Bellingham Police sergeant accused of physical, sexual abuse of a woman; placed on leave, Deep cleaning downtown, ew Blaine substance use recovery center provides personalized, long-term care, Man pleads guilty to human smuggling over border in Blaine, Mount Baker School District to sell historic Hopewell Grange building, WA libraries will get Dungeons & Dragons kits for patrons to use, Bills to bolster Whatcom Co. courts ahead of water-rights proceedings sent to Inslee
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KMRE brings you local news for Monday, March 11th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Bellingham Police sergeant accused of physical, sexual abuse of a woman; placed on leave
A domestic violence protection order has been issued against a Bellingham Police Department sergeant after a woman came forward alleging he physically and sexually abused her.
Bellingham Police Department Sgt. Joshua Richard McKissick (muh-KIZ-ick), aged 44, was ordered to surrender all weapons and an emergency domestic violence protection order was issued against him on February 26th. According to recent reporting by the Bellingham Herald, the protection order was issued in relation to a woman known to McKissick and her two children. Court documents state the orders were issued without notice or hearing to avoid immediate harm or injury to the victims. The documents also state that his possession of weapons presented a, quote, “serious and imminent threat to public health and safety or the health or safety of any individual”.
McKissick was originally put on desk duty in December, after BPD became aware of the domestic abuse and sexual violence allegations. Following the court orders in February, McKissick was placed on paid administrative leave. Everett police are handling the administrative investigation on Bellingham police’s behalf to avoid any appearance of bias.
The Lynden Police Department is currently conducting a criminal investigation into the allegations against McKissick. A full hearing on the victim’s petition for a permanent two-year-long domestic violence protection order is scheduled for today.
STORY: Deep cleaning downtown
In cooperation with the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, Bellingham has announced extra cleaning efforts for downtown.
In line with Mayor Kim Lund’s Executive Order signed in February, according to a recent announcement from the City, the cleaning aims to improve the safety and well-being of the downtown area. Crews are conducting monthly deep cleanings, focusing on alleyways and hard-to-reach areas. The efforts utilize pressure washers and vacuum trucks– specialized vehicles designed to prevent debris and pollutants from flowing into Whatcom Creek and Bellingham Bay.
The executive order also plans for an increased police presence, expanded social services, and improved public education regarding public health and safety. The deep cleanings supplement the ongoing program of weekly street sweeping and litter removal performed by the City.
STORY: New Blaine substance use recovery center provides personalized, long-term care
In a bid to combat substance abuse and provide support to those battling addiction, Catholic Community Services will now offer intensive recovery support in Blaine.
In recent reporting by the Cascadia Daily, Director Donna Wells says CCC plans to transition their offerings beyond telehealth sessions for youth treatment groups to in-person sessions. The new location in Blaine enhances accessibility for locals, particularly youth affected by the fentanyl crisis, who previously faced challenges getting to the Bellingham location.
The center not only provides treatment but also links clients with community resources and aids in essential tasks like making phone calls.
STORY: Man pleads guilty to human smuggling over border in Blaine
A Romanian man pleaded guilty in US District Court to human smuggling near Blaine.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Border Patrol officials arrested 27-year old Daniel Andronache (an-dro-NAH-kay) on Nov. 9, 2023, near Blaine at the border crossing. Andronache and a colleague were transporting 12 Romanian citizens in a car designed to fit 8– with two children hidden in the trunk.
In his court appearance, Andronache admitted to helping the group so they could stay in the US illegally. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lauren King on June 12, 2024, where he will face up to 10 years in prison.
STORY: Mount Baker School District to sell historic Hopewell Grange building
The historic Hopewell Grange building in Everson is up for sale.
First built in 1912, the building originally housed a school, before going on to serve as a community center for members of the Hopewell Grange organization. The building has stood vacant for the last seven years, and the Mount Baker School District announced it will be selling the property in order to fund maintenance and repairs for other buildings in the school district. The assessed market value of the property is almost $400,000.
Cascadia Daily News reports Interim Superintendent Phil Brockman says the district doesn’t have use for the property nor the funds to restore it, and came in response to inquiries from interested buyers.
STORY: WA libraries will get Dungeons & Dragons kits for patrons to use
Library systems across Washington state will receive Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) kits for patrons.
The Office of the Secretary of State announced that Renton-based Wizards of the Coast will donate 75 kits containing character sheets, organizer instructions, a demo adventure, and a learn-to-play guide. The Washington State Library will distribute these kits at no cost to public, tribal, and community college libraries.
In the announcement, Secretary of State Steve Hobbs emphasized the value of libraries as places of learning and community enrichment, stating that D&D provides an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to come together, strategize, and build relationships in a role-playing setting.
STORY: Bills to bolster Whatcom Co. courts ahead of water-rights proceedings sent to Inslee
The Whatcom County Superior Court is poised to add additional judges following the passing of two bills by the Washington State Legislature.
House Bill 1992 and Senate Bill 5828 aim to bolster the number of Superior Court judges and commissioners in Whatcom County. HB 1992 passed with a unanimous vote in both houses and looks set for the governor’s approval.
Meanwhile, SB 5828 grants Superior Court judges the authority to appoint water rights commissioners and referees. This measure comes ahead of the anticipated increase in caseload stemming from Nooksack River water rights adjudication.
The bills address the court’s need for additional resources amid a backlog made worse by the pandemic and upcoming adjudication process. Both measures now await Governor Jay Inslee’s signature.
WX: Sun
Your Whatcom County weather – today will be rainy, with a high of 49 degrees and moderate winds. Rain will continue tonight, as temperatures drop to a low of 42. Winds are expected to pick up later today, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Tomorrow’s weather is projected to be similar.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman and Tristan Trudell. 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. If you would like to help keep local news accessible, check out our new Patreon page at patreon.com/kmrenews or go to kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m ________________, and thanks for listening.
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