Indigenous and environmental groups set to convene in Bellingham to protest repeal of Roadless Rule, Officials gather to memorialize 118th anniversary of Bellingham Riot, Whatcom County Executive’s Office claims state left them with unfair financial situation in managing Nooksack water crisis, Data indicates Whatcom unemployment rate rose slightly in July, still down slightly from same time last year, Upthegrove’s office issues controversial forest conservation order, Former head of WA juvenile rehabilitation centers alleges her firing came as retaliation against whistleblowing, Freel or No Freel, Free or cheap (kill 9/12), Free or cheap (KILL 9/19), Reykdahl releases state assessment results – 9/10/25, Free or Cheap (Kill 9/12), Election Town Halls slated for October (kill 10/4), Tree coupon back (fill)
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KMRE brings you local news for Friday, September 5th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Indigenous and environmental groups set to convene in Bellingham to protest repeal of Roadless Rule
Forest advocates are rallying in Bellingham tomorrow to protect public lands.
Organizers oppose repealing the 2001 Roadless Rule, which safeguards 58 million acres of national forests — including 400,000 acres in Washington’s Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie.
The event runs from noon to 3 p.m. tomorrow at Maritime Heritage Park. It is part of this year’s totem pole journey and the launch of the 2025 Way of the Masks campaign, led by Lummi master carver Jewell James. Organizers say the goal is to defend Indigenous lands, waters, and forests across the Northwest.
Supporters of the repeal say it could boost timber production and help reduce wildfire risk. Opponents argue it threatens wildlife, watersheds, and Indigenous lifeways.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking public input on the proposed repeal. Nearly 17,000 people have already weighed in. Comments can be submitted at www.regulations.gov by the September 19th deadline.
STORY: Officials gather to memorialize 118th anniversary of Bellingham Riot
A ceremony gave Bellingham a chance to reflect on a painful part of its past.
A memorial gathering at the Arch of Healing and Reconciliation yesterday honored the victims of the 1907 Bellingham Riot — when hundreds of immigrant workers from India were violently forced out of Whatcom County.
The Arch stands as a rare tribute to the Chinese, East Indian, and Japanese communities expelled from towns across the West Coast in the early 1900s.
Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu (saht-POW see-DO) offered remarks as part of the commemoration. At the event, organizers released a new brochure highlighting the Arch’s history, and announced plans for a traveling exhibit and expanded outreach.
STORY: Whatcom County Executive’s Office claims state left them with unfair financial situation in managing Nooksack water crisis
Whatcom County says the state is not paying its fair share in the massive Nooksack water rights lawsuit, and local taxpayers could feel the impact.
The County Executive’s Office says it has already received more than $3.5 million from the state, but still faces at least $1.5 million in additional costs for courtroom space, staffing, and equipment, as tens of thousands of water users prepare to file claims by next May.
County Spokesperson Jed Holmes says the state triggered the legal process, but has failed to fund the courthouse upgrades now required to handle a flood of new filings.
The adjudication lawsuit, launched by the state in 2024, will determine which of roughly 30,000 water rights are valid across the Nooksack Basin and surrounding areas.
Superior Court Judge David Freeman says that while funding has helped, the current shortfall risks a slowdown in the entire process — and could ultimately cost everyone more in the long run.
STORY: Data indicates Whatcom unemployment rate rose slightly in July, still down slightly from same time last year
Whatcom County’s unemployment rate ticked up this summer.
New data from the state shows the county’s jobless rate rose to 4.5 percent in July — one point higher than June, but slightly lower than the same time last year. Skagit County saw a similar trend. Meanwhile, Washington’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 4.5 percent.
STORY: Upthegrove’s office issues controversial forest conservation order
Washington’s plan to protect older forests is under fire from all sides.
The Washington State Standard reports loggers, school officials, and conservationists have criticized Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove’s proposal to set aside 77,000 acres of older forests, while reopening 29,000 acres to logging.
Timber industry leaders warned the move could trigger layoffs and delay projects funded by timber revenue, including school construction. Districts like Eatonville say they depend on those dollars to pay off voter-approved levies.
On the other side, conservation advocates argue the plan does not go far enough, and call the proposed protected areas fragmented and ecologically limited.
The Department of Natural Resources says the plan ensures enough harvestable timber to meet state trust obligations for the next decade, while also allowing time for alternatives like carbon credits to be explored.
Mapping of the conservation areas is still underway.
STORY: Former head of WA juvenile rehabilitation centers alleges her firing came as retaliation against whistleblowing
The former head of Washington’s juvenile detention system claims she was fired for blowing the whistle on dangerous overcrowding in youth prisons.
Felice (fuh-LEES) Upton, who oversaw the state’s Green Hill and Echo Glen facilities, filed a $4.75 million damages claim last week. According to court documents, she alleges the Department of Children, Youth and Families ignored her warnings and retaliated against her.
DCYF Secretary Tana Senn (SEN) says Upton’s firing was not related to those concerns; however, according to Upton, Senn failed to give her a reason for her termination.
STORY: Freel or No Freel
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.
The North Fork Library will host Introduction to the Mushrooms of Whatcom County tomorrow from 1-to-3:15 p.m. The program is led by Dr. Fred Rhoades, a retired Western Washington University biology instructor and longtime mycology (mai-KAH-luh-jee) expert.
As the summer draws to a close, paddle over to the Whatcom Museum until 5 p.m. today for Free First Friday. Visitors of all ages are invited to learn all about the Salish Sea and the people and animals who call its waterways home. Attendees can create a fish print inspired by the traditional Japanese art of gyotaku (GEE-oh-tak-oo), sculpt their own sea creature, decorate a buoy to add to Bellingham SeaFeast’s community net project, join a guided walk to the Whatcom Creek Hatchery — and much more! In the afternoon, hear stories from Nooksack Storytellers Tammy Cooper-Woodrich and Angela LeToi (luh-TOY), then join in a sea shanty sing-along with The Mighty Bards of Menace in the Lightcatcher courtyard! More information can be found on the Whatcom Museum’s website.
Finally, the Rome Grange hosts its weekly farmers market every Friday from 3 to 7 p.m., now through September 26th. Shoppers can find locally grown food and handmade goods, with local producers selling on consignment.
WX: Fraad Green Tuhmaytehs
And now for the weather:
Prepare to close the week out with another warm day coming on the heels of some morning fog. Highs today should hover around the upper-70s, along with an U.V. index rating of 5. Expect some mild cloud cover throughout the day and headed into the evening, when we’ll see things cool down to lows in the mid-to-upper 50s.
Be prepared for a wetter, stormier weekend, with showers expected on and off throughout most of Saturday and Sunday, along with a chance of some evening thunderstorms.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THARE-un) Danielson, Cody Mills, Aidan Larson, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), Bella Mae, Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee), Nate Landi (LAND-ee) and Hailey LeRoy (luh-ROY). 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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STORY: Free or cheap (kill 9/12)
The 18th Annual Whatcom County Farm Tour is set for Saturday, September 13, from 10 to 4. The free, self-guided event invites all ages to visit local farms, meet the people who grow our food, and learn how it makes its way from field to table.
STORY: Free or cheap (KILL 9/19)
As part of Whatcom Water Week, the Whatcom Land Trust is hosting a Forest Water Scavenger Hunt at Stimpson Family Nature Reserve on Saturday, September 20, from 10 to 4. Families can pick up an activity booklet at the trailhead, then explore the forest to learn how trees and streams keep water clean and cool. The free, family-friendly event includes kid-friendly activities and a Water Wise take-home memento.
STORY: Reykdahl releases state assessment results – 9/10/25
Basic info: Media briefing where State Superintendent Chris Reykdal will share results from Washington’s spring 2025 statewide assessments in math and English language arts, as well as provide information about student achievement nationally and internationally.
| Who: State Superintendent Chris ReykdalWhat: Media briefing where Superintendent Reykdal will share results from Washington’s 2025 statewide assessments in math and English language arts, as well as provide information about student achievement nationally and internationally.When: Wednesday, September 10 at 10 amWhere: The event will be livestreamed on OSPI’s YouTube page, OSPI’s Facebook page, and TVW. – we can get audio from this |
STORY: Free or Cheap (Kill 9/12)
https://www.whatcomcd.org/run-with-the-chums — Sat, Sept. 13
Mark your calendars for the 13th Annual Run with the Chums on September 13th at BP Highlands in Birch Bay.
This free, family-friendly 5K fun run celebrates salmon, clean water, and community. All ages and paces are welcome, and the scenic course offers stunning views of Whatcom County’s shoreline.
Kids 10 and under can enjoy the Smolt Sprint obstacle course starting at 9:30 a.m., with the 5K kicking off at 10.
Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m.—arrive early for a free T-shirt while supplies last.
STORY: Election Town Halls slated for October (kill 10/4)
This year’s election is all about local power — from city councils to school boards — and Cascadia Daily News wants voters to hear directly from the candidates.
You’re invited to two free town halls in October at the Sehome High School Theater in Bellingham. The first, focused on County Council races, is Saturday, October 4. The second, covering Bellingham City Council candidates, is Saturday, October 11. Both run from 6 to 8 p.m.
It’s your chance to ask questions, raise concerns, and hear where candidates stand before ballots drop.
Admission is free, but an RSVP is required. Reserve your seat for county races at CascadiaDaily.co/WhatcomTownHall and for city races at CascadiaDaily.co/BhamTownHall.
STORY: Tree coupon back (fill)
Bellingham’s Tree Coupon Program is back this fall. Residents can get up to $100 off per tree at participating nurseries to plant on private property. The city says last year’s program added more than 500 trees, boosting Bellingham’s urban canopy. Sign-ups are online, and coupons are valid from October through May.
