Bellingham police arrest man accused of attempting to kidnap another in late-night altercation, Armed robbery reported at bank inside Bellingham grocery store; lone suspect remains at large, Armed robbery reported at bank inside Bellingham grocery store; lone suspect remains at large, Walmart encampment property owner pushes back against city’s lawsuit, denies allegations, Pedestrian dies after being struck by train in Mount Vernon, Emergency response phase of Olympic gas spill now complete, Western honeybee colonies at risk of collapse, WSU study finds, Gov. Inslee signs supplemental budgets that boost behavioral health and K-12 education funding
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STORY: Bellingham police arrest man accused of attempting to kidnap another in late-night altercation
Yesterday, Bellingham police arrested a man allegedly attempting to kidnap someone at gunpoint.
According to police documents, Erick Armano Price, 27, asked an acquaintance to come to his residence at the 3300 block of Northwest Avenue. The person arrived with at least two friends. Price then allegedly held him at gunpoint and told him to get in his car, according to police officer Megan Peters. One of the victim’s friends sprayed Price with mace and the group fled the scene. Another of Price’s friends was able to follow the car and informed the police.
Price was arrested for suspicion of attempted first degree kidnapping and second degree assault.
STORY: Armed robbery reported at bank inside Bellingham grocery store; lone suspect remains at large
Law enforcement officials are searching for a suspect involved in an armed robbery at the Haggen (HAY-gun) grocery store in Fairhaven.
The robbery occurred at the People’s Bank inside the store on Monday at around 6 p.m. Despite the quick response of multiple police officers, the suspect had already left the scene. The robber is described as a black male in his 30s, approximately 6 feet tall, with an average build. Witnesses report he wore a dark medical mask and dark clothing, including a jacket with patches on both upper arms.
Authorities have not disclosed the weapon used or what was taken during the robbery. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Bellingham Police Department through the non-emergency phone line or online at cob.org/tips.
STORY: Walmart encampment property owner pushes back against city’s lawsuit, denies allegations
The property owner of the Bellingham Walmart encampment is pushing back against the lawsuit claiming her land is a “public nuisance.”
The lawsuit alleges that members of the encampment are trespassing on the property and harassing the general public. Fang is also held accountable for the large amount of litter and drug paraphernalia on the premises. Land owner Li-Ching Fang (LEE CHING FONG) argues that these claims are groundless and has denied the allegations.
City officials initially contacted Fang in November of 2022 and required her to abate the encampment, but she did not respond to the request. In documents filed last month, Fang argues that she has already performed the necessary measures by contacting abatement specialists as per the City’s instructions. The documents allege that Fang contacted police regarding the encampment as early as 2019, but she said they proved to be unhelpful.
Documents say Fang is asking the court to deny the city of Bellingham an issuance of a warrant of abatement because quote “it would result in significant harm to” to her and would be disproportionate to the overall benefit.
STORY: Pedestrian dies after being struck by train in Mount Vernon
A pedestrian was hit by a train in Mount Vernon early Tuesday afternoon.
The collision happened at the South Third Street and Montgomery Street railroad crossing. According to a press release, the victim was already deceased when officers and EMS arrived on the scene.
An investigation determined that a southbound BNSF train struck the pedestrian. The victim is not identified at this time pending notification of next-of-kin. The intent of the deceased has not been determined.
Officials are asking for anyone that witnessed the collision or knows information related to the incident to contact Mount Vernon Police.
STORY: Emergency response phase of Olympic gas spill now complete
Emergency responders to the Olympic Pipeline spill in Conway say their work is done.
Around 21,000 gallons of gasoline spilled in the area in early December. Over 8,000 gallons have been recovered, as well as 332,000 gallons of oily water. A press release by Pipeline Spill Unified Command states that gasoline has now stopped seeping into Hill Ditch. The site will now be turned over to the state Department of Ecology’s Toxic Cleanup Program for further management.
The cause of the spill is still being investigated, and will be made public once it is completed.
STORY: Western honeybee colonies at risk of collapse, WSU study finds
A recent study by scientists at Washington State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture has found that crucial pollinators for a wide variety of plants are at risk of collapse.
According to the USDA’s Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, warmer and prolonged fall seasons in the Pacific Northwest disrupt the natural resting cycle of bees. The warmth prompts bees to venture out, and accelerates their aging process due to the energy-intensive nature of flight. Consequently, by spring, bees that should be youthful and rested emerge as elderly, weak, and unable to care for the younger bee generations.
Bees are in crisis across the country– some years see between 40 and 60% percent of colonies collapse. However, according to the study, not all are collapsing at the same time or for the same reasons, but climate change is a key factor.
The study also says potential solutions are linked to human action, such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and the creation of pollinator habitats.
STORY: Gov. Inslee signs supplemental budgets that boost behavioral health and K-12 education funding
Last week Governor Jay Inslee signed a series of mental health bills into law, and approved the State’s supplemental capital and operating budgets.
According to a recent announcement from the governor, the new laws mark a strategic move to enhance behavioral health treatment accessibility across Washington state. The measures will open new integrated health treatment facilities with additional beds, focused on community-based care.
In terms of health policy, the laws aim to expand access to mental health treatment services, recruit more healthcare providers, and provide funding to hospitals. Key measures include training healthcare providers for early interventions, enhancing crisis care systems, and increasing support for youth in crisis situations.
The signed budgets also allocate resources for various critical areas, including education, housing, and climate action. It provides funding for special education, hiring more educators, improving school infrastructure for energy efficiency, and raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl.
WX: Rain
Your Whatcom County weather – expect a mix of clouds and sunshine today, with a high of 49 and an overnight low of 41 degrees. More clouds but no rain is expected tomorrow, with the sun coming back on Friday.
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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