewed its contract with Ben’s Market on Alabama Street, reversing plans to close the small postal unit at the end of September.
Store manager Nixon Shrestha (SHRES-thuh) says community support made the difference — with more than a thousand people signing petitions to keep the location open. The office never actually shut its doors, and Shrestha says customers are relieved, especially with the busy holiday season approaching.
Ben’s Market handled more than a quarter-million dollars in postal sales last year.
STORY: Bellingham Utility rates to increase in 2026
Bellingham water rates are going up in 2026.
Starting in January, customers will see double-digit increases in their monthly bills as the city invests in critical water, wastewater, and stormwater projects. The average bill will be about 13.5% higher.
The biggest jump will come in wastewater rates, which will help pay for improvements at the Post Point treatment plant. Mayor Kim Lund says any delay in repairs would lead to higher costs and more disruption in the future.
To help offset the impact, the city says it will expand its Customer Assistance Program next year. Low-income households earning up to 80% of the area median income can apply for reduced rates online, and current participants will be automatically re-enrolled.
City officials say the plan tries to balance affordability with the need to keep Bellingham’s water systems safe, reliable, and sustainable for years to come.
STORY: Artist Point section of Mount Baker Highway closed for season
After a snowy weekend on Mount Baker, access to Artist’s Ridge is now closed for the season.
The Washington State Department of Transportation says it will continue to clear snow and ice from Highway 542 up to the closure point, which lies just past the Mount Baker Ski Area near Heather Meadows.
Areas past the closure can still be accessed on foot for winter sports and recreation, with permits obtainable at the Glacier Public Service Center. WSDOT (WASH-dot) will also provide updated traffic and mountain pass information on their website.
STORY: Some Skagit farmers oppose proposed regulations on agritourism in Tuesday hearing
Skagit County’s proposed rules for agricultural tourism are drawing strong reactions.
The county has proposed new rules for farms that host events — including limits on guest numbers, minimum income requirements from farming, and a ban on restaurants and similar businesses on certain agricultural lands. At a public hearing Tuesday night, farmers and residents voiced passionate opposition to new regulations.
The county says the goal is to allow farmers to host events like weddings and tours while also protecting farmland and neighboring properties.
Nick Cecotti (suh-KOTTY) told commissioners tourism income keeps his farm afloat, while Larry Jensen called the proposal “absolutely ridiculous.” Others, like Sedro-Woolley farmer Terry Sapp, supported the changes as a reasonable compromise under state law.
Public comments on the plan are open through Thursday, October 16th.
STORY: AG Brown proposes new legislation aimed at protecting migrant workers
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has proposed new protections for immigrant workers.
The measure, called the Immigrant Worker Protection Act, would require employers to alert their workers within 72 hours if federal immigration agents plan to inspect their employment records.
Brown’s office says the proposal would give workers time to get documentation in order, speak with an attorney, or make family plans. Similar laws already exist in California, Oregon, and Illinois.
The proposal follows recent workplace raids in Bellingham and Kent that led to dozens of arrests. Supporters call the bill a needed transparency measure, while critics — including Washington Republican Party Chair Jim Walsh — say it undermines federal immigration enforcement.
The bill will be considered when lawmakers return to Olympia in January.
WX: Faint Misbehavin’
And now for the weather:
Expect a dreary day here in Whatcom, with some rapidly increasing cloud cover. Those clouds are also expected to bring a few scattered showers throughout the day, with temperatures in the upper 50s. But overcast skies may lessen somewhat this evening, and the rain looks to remain as spotty as ever. We can expect a slightly warmer night than the last few days, with lows hovering in the high 40s.
We may see a touch more sunshine tomorrow, though the rain looks like it’ll stick around either way.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THARE-un) Danielson, Cody Mills, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), Bella Mae, and Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee). 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 _________, and thank you for listening!
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