Whatcom County sex offender to be detained at McNeil Island pending commitment trial, Suspect in custody following stabbing on Samish Way, Lynden man sentenced after pleading guilty to multiple rapes, AFSCME union workers strike, Birchwood Food Desert Fighters nearing goal of owning and operating food delivery truck, Bellingham waterfront climbing gym and housing project announces construction timeline, Boeing inks historic contract with machinist union
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KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, September 10th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Whatcom County sex offender to be detained at McNeil Island pending commitment trial
A Whatcom County man will be held at a corrections facility for sex offenders pending a commitment trial.
Superior Court judge Robert Olson ruled yesterday that 38-year-old Jake Unick is likely to reoffend if released and should be held until trial. This comes after Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed a petition last week, asking for Unick to be held at the Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island. A psychological exam conducted by the Attorney General’s Office found that Unick is quote “more likely than not to commit a sexually predatory offense if he is not confined to a secure facility” unquote.
Unick spent ten years in prison for attempting to kidnap three children and attacking an adult woman in a two-week period in 2013. He was originally set to be released last week. The trial is likely to take place in mid-2025.
STORY: Suspect in custody following stabbing on Samish Way
A 45-year-old man is in custody after he allegedly stabbed another man during a confrontation in Bellingham.
On Sunday, the suspect accused the victim of trespassing behind a business on Samish Way and provoked a fight. The altercation escalated, leading the suspect to pepper spray the victim and stab him in the legs. The victim declined medical transport, stating he would go to the hospital on his own.
The suspect is being held at the Whatcom County Jail without bail.
STORY: Lynden man sentenced after pleading guilty to multiple rapes
A Lynden man has pleaded guilty to rape charges in Whatcom County Superior Court.
Last week, Nurlan Levi Varner, 21, of Lynden, was sentenced to 2 years in prison followed by 3 years of community custody for each of the two rape charges, with credit for time already served.
Court documents indicate the charges stemmed from three separate rapes reported between September 2023 and April 2024. One incident occurred while Varner was in custody awaiting trial for the earlier charges. In all cases, he knew the victims, and they repeatedly told him “No” during the assaults.
Varner is required to register as a sex offender upon release.
STORY: AFSCME union workers strike
Nearly 50,000 public service workers in Washington state went on strike at noon today.
According to a recent release, workers staged walkouts in cities across Washington, including the one at Western Washington University. Dubbed “Walkout for Washington,” the 90 minute strike involved workers represented by AFSCME Council 28 and are employed by state agencies, community colleges, and universities across 130 worksites. Ongoing contract negotiations with the state’s Office of Financial Management have been stalled since April. The union argues that low wages and benefits are causing a staffing crisis affecting essential public services, and claim that nearly 40% of the state workforce has resigned in the past eight years.
The union says it hopes the strike will highlight these issues and help secure a fair contract for the workers.
STORY: Birchwood Food Desert Fighters nearing goal of owning and operating food delivery truck[1]
The Birchwood Food Desert Fighters, a group addressing food insecurity in Bellingham’s Birchwood neighborhood, has announced they are seeking community funding to support a newly donated food truck.
Formed in 2016 after the closure of the neighborhood’s only grocery store, the group organizes food distribution and garden-sharing networks, delivering 1 to 1.5 tons of food weekly to 100-150 households. According to recent reporting by the Bellingham Herald, the Ferndale Food Bank donated a truck to the Food Desert Fighters, which means they no longer have to use multiple cars for food deliveries, however, now the group is trying to raise about $4,500 on GoFundMe for insurance, maintenance, and other expenses.
Albertsons was recently forced to remove a non-compete clause that prevented other grocery stores from opening in the area, however members of the BFDF emphasize that their efforts to ensure access to quality, culturally appropriate food for residents who face economic challenges continue to be vital.
STORY: Bellingham waterfront climbing gym and housing project announces construction timeline[1]
A multi-story, 45,000-square-foot climbing gym and housing project is set to begin construction in downtown Bellingham next spring.
According to a recent release, The Chalkboard will be Bellingham’s first large rope climbing facility and will feature 55-foot-tall climbing walls, bouldering areas, a fitness and training area, yoga studio, and community spaces with rooftop views. In addition to the gym, the development will include 36 market-rate apartments, known as the Arête (AR-ett) Lofts.
According to the release, the gym has been developed by Gabe Rogel, will emphasize community, and will offer classes, youth programs, competitions, and events. Rogel says he envisions the space as a place for personal growth, connection, and adventure. The building is expected to be completed by winter 2026-27 and will be located at 315 West Holly Street, across from the Old Town Cafe.
STORY: Boeing inks historic contract with machinist union
Boeing could avoid an impending strike, as the company and its largest union have tentatively agreed on a new contract.
Associated Press reports that an agreement was struck between Boeing and the International Association of Machinists last Sunday. The agreement would raise pay 25% over four years. While this is still less than the 40% increase originally demanded by the union, Boeing agreed with a key union demand to build its next plane in Washington state.
The union’s bargaining committee is recommending that members ratify the contract on Thursday. A two-part election is scheduled for that day, where members will vote on whether to ratify the contract or authorize a strike if the offer is rejected.
WX: O save us, ye blessed overcast
And now for your Whatcom County weather:
Today will see further cloud cover and cooling temperatures, with highs in the mid-upper 60s. Expect sporadic sunshine today, with a chance of showers in the evening. Nighttime lows are projected in the mid-50s.
Tomorrow’s weather is projected to be cloudy, rainy, and fairly cool.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman (COOL-mun), Carlee Schram (CAR-lee SHRAM), Tristan Trudell, Kyler Cantrell, Anna Vickers, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Paloma Ortiz, Anna Hedrick, and Miguel Garduño (MEE-gel gar-DOO-ño). 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 thank you for listening.
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