Lummi Nation couple barely escapes house fire, Concrete man arrested Thursday in connection to murder of Marblemount man, Pike Place style-market planned for downtown waterfront in Bellingham, National Parks Service outlines options for Grizzly reintroduction, New WA law will allow some property crimes to be classified as hate crimes, Free and Cheap
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Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Friday, March 22nd. Good afternoon, I’m __David Korb____.
STORY: Lummi Nation couple barely escapes house fire
A family in Lummi Nation narrowly escaped a fire that burned down their home Tuesday morning.
According to the Whatcom County fire marshal, the fire began at 2:30 am, when a heat lamp accidentally ignited clothing. It quickly spread and burned down the home, car, and surrounding structures. Both Willie Lane, 62, and Aline Soundy, 67, fled, saving their dog and seven kittens. They survived with second degree burns, but the mother of the kittens did not make it.
A GoFundMe page had raised $31,000 so far — money that will help them rebuild. According to their niece, the couple are recovering at a relative’s home.
STORY: Concrete man arrested Thursday in connection to murder of Marblemount man
A man from Concrete was arrested on Thursday for suspected murder.
Justin Spaeth (SPAY-th), aged 44, was declared missing from his Marblemount home on February 28th. He was reportedly going to a friend’s house just two miles away.
During the investigation, authorities found evidence that James Kelly, aged 33, knew Speath and may have been involved in the disappearance.
Kelly is in custody following a two-day search of his home.
STORY: Pike Place style-market planned for downtown waterfront in Bellingham
The Port of Bellingham is introducing a Pike Place-style market to the Portal Container Village.
According to an announcement by the Port of Bellingham, the market will operate as a cooperative, allowing locals to sell goods with less time and staffing commitments. The market will showcase products from local farms and fishermen, including a proposed nursery and farm stand. The Port plans to establish more year-round operations as part of their ongoing development efforts at the former Georgia-Pacific site.
Zeeks Pizza and Bin 13 Wine Bar will join the village this spring, operating throughout the year. Interested local fishermen and farmers are encouraged to contact market manager Carey Hansen.
The new fish market is scheduled to debut next Spring.
STORY: National Parks Service outlines options for Grizzly reintroduction
A plan to reintroduce grizzly bears in the north cascades is now moving forward.
The parks service released its final environmental impact statement yesterday that outlines three ways to restore grizzly bear populations in Washington’s remote northern Cascades.
The plan recommended by federal officials provides more flexible management tools by designating the bears as a nonessential experimental population. This plan would calm local concerns about this population of grizzlies harming livestock by providing options to deal with threatening bears. The issue has caused significant debate between ranchers and environmentalists, which resulted in over 12,000 responses during a 45 day public comment period last fall.
The National Park Service began its first step in grizzly reintegration in 2020, which was shut down by the Trump administration. A change in the presidency may affect the execution of the new plan.
If adopted, officials would build a population of 200 grizzlies, releasing several bears in the cascades annually for up to 10 years. The plan calls for an initial introductory population of 25.
STORY: New WA law will allow some property crimes to be classified as hate crimes
Washington state has expanded the definition of hate crime.
State Senator Andy Billig was spurred to action after vandals targeted LGBTQ+ pride sidewalks in Spokane. Billig says his bill broadens hate crime statutes to encompass malicious acts based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and other identities.
Advocates, recalling incidents like the defacement of a Black Lives Matter mural and vandalism at the Wing Luke Museum, support the bill, citing increased incidents of Islamophobia, antisemitism, and anti-Asian attacks.
Miri Cypers, from the Anti-Defamation League PNW, emphasized the urgency of combating hate after her synagogue was targeted with graffiti. Despite FBI data showing fluctuation in hate crimes, testimonies suggest a perceived increase since last fall.
The bill was signed into law last week and is set to take effect in June.
STORY: Free and Cheap
Looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend? Here are a few events happening across the county.
On Saturday, the Bellingham Makerspace at Bellis Fair is holding a free craft time. From 2 to 5 pm, the event will feature a project demonstration, with all materials provided. All ages are invited and registration is available at BellinghamMakerspace.org.
For those looking to do something outdoors, there will be a community work party at Cornwall Park Saturday from 9 am to noon. Volunteers will help plant trees and shrubs while removing invasive Himalayan Blackberry at one of Bellingham’s oldest parks. All ages and abilities are welcome and tools, gloves, and instructions are provided. Registration is available at COB.org.
Finally, the Mount Baker Rock and Gem Club is hosting its 62nd annual Gem and Mineral Show this weekend. The event is free and will have rocks, minerals, fossils, and gems on display. There will also be vendors, food, and an auction. The event runs from 10 to 6 on Saturday, and 10 to 5 on Sunday at the Pioneer Pavilion Community Center.
WX: Sun
Your Whatcom County weather today – there’s a chance of showers in the evening, with a high of 60 degrees and moderate winds. Later tonight, expect more precipitation with a low of 45. Rain is likely this weekend, otherwise, expect clouds.
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 visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _ David Korb _______________… thanks for listening.
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