Pacific storms will bring wind, rain and snow to Whatcom County; Nooksack River just below flood stage, Wind advisory in place for northwestern WA, Bellingham police commence manhunt for suspect last seen exiting hospital, Accused drunk driver pleads not guilty in fatal Sumas crash, Bellingham’s Way Station homeless support center beginning services today, Work on railroad crossing will block trail near Boulevard Park, Bellingham’s 20-year-growth plan releases draft, public comments open, Impact of declining crime victim funds being felt across Whatcom
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KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, November 12th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Pacific storms will bring wind, rain and snow to Whatcom County; Nooksack River just below flood stage
A series of strong Pacific storms are expected to bring rain, mountain snow, thunderstorms, and high surf to Whatcom County this week.
The National Weather Service in Seattle says that one of these storms is forecasted to bring heavy rain and winds with gusts to 35 mph to the lowlands tonight that will last into tomorrow. Up to three inches of rain are expected in lowland Whatcom County today through Thursday.
Rivers are expected to crest at or near flood stage this week, too, as the Weather Service also issued a hydrologic outlook for several Washington counties, including Whatcom and Skagit. According to data from the Northwest River Forecast Center, the Nooksack River neared flood stage on Friday in Nugents Corner.
Finally, mountain snow levels are expected between 4,000 to 5,000 feet.
STORY: Wind advisory in place for northwestern WA
In more weather news, a wind advisory for Whatcom County will go into effect late this afternoon.
The advisory period extends from 4 p.m. today till 4 a.m. tomorrow.
STORY: Bellingham police commence manhunt for suspect last seen exiting hospital
Police are searching for Jason John, a man with multiple pending charges, who escaped from St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham on Sunday night.
A police chase began when officers attempted to pull John over. He took off, driving on the wrong side of the road and through parking lots; the chase ended when he crashed into a stationary police vehicle. John was arrested for violating a felony domestic violence no-contact order. After being hospitalized, John reportedly walked out of the building around 8 p.m.
According to police, John is wanted for eluding officers, violating a domestic violence order, and taking a vehicle without permission. He is described as 5’11”, 185 pounds, with distinctive face and neck tattoos, last seen in a hospital gown and socks. Authorities urge anyone with information to call 911.
STORY: Accused drunk driver pleads not guilty in fatal Sumas crash 30-year-old Tyler Higdon of Sedro-Woolley has pleaded not guilty to vehicular homicide and assault charges following a Halloween night crash in rural Whatcom County that killed an 11-year-old.
Authorities allege Higdon was intoxicated and driving at around 100 mph—twice the speed limit—when his BMW struck a Ford Focus broadside as it turned onto Goodwin Road. The crash killed Yaretzi Davila-Estrada and injured three of her family members. Higdon failed a sobriety test, and his blood alcohol content was recorded at 0.11, above the legal limit. He is being held on a million-dollar bail, with a trial set for December 30th.
Family and friends of Yaretzi have raised over $40,000 via GoFundMe to support her grieving family, and describe Yaretzi as a bright, loving child who touched many lives.
STORY: Bellingham’s Way Station homeless support center beginning services today
The Way Station, a new facility for homeless people in downtown Bellingham, is set to open in stages at its North State Street location today.
Hygiene facilities will be available weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering showers, restrooms, and laundry services. Starting next Tuesday, Unity Care NW will provide health care services at the center. The medical respite section will open early next year, allowing PeaceHealth to discharge patients in need of transitional care to recover. The Way Station is a collaborative effort between Unity Care NW, PeaceHealth, and the Opportunity Council, with each organization managing different aspects of the center.
STORY: Work on railroad crossing will block trail near Boulevard Park The South Bay Trail at Boulevard Park’s north end in Bellingham will detour for about a week starting today.
The path will be closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily to install pedestrian gates as part of a rail crossing safety upgrade. The project is part of Bellingham’s effort to create a quote-unquote “quiet zone,” where trains won’t need to sound horns at crossings except in emergencies. The detour route will use State Street and Bayview Drive.
The upgrade is part of a larger initiative to reduce train noise in residential areas, with similar upgrades already made at crossings on C and F streets, as well as Harris Avenue.
STORY: Bellingham’s 20-year-growth plan releases draft, public comments open
Bellingham’s guide for city growth for the next 20 years is now open for public feedback.
The draft plan was developed through citizen input, and according to the City, it emphasizes urban growth balanced with environmental care, urban villages, quote-unquote “world-class parks,” and more. New priorities include stronger community connections, climate resilience, and improved transportation links.
Feedback is open on the app Engage Bellingham until December 1st, with in-person open houses scheduled for Thursday at WWU and Options High
School and November 20th at Cordata Park. The plan will undergo final reviews in mid-2025, with code updates taking place by June 2026.
STORY: Impact of declining crime victim funds being felt across Whatcom
Brigid Collins Family Support Center and other domestic violence services in Whatcom County face significant funding challenges due to reductions in the Victims of Crime Act.
Brigid Collins says they have cut staffing as federal and state funding dropped by over $415,000– a move that impacts crucial services for children affected by trauma. Crime Act funding, which has been on the decline nationwide since 2018, is projected to decrease in Washington by 51% next June.
Agencies like Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS), which depend on VOCA for up to 70% of its budget, face severe reductions without state intervention. Tribal organizations, like Lummi Victims of Crime, also anticipate cuts. According to the Cascadia Daily News, the LVOC could lose most of its staff.
Service providers are urging state lawmakers to create a stable funding solution in next year’s legislative session, as further cuts could lead to closures of victim support programs statewide.
WX: Wind will this end?
And now for the weather:
Expect some lingering wind and scattered showers this afternoon, with daytime highs projected in the mid-50s. Evening lows will be in the upper 40s.
High winds and rain are forecasted for tomorrow as well, so please travel safely.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman (COOL-mun), Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Brodey O’Brien, 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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