Swimmer dies poolside at Western Washington University’s student recreation center, Multi-agency sweep leads to 5 arrests in major drug bust; other suspects at large, WSDOT crews ready to begin annual spring clearing of North Cascades Highway, Local credit union partners with Lighthouse Mission for new building, Van Zandt Community Hall plots major renovation to mark 100 years, Legislature adopts proposal to launch Artificial Intelligence Task Force, The CDC and Washington State Department of Health announced an update to their guidance on COVID-19.
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STORY: Swimmer dies poolside at Western Washington University’s student recreation center
A swimmer died poolside at the WWU Wade King Student Rec Center on Friday.
After a swimmer appeared to be in distress on the side of the pool, lifeguards and staff began CPR. EMTs responded, but could not revive them. The identity of this person was not released, pending notification of family. According to University Communications Assistant Director John Thompson, the swimmer was not a WWU student.
STORY: Multi-agency sweep leads to 5 arrests in major drug bust; other suspects at large
Law enforcement officers have arrested 5 Whatcom county locals in a major drug bust – with other suspects still at large.
An investigation was led by the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force, which concluded when police served warrants to the 6000 block of Neevel Road east of Ferndale and the 5300 block of Guide Meridian in Bellingham.
According to a news release from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s office, deputies found over 3 pounds of fentanyl powder, a sawed off shotgun, and cell phones when they searched the homes.
Law enforcement arrested Victor Alcala Arellanes (al-CA-la ar-ee-YAH-ness) , aged 35, Jesus Garcia Covarrubias (hay-SOOS) (co-vah-ROO-bi-as), aged 24, Carlos Ramos Navarrette (nav-ah-RET-eh), aged 23, and Carlos Monreal Ceballos (suh-BAI-os) aged 29.
Bellingham man Theron Chin, aged 48, was also arrested while the warrants were being served. All 5 men face counts of possession with intent to deliver.
Officers are still searching for three additional suspects in connection with Friday’s investigation.
STORY: WSDOT crews ready to begin annual spring clearing of North Cascades Highway
Highway crews will start spring cleaning today along State Route 20.
During the cleaning period, the North Cascades Highway will be closed during work hours starting at milepost 171, from Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. This annual clearing effort typically spans six to eight weeks, although weather conditions may affect the timeline. WSDOT (WASH-dot) reminds snowmobile owners to relocate their vehicles parked behind the closure point before the work begins.
STORY: Local credit union partners with Lighthouse Mission for new building
WECU has announced that they are providing Lighthouse Mission with a $1 million grant to help build their new facility.
The credit union announced the partnership earlier this month, providing the grant as a loan that can be paid down without penalty. According to Lighthouse Mission CEO Hans Erchinger-Davis (UR-chin-ger), WECU is also helping them sell the Willows Inn, which was donated last year to help fund the new building. However, even with the new grant, Erchinger-Davis says they’re still facing a $4 million shortfall.
Lighthouse Mission’s former building was demolished in early 2023 to make way for the new five story building on West Holly St. The new 300 to 400-bed building is projected to open in October of 2024.
STORY: Van Zandt Community Hall plots major renovation to mark 100 years
Nearly 100 years after being built, the Van Zandt Community Hall is getting a major renovation.
The hall, originally a two-room schoolhouse, has been managed by community members since the 1950s. It is owned by Whatcom County, but the South Fork Valley Community Association is the building’s steward. According to the association, the hall is a center of life in the South Fork Valley, from putting on events and youth programming, to hosting government meetings and election forums. Now, after years of the association doing its own upgrades, the state has pitched in $500,000 toward a major renovation. The community raised $100,000 of the necessary money and is hoping to see additional funding from the county.
The funding comes with support primarily from State Senator Sharon Shewmake, as well as Whatcom County Parks Director Bennett Knox and County Executive Satpal Sidhu. The money will add many needed changes: a new entrance, expanded storage, more space for the community radio station KAVZ 102.5 FM — which is currently broadcasting out of an old broom closet — as well as replacing the heating system, and re-insulating the walls.
According to the association, the community hopes to break ground in fall 2024 and be done in time for a centennial celebration in summer 2025.
STORY: Legislature adopts proposal to launch Artificial Intelligence Task Force
Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s bipartisan proposal for an Artificial Intelligence Task Force has successfully passed the Legislature.
The task force aims to address concerns regarding AI technology, particularly focusing on generative AI’s rapid growth in popularity. The legislation directs the task force to investigate concerns such as public policy issues, high-risk uses, racial equity, and civil liberty issues and then provide recommendations for potential regularion. The task force will meet biannually, with a final report due to the Governor and Legislature by July 1, 2026.
Colorado, Illinois, Texas, Vermont, and Virginia have also established AI task forces or commissions.
WX: Sun
Your Whatcom County weather – rain will be likely today, with a high of 51 degrees and moderate winds. Expect more precipitation late tonight with a low of 43. Rain is projected all week long.
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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STORY: The CDC and Washington State Department of Health announced an update to their guidance on COVID-19.
Individuals can resume normal activities when symptoms improve and they have been fever-free without medication for 24 hours. Additional precautions like wearing masks, improving ventilation, and testing before indoor gatherings are encouraged, especially around vulnerable individuals.
According to the CDC, patients can remain contagious even after symptoms improve: COVID-19 for 5-10 days, flu for 5-7 days, and RSV for 3-8 days.
