Ferndale High School classes in session again with secure protocol in place, Accusations made against outgoing NWYS CEO, Bellingham waterfront condo developers re-apply for permits amid years-long delay, WTA seeking comments on proposed bus route changes, Fire and parks districts in Whatcom County seek additional funding via tax increases, PNW tribal salmon hatcheries to receive $240 million in federal funding, Updated Northwest Forest Plan to be made available
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KMRE brings you local news for Friday, October 7th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Ferndale High School classes in session again with secure protocol in place
Students at Ferndale High School are in secure protocol following an outside bomb threat last Friday.
While classes continue as usual, no one is allowed to enter or leave the building. The campus will remain in secure mode for the rest of the day. The bomb threat, which is still under investigation, was determined to be not credible.
STORY: Accusations made against outgoing NWYS CEO
Accusations against outgoing Northwest Youth Services CEO Jason McGill paint a picture of a culture of fear and retaliation within the nonprofit.
According to recent reporting by the Cascadia Daily News, McGill would allegedly label those who disagreed with him and his approach to serving the community as quote-unquote “racist,” while multiracial employees could also become targets within NWYS for voicing concerns. McGill was also accused of filling key positions with people who he was friendly with, despite their lack of qualifications and experience. Elevating concerns to human resources or the board of directors would allegedly result in termination for those deemed unloyal or critical. Staffers described quote “a broken, dysfunctional organization that lacked institutional knowledge, fueled professional burnout and struggled to provide some of its core, legacy services despite the dedication of boots-on-the-ground employees” unquote.
McGill was put on paid leave in late September by the board of directors. An independent investigation into McGill’s tenure started just recently, though emails and personal accounts shared with CDN indicate that the board had been aware of employee concerns years ago.
STORY: Bellingham waterfront condo developers re-apply for permits amid years-long delay
Harcourt Developments, the Ireland-based company constructing three multi-million dollar residential condo buildings along Bellingham’s waterfront, has been granted new permits.
The new permits cover the work remaining on its projects after the expiration of previous permits and extensions. Despite construction delays and a lawsuit filed by the Port of Bellingham against Harcourt, the company is still working to complete its final building. Construction permits for the building valid through 2026 were issued on September 30th.
The third building will be similar to the existing buildings–a five-story mixed-use project, with 36 residential units over underground parking. The residential units in the buildings, originally expected to begin housing people by the end of this year, range in price from $550,000 to more than $3 million. To date, Harcourt has spent over $40 million on the project, and accepted deposits from at least 50 people for units in all three condominiums.
STORY: WTA seeking comments on proposed bus route changes
WTA is planning significant changes to its bus services starting in June 2025, with a focus on routes outside of downtown Bellingham.
The changes include increased frequency for trips to places like the Lummi Nation, Bellingham Technical College, and Bellingham Airport, as well as a new route to the King Mountain neighborhood. However, some routes will be reduced or eliminated, including fewer trips to Birch Bay Village and changes in Cornwall Park.
WTA is seeking community feedback on these proposals through outreach events and an online platform. The WTA Board has also announced a public hearing on November 7th for additional input.
STORY: Fire and parks districts in Whatcom County seek additional funding via tax increases
This November, Whatcom County’s ballot will feature two measures that would provide additional funding to both a fire and a parks district.
Whatcom’s Fire Protection District 1 is asking voters to approve a $13 million bond for a new fire station and equipment. This is a re-run from August, where it fell short of the required supermajority.
Meanwhile, the Columbia Valley Parks & Recreation District seeks a six-year tax levy to purchase land for parks, and aims to create five parks in the area. Previous levy attempts have failed.
Ballots are expected to drop on October 18th. If you haven’t registered to vote, online and mail registrations must be received before October 29th. Register to vote in person at the Whatcom County Auditor’s office during business hours and any time before 8 p.m. on Election Day.
STORY: PNW tribal salmon hatcheries to receive $240 million in federal funding
Tribes across the Pacific Northwest are due to receive nearly $240 million in funding to bolster their salmon and steelhead hatcheries.
Among the 27 tribes eligible to receive funding are the Lummi Nation, as well as the Upper Skagit, Swinomish, Nooksack and Sauk-Suiattle (SOCK SOO-adol) Indian tribes. The initial funding will help tribes address the hatcheries’ current maintenance and modernization efforts, while the rest of the funds will be made available competitively to help tribes address the long-term viability and effectiveness of critical salmon and steelhead infrastructure.
STORY: Census Bureau data shows poverty significantly declining in WA
The Economic Justice Alliance–a state partnership focused on reducing poverty–says poverty rates are declining in Washington.
According to the Alliance’s three-year Impact Report released last week, measurements from 2018 indicate that the state’s poverty rate sat at 10.3%. Recent figures, however, are at 8.5%, with Indigenous, Black, and Latine (lah-TEEN-ay) communities seeing the most significant declines in official rates, ranging from a 4-to-5 percent reduction each.
According to the Alliance’s website, their 10-Year Plan to Dismantle Poverty was developed in partnership with people living on a poverty-level income, as well as community organizations, tribes, advocates and other entities in order to create an approach better suited to address community needs. Washington’s poverty rate, now tied with Maryland’s, reflects a nearly 20% drop since 2018 and is considered one of the lowest in the nation.
Alternative measures show, however, that many Washingtonians still struggle with basic expenses, highlighting persistent gaps for rural families, women, people of color, and other marginalized groups. The Alliance’s report emphasizes that more work is needed to achieve economic justice for everyone, and says it remains committed to ensuring all residents can meet their basic needs and contribute to society.
Forecast: Partly sunny
Today’s weather is expected to be a mixture of clouds and sun, with highs around 70s. Calm western winds are in the forecast, with evening temperatures getting down to lows in the mid-50s.
Showers are expected to begin tonight, giving way to consistent rain that is forecasted to stick around for the next couple of days.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman (COOL-mun), Tristan Trudell, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Brodey O’Brien, Paloma Ortiz, Anna Hedrick, and Miguel Garduño (MEE-gel gar-DOO-ño). 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 thank you for listening.
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STORY: Updated Northwest Forest Plan to be made available
In more salmon-related news, a draft of the updated Northwest Forest Plan will be available soon. Although fish species won’t be addressed directly in the update, they could still benefit from improved habitat.
SALMON AUDIO
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