Whatcom County heat wave underway, could push temperatures into the 90s, Early Learning Center opens at Bellingham Public Schools district office, Port of Bellingham receives $2.8 million grant to electrify shipping terminal, Whatcom County undersheriff placed on paid leave while under investigation, Coalitions of farmers and truckers petitioning state Supreme Court to take up fuel exemptions case, State program for low-cost EV purchase doing great
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KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, September 5th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Whatcom County heat wave underway, could push temperatures into the 90s
Whatcom county residents could see temperatures hit 90 degrees today as a brief heat wave is sending temperatures far above the norm for late summer, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service in Seattle
Meteorologists issued a heat advisory for today in Western Washington, saying the weather poses a “moderate” risk for heat-related illness.
Luckily the heat wave is expected to break tomorrow for many Whatcom residents, with daytime highs falling to around 80 or lower close to Bellingham Bay.
Normal high temperatures for early September in Bellingham are around 70 degrees.
STORY: Early Learning Center opens at Bellingham Public Schools district office
Bellingham public schools’ new Early Learning Center welcomed its first group of students on Tuesday.
The center was funded by $32 million in bonds that were passed in 2013 and 2022 and hosts two new classrooms that can accommodate 40 children ages 3 and 4.
Ten of the 40 slots are reserved for children of district staff as well as children of teen parents who graduated from the Graduation, Reality, and Dual-role Skills (GRAD) program within the district. The rest are available to children who qualify for the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP).
ECEAP is a state-run program that provides funding to child care facilities to support families that are low-income or experience environmental factors such as homelessness, family violence, chemical dependency, or incarceration. Children with developmental delays or other special needs can also qualify.
The center still has room for more students and the district is reaching out to families who qualify for ECEAP to fill open spots in the next few months.
STORY: Port of Bellingham receives $2.8 million grant to electrify shipping terminal
Washington has awarded Port Electrification Grants to 11 authorities across the state, including the Port of Bellingham.
The port will receive nearly $3 million for the construction of shore power–– which allows ships to plug into an electrical grid when docked instead of using their diesel-powered engines. According to the Port, turning off the engines of docked ships will result in lower noise levels and reduced carbon emissions coming from the terminal.
The port’s electrification is expected to be finalized by 2026.
STORY: Port of Bellingham becomes one of six in state to receive Green Marine environmental certification
In related news, the Port has earned a Green Marine certification, becoming one of six ports in Washington to achieve this recognition for sustainability efforts.
The port’s Sustainability Manager, Adrienne Douglass-Scott, noted that achieving the certification involved rigorous self and third-party evaluations, and a focus on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, improving aquatic ecosystems, and reducing community exposure to port activities.
The port received scores in various categories like environmental stewardship and monitoring regulations, which will now serve as benchmarks for continuous improvement.
STORY: Whatcom County undersheriff placed on paid leave while under investigation
The Whatcom County undersheriff is on paid leave due to an investigation into allegations against him.
According to a statement by Sheriff Donnell Tanksley, the investigation into the allegations against Steve Harris is being conducted by an independent investigator. Tanksley said that it is standard practice for law enforcement agencies to quote “place employees on administrative leave while an investigation into allegations of potential misconduct are being completed” unquote.
Tanksley added that the allegations are not criminal in nature, but did not go into specifics. Harris was promoted from the Sheriff’s Office last December after thirty years of service.
STORY: Whatcom County hires interim medical examiner following improper storage of bodies
Whatcom County has announced it will hire an interim medical examiner next week.
Aldo Fusaro, the Deputy Medical Examiner for the Montana State Medical Examiner’s Office, will fill the position on the heels of an independent investigation into the improper storage of two bodies. Former examiner Allison Hunt was let go after the situation came to light. Hunt Forensics’ contract with the county will be terminated once Fusaro is officially approved by the county medical society, sheriff and county council next Tuesday.
The County says Fusaro will split his time between Whatcom County and his current duties in Montana, noting that autopsies will be performed by local pathologists whenever Fusaro is out of town.
STORY: Coalitions of farmers and truckers petitioning state Supreme Court to take up fuel exemptions case
The Washington Farm Bureau and the Washington Trucking Association are appealing a lower court ruling in an attempt to revisit agricultural fuel exemptions.
Farmers and truckers claim they have been unfairly charged surcharges on fuel that should be exempt under Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The exemption process, meant to provide some tax relief for the agricultural, maritime, and aviation sectors, has been criticized as cumbersome and faulty since the program’s launch.
The state says it has tried to help address the issue when it created a workgroup, issued new guidance, and allocated $30 million in rebates. However, the Farm Bureau and Trucking Association argue the measures are insufficient. They are now appealing to the state Supreme Court for intervention, and assert that without judicial action, the financial burden on agriculture will continue.
There is no set timeline for the court to decide whether to hear the case.
STORY: State program for low-cost EV purchase doing great
A rebate program for electric vehicles leased or purchased in Washington state is exceeding expectations. The program is designed to get rebates to low and middle income families looking for an EV.
EV AUDIO
WX: I’M WALKIN’ ON SUNSHINE, WHO-OAAAAA (PS: IT DON’T FEEL GOOD)– LOLOLOL!
And now for your Whatcom County weather:
Heat advisory in effect for today as temperatures spike into the mid-80s accompanied by plenty of sunshine. Look forward to cool west-blowing breezes to provide a little relief, as well as nighttime lows in the upper 50s.
Tomorrow is expected to bring more of the same.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman (COOL-mun), Carlee Schram (CAR-lee SHRAM), Tristan Trudell, Kyler Cantrell, Anna Vickers, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, 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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