Whatcom County paid $225K to settle sexual harassment complaints, BPD arrest drug trafficker in downtown Bellingham, BPD arrest drug trafficker in downtown Bellingham, Millworks now leasing units, Former Bellingham police officer sues city over vaccine mandate, alleges discrimination, DNR dealing with Skagit wildfire off North Cascades Highway, State audit says WA police seizures require more transparency, Social Security expands rental subsidy, SPARK Museum announces new plans for accessible learning space, Van Zandt Dike will close to target shooting after public safety concerns
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STORY: Whatcom County paid $225K to settle sexual harassment complaints
An exposé by Cascade PBS revealed that Whatcom County paid $225,000 last November to settle sexual harassment complaints regarding a former Public Works director.
Director Jon Hutchings resigned in lieu of termination in late 2022, a day before three female employees reported he had, quote, “made sexual comments to them or touched them inappropriately while at work” end-quote.
Accusations ranged from unwelcome physical contact to Hutchings asking a female colleague to see pictures of her in a swimsuit. Hutchings, however, was never formally disciplined, and county officials helped him find a new job by writing a favorable letter of introduction. He is currently in charge of Lynden’s Public Works department.
Hutchings and other Whatcom County officials have not commented on the matter.
STORY: BPD arrest drug trafficker in downtown Bellingham
On Thursday, Bellingham police made an arrest in the downtown commercial district of a member of a major drug trafficking ring.
Whatcom County Sheriff’s spokesperson, Deb Slater, says 58 year old Alvin Godette was arrested after two officers caught him attempting to deal fentanyl. This was Godette’s second arrest in just over three weeks. His last arrest, on March 27th, was connected to a larger investigation into a drug trafficking ring in Whatcom County, in which five others were also arrested.
The Whatcom Gang and Drug Trafficking Force alongside the DEA began conducting surveillance on downtown Bellingham drug use earlier this year. In their investigation, they found connections linking Godette to a large Mexican drug trafficking operation. Investigators are still searching for one more co-conspirator.
Godette has pleaded not guilty and remains at the Whatcom County Jail without bail.
STORY: Millworks now leasing units
The first phase of the Millworks project, overseen by the Whatcom Community Foundation and developed by Mercy Housing Northwest, has started leasing units.
Located near Bellingham’s waterfront, the building features 83 affordable homes catering to households earning 30-60 percent of the area’s median income, with 20 percent of units reserved for families lacking permanent housing. It also houses a YMCA child care center that can accommodate up to 100 children. The City contributed almost $5 million towards the project from the American Rescue Plan Act as well as local housing funds. Various entities including Mercy Housing Northwest, the Whatcom Community Foundation, the Port of Bellingham, are collaborators on the development.
The building’s second phase entails a food campus aimed at boosting the local food economy.
STORY: Former Bellingham police officer sues city over vaccine mandate, alleges discrimination
A former Bellingham Police Department officer, Joshua D. Wilson, has filed a civil employment lawsuit against the city of Bellingham.
Wilson alleges discrimination based on religious beliefs after being fired for not complying with former mayor Seth Fleetwood’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Fleetwood’s mandate followed Gov. Jay Inslee’s proclamation issued in August of 2021, which required all government employees and service providers to also be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. Wilson claims the city violated Washington state’s anti-discrimination law by not accommodating his religious beliefs against vaccination and subsequently terminating him. He seeks damages, attorney’s fees, and declaratory relief. Wilson is one of four Bellingham police officers who have sued the city over the vaccine mandate, and one of five total city workers who have sued in county court, according to court documents.
The city denies discrimination, stating it acted lawfully and provided accommodations when reasonable. Other lawsuits against the city similarly allege discrimination and wrongful termination due to vaccine mandates.
STORY: DNR dealing with Skagit wildfire off North Cascades Highway
On Saturday, a brush fire near Lyman in Skagit County prompted a response from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
The fire is estimated at 20-30 acres, and over the weekend DNR utilized air assets and ground crews to help fight the blaze despite challenging winds. By yesterday evening, the fire stretched to 20 acres and was 60% contained as firefighters were assisted by overnight rains and cooler temperatures.
In other wildfire news, a vegetation fire has started in Whatcom County near the border north of Visser and Bender Roads in Lynden. The fire reached 30 acres yesterday, but has been revised to about 24 acres this morning.
STORY: State audit says WA police seizures require more transparency
A new audit finds that while Washington law enforcement agencies are in compliance with civil forfeiture laws, but could do more to help people trying to reclaim property.
When police believe property like a car or cash is tied to a crime, they can seize it and in many instances sell it and keep the proceeds.
A conflict of interest brought to light by the recent audit is that Washington law allows the same police agency that seized the property to decide the forfeiture case. The report suggests a neutral party outside of law enforcement should instead be designated to oversee forfeiture decisions.
The audit also recommended more transparency around the process in order to determine if certain groups are being disproportionately targeted.
The audited agencies expressed concern about the tone of the report, but agreed with the proposed changes.
WX: Sun
Your Whatcom County weather – Today will be sunny with a high of 60 degrees. Clouds will roll in later tonight, with a low of 43. The sun is projected to return tomorrow with even warmer temperatures.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman, Kye Salinas (KEY suh-LEE-nus) 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. Check out our Patreon page or go to kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m ________________, and thanks for listening.
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STORY: Social Security expands rental subsidy
The Social Security Administration announced they will expand the rental subsidy policy for those on Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSI provides monthly payments to individuals with disabilities, blindness, or those aged 65 and older with limited income and resources to cover basic needs like rent, food, and medicine. The department says the rule aims to simplify and broaden rental subsidy policies nationwide, improve program equality and reduce administrative burden. The expanded policy will apply nationwide starting September 30th, and will potentially increase payment amounts and eligibility for many.
For more details on SSI eligibility and applications, visit the SSA website.
STORY: SPARK Museum announces new plans for accessible learning space
The SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention in downtown Bellingham announced they will be adding an accessible learning space.
Called the Wonderlab, the new project will fill 3000 square feet on the second floor. The Wonderlab will feature various sections focusing on electricity, magnetism, optics, acoustics, and a unique “Wonder Garden” with an array of speakers playing unusual recordings.
Museum staff says funding for the Wonderlab primarily comes from guests and grants, with a $2 million campaign underway for renovations and accessibility improvements.
STORY: Van Zandt Dike will close to target shooting after public safety concerns
Two of Whatcom County’s target shooting areas are being closed.
Starting in May, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources will close the Van Zandt Dike area and Middle Fork System to target shooting. Road access to Van Zandt Dike will also close on that date. The closure comes after reports of public safety concerns and vandalism. According to the DNR, neighbors and law enforcement reported unsafe shooting practices within Van Zandt Dike, such as using targets without backstops, leading to bullets ending up in nearby residential areas. Reports of trash dumping, timber theft, and illegal camping have also been made.
Officials hope to have target shooting reinstated ahead of hunting season this fall. Both Van Zandt Dike and the Middle Fork System will remain open for other recreational activities.
