Four suspected fentanyl traffickers arrested in Bellingham, Man threatens another at Bellingham gas station with knife, Harcourt’s restraining order against Port of Bellingham extended, East Whatcom Wellness Fair scheduled for May 18, See who’s filed for office in Whatcom and Skagit counties, See who’s filed for office in Whatcom and Skagit counties, WA AG – Archdiocese of Seattle refusing to share sex abuse documents, Social Security expands rental subsidy, AltaGas outlines plans for ‘green’ hydrogen plant at former Intalco site near Ferndale, Birch Bay Waterslides to undergo refurbishment, remain closed for 2024 season
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STORY: Four suspected fentanyl traffickers arrested in Bellingham
On Thursday, four suspected drug traffickers were arrested in Bellingham, with more than 16 kilograms of fentanyl powder seized.
The joint investigation involved the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security, U.S. Border Patrol, FBI and several other agencies, and began in late March. Investigators set up deals with suppliers from Renton and Federal Way, bringing them to a shopping center parking lot in Bellingham, where they were subsequently arrested. Law enforcement seized more than 16 kilograms of fentanyl powder and 60,000 fentanyl pills, a firearm, and multiple boxes of ammunition.
The alleged conspirators are all in their 20’s, and were arrested and booked into the Whatcom County Jail. All four appeared in U.S. District Court in Seattle on Friday.
STORY: Man threatens another at Bellingham gas station with knife
A Bellingham man is in custody after threatening a gas station patron with a knife.
Bellingham Police spokesperson, Megan Peters, says the victim was approached by an unknown man at the Lakeway Fred Meyer on Wednesday night. The unknown man proceeded to pick a fight with the victim that escalated. The victim called 911 after the suspect ran away. Authorities were notified when the suspect returned to the Fred Meyer a few hours afterwards.
Officers arrested the 37-year old suspect for felony harassment and a weapons offense. He remains at the Whatcom County Jail without bail.
STORY: Harcourt’s restraining order against Port of Bellingham extended
On Friday, Whatcom County Superior Court granted Ireland-based development company Harcourt an extension on their restraining order against the Port of Bellingham.
The partnership between Harcourt and the port began in 2015 with plans to develop 19 acres of the city’s waterfront property, including the Granary Building. However, the relationship soured in 2021 when Harcourt missed significant milestones in the contract. As a consequence, the port reduced the development area. The situation worsened in October 2023 when Harcourt failed to complete two out of three condominium buildings, leading to further reductions.
The port sued Harcourt in March, alleging the developer had defaulted on its contract, and tried to close off access to the property due to Harcourt’s illegal storing of contaminated soil. A few weeks later Harcourt sued the port alleging it was interfering with their attempts to complete the project. The developer won a restraining order in order to maintain access.
In the latest trip to court, the port argued against the extension, citing concerns about expired construction licenses and the need to remove the soil. Harcourt says it is seeking arbitration to determine damages.
Superior Court Judge Robert Olson expressed concern about the extension, foreseeing potential financial implications should the port be sued for breach of contract, and then granted it.
Harcourt can now continue work at the waterfront until June.
STORY: East Whatcom Wellness Fair scheduled for May 18
A wellness fair will take place in east Whatcom (WATT-kum) County this weekend, providing accessible health and social services to community members.
On Saturday, May 18th, from 10am to 2pm, the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center in Maple Falls will host a wellness fair in honor of the late Catherine Mahaffey. This third annual event hopes to address issues of accessibility and inconsistent health services in east Whatcom.
The fair offers a range of services including medical checkups, dental and vision care, and mental health services. In addition, social services such as assistance with obtaining IDs, providing bikes for youth, and topics like substance-related harm reduction and handling extreme heat will be covered. Spanish, Russian, and Ukrainian translators will be available onsite. No insurance is necessary for services, and free lunch will be provided.
The East Whatcom Regional Resource Center still needs volunteers for the event and are also accepting donations of children’s bikes and helmets.
STORY: See who’s filed for office in Whatcom and Skagit counties
More than 500 registered voters in Whatcom and Skagit counties have filed their intention to seek office in November.
In Whatcom County, 308 people will be competing for 157 seats and in Skagit County, 207 people will be competing for 110 seats. After the August primary, the top two candidates for each office will then proceed to the November general election.
Seats up for grabs in the 2024 General Election include U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, Governor, Attorney General, multiple state House seats and local judgeships.
In Whatcom County some of the key races include incumbent U.S. Representative Rick Larsen, running against multiple opponents, and 40th District State Senator incumbent Elizabeth Lovelett, running against Charles Carrell.
To see all the candidates who’ve filed, visit VoteWa.gov.
STORY: WA AG – Archdiocese of Seattle refusing to share sex abuse documents
In a news conference on Thursday, Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced that the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle is withholding documents related to its handling of child sexual abuse allegations.
Ferguson said he requested a court hearing to compel the archdiocese to comply with subpoenas and release documentation surrounding church leaders accused of the sexual abuse of minors. The move comes months after his office issued subpoenas to the state’s three dioceses — Seattle, Spokane, and Yakima — over allegations of misuse of charitable funds to cover up decades of abuse by church leaders. The investigation aims to identify accused priests and determine the church’s role in managing those in positions of power.
The Seattle archdiocese says they have already provided some requested information and cites a legal exemption for religious organizations that shields the records from public disclosure. However, Ferguson asserts the need for full transparency, emphasizing that the exemption for religious organizations doesn’t apply to cases of child abuse. Various groups, including the Catholic Accountability Project and Heal Our Church, are urging the church to be transparent and accountable in handling these allegations.
The Attorney General’s Office has set up a hotline for victims and witnesses to come forward. Ferguson warns of further legal action if the other dioceses don’t cooperate.
WX: Cloudy
Your Whatcom County weather today – Expect clouds and light winds all day, with a high of 64 degrees. Temperatures will drop to a low of 48 tonight. Tomorrow is projected to be sunny, with slightly warmer weather.
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: AltaGas outlines plans for ‘green’ hydrogen plant at former Intalco site near Ferndale
STORY: Birch Bay Waterslides to undergo refurbishment, remain closed for 2024 season
