BPD called after explosive device is found with patient at hospital, Pedestrian hit and killed at Smith Road and Meridian, PeaceHealth clinicians push for historic union vote, Western Academic Workers United overwhelmingly vote for strike authorization, Damaged water main creates safety concerns in Everson, Businesses damaged in Lummi Island fire on Wednesday, Free and Cheap, Social Security expands rental subsidy, AltaGas outlines plans for ‘green’ hydrogen plant at former Intalco site near Ferndale
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Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Friday, May 10th. Good afternoon, I’m David Korb______.
STORY: BPD called after explosive device is found with patient at hospital
The Bellingham Police Department responded to reports of an explosive device on Wednesday evening at St. Joseph Medical Center.
According to the BPD’s Facebook post, the patient was carrying a small, improvised explosive device. The patient claimed they used explosives to scare off coyotes from their property and forgot it was in their jacket pocket. Hospital staff were able to remove the device before authorities arrived and BPD closed off the area until they could secure it.
The patient may face charges of reckless endangerment but no charges have been filed yet.
STORY: Pedestrian hit and killed at Smith Road and Meridian A fatal accident involving a pedestrian and a southbound vehicle occurred this morning at the intersection of Smith Road and Meridian.
According to preliminary reports from authorities, the incident happened when a vehicle traveling southbound on Guide Meridian struck a pedestrian who was standing in the same lane.
Emergency responders were called but the woman died at the scene.
STORY: Western Academic Workers United overwhelmingly vote for strike authorization
Western Academic Workers United passed a vote to authorize a strike after months of bargaining with Western Washington University.
Online voting began Monday and ended yesterday, with 93% of workers voting for the strike. The positive vote does not mean that union members will strike, but it will allow 18 elected members of the bargaining committee to set a deadline for Western to meet demands before a strike begins. The final results were 691 votes for, and 55 votes against.
The union’s online referendum comes as weekly negotiations with Western administrators enter the eighth month. The union has been advocating for higher wages, increased job security and tuition and fee waivers, among other demands.
Western Academic Workers voted to officially unionize with a margin of 98% in June of 2023. This is the first strike vote since the group became public in December of 2022.
STORY: PeaceHealth clinicians push for historic union vote
Hospitalists in Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley announced they will seek unionization.
Currently, hospitalists who work at PeaceHealth are employed by a physician management agency called Sound Physicians. Driven by concerns about their ability to advocate for patients and worker burnout, the group achieved a landmark victory on Wednesday when the National Labor Relations Board ruled they could legally link their labor management agency and the hospitals where they work. The move paves the way for negotiations that could set a precedent for other clinicians nationwide.
The group of about 30 physicians and nurse practitioners at the PeaceHealth facilities say they began behind-the-scenes discussions with the union in November, and with overwhelming support from their peers, filed a unionization petition on March 22nd.
Ballots are set to be mailed for a final vote in June. PeaceHealth declined to comment for this story.
STORY: Damaged water main creates safety concerns in Everson
The City of Everson and Whatcom County Health and Community Services issued a joint statement following damage to a water main by a construction crew.
There is currently a boil water advisory in place as a precautionary measure due to a loss of water pressure, however the city says no significant health risks were identified for food establishments. The city says it has flushed the line and tested the water to ensure chlorine levels remained sufficient.
Bacterial test results are expected tomorrow, and if satisfactory, the city will lift the advisory.
STORY: Businesses damaged in Lummi Island fire on Wednesday
Some businesses were damaged in a multi-unit fire on Lummi Island this week.
On Wednesday, May 8th around 7:40 a.m., firefighters responded to a call regarding a commercial building fire on Lummi Island and arrived to find smoke coming from the multi-unit complex. According to Whatcom County Fire District 11 Fire Chief, Michael Lish, firefighters found a false ceiling that hid a void with burning material. They were able to reduce the spread of the fire once that was found and were on site for 4 hours. No injuries were reported, but some adjacent units were damaged.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
STORY: Free and Cheap
Here are some free events goin’ on around the county this weekend.
The Jr. Ski to Sea race starts tomorrow at 9 am at Mount Baker Ski Area. Participants will hike and ski on the mountain, then finish off with a run, bike, and kayak race down at Lake Padden Park. More details about watching the event are available at SkiToSea.com
Also on Saturday, Western is holding its first ever Block Party. There will be live music, food trucks, and activities for the kids. The event is being hosted at the Rec Center and multipurpose field and is open to all.
On Mother’s Day this Sunday, RE Sources is hosting a Beach cleanup at Maritime Heritage Park. The event will help clean up plastic pollution before it reaches the Salish Sea. Reservations not required — meet at the fish hatchery at noon.
WX: Sunny
Friday is anticipated to be the hottest day of the year so far, thanks to a high-pressure system bringing warm and dry conditions. Despite the inviting weather, caution is advised for water activities due to frigid water temperatures. Expect sun and highs near 78 degrees.
Additionally, beachgoers may witness an abundance of marine life during some of the lowest tides of the year today.
And, with clear skies predicted tonight, a solar storm is expected to produce an aurora borealis visible across much of the northern United States. Temperatures will drop to a low of 53.
Sun is expected all weekend.
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 your donations. Check out our Patreon page or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m David Korb________________… 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: AltaGas outlines plans for ‘green’ hydrogen plant at former Intalco site near Ferndale
