Man arrested after reportedly threatening to kill Bellingham woman at work, Governor signs budget, WTA to improve service on busiest bus lines rather than converting to rapid transit system, Two local educators win awards, Public participation requested for county Homeless Housing Plan, Two local educators win awards, Public participation requested for county Homeless Housing Plan, Marysville man pleads guilty to 2023 Boulevard Park murder, Bellingham Intl Airport receives $2 million for runway reconstruction project, Second Bellingham Trader Joe’s set to open next week, Ferndale announces new Chief of Police
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KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, May 21st. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Man arrested after reportedly threatening to kill Bellingham woman at work
A Bellingham man is behind bars after allegedly threatening a woman and preventing her from calling for help.
Police say the incident happened Friday afternoon at an apartment complex on Samish Way. Bellingham Police Lieutenant Claudia Murphy told the Bellingham Herald that the man approached a woman working at the complex and asked to use her car. When she refused, he watched where she went, then followed her into an apartment.
Inside, he allegedly chased her, blocked her from calling police, threatened to kill her and then fled before officers arrived.
Later that evening, he called police himself and agreed to meet at a location on Orleans Street, where he was taken into custody without incident.
The man now faces charges of felony harassment and unlawful imprisonment. Police have not released his name.
STORY: Governor signs budget
Yesterday, Governor Bob Ferguson signed the $77.8 billion, two-year state budget — along with a sweeping tax package –– to help close a massive $16 billion shortfall.
The first-term Democrat praised the bipartisan effort, saying the final deal required, quote, “a lot of compromise.” Ferguson approved around $4 billion in new and higher taxes, including hikes on big businesses, banks, and tech firms, and an expanded sales tax on services. He used his veto power sparingly — most notably to preserve a tax break for community banks supporting affordable housing.
Ferguson also approved a 6-cent gas tax hike — Washington’s first since 2016 — to support a $15.5 billion transportation plan. The gas tax will rise to 55.4 cents per gallon in July, then increase by 2% each year.
Republicans blasted the governor, calling it the largest tax increase in state history. Ferguson, however, says the state must invest in public needs while keeping an eye on unintended consequences of the tax hikes.
In total, the revenue measures are expected to keep the budget balanced, while leaving $2 billion in reserves. Lawmakers return to Olympia in January, but a special session could be called sooner if federal funding is cut.
STORY: Governor signs historic right to repair bills:
And in more political news, Governor Ferguson also signed two groundbreaking bills yesterday that expand the right to repair for consumers across Washington.
The Right to Repair Act, led by State Representative Mia Gregerson (greg-GUR-sin), gives everyday Washingtonians and independent repair shops access to the parts and tools needed to fix phones, tablets, and laptops — without being forced back to the manufacturer. The bill also bans “parts pairing,” a tactic that requires manufacturer-specific replacement parts and one which consumer advocates say has driven up repair costs.
A second bill, State Bill 5680, focuses on mobility devices like powered wheelchairs, and aims to cut long wait times and reduce repair costs for people with disabilities.
Both laws take effect on July 26th, paving the way for more affordable repairs across the state.
STORY: WTA to improve service on busiest bus lines rather than converting to rapid transit system
The Whatcom Transportation Authority says it will shift gears — and will not pursue a costly rapid transit system.
Instead, WTA will team up with the City of Bellingham to improve service on its four busiest bus corridors, known as the Go Lines. WTA has explored bus rapid transit since 2023, but now says the scope and cost — with tens of millions in federal funding and years of planning needed — just aren’t practical. Planning Director Tim Wilder told the Bellingham City Council this week that WTA will instead focus on boosting frequency, reliability, and amenities on existing routes.
Ridership has now topped pre-pandemic levels, and Wilder says making buses more convenient is key to continued growth.
Both WTA and the city plan to draft a joint agreement and seek public input this fall. They hope to adopt a final improvement plan by the end of 2025.
STORY: Two local educators win awards
Two outstanding educators in Whatcom County are being recognized for their dedication in and out of the classroom — and they’re each taking home a $5,000 prize.
Riley Liddle and Dave Tjoelker (CHOLK-er) have been named Educators of the Year by the Brown & Brown Excellence in Education Award Program.
Liddle, a career and technical education teacher at Squalicum High School in Bellingham, was one of five public-school finalists from Whatcom County. Other finalists included teachers from Blaine, Bellingham, and the Meridian School District. Liddle received the award during a May 15th ceremony at the Jansen Art Center in Lynden.
On the private-school side, Dave Tjoelker, a longtime teacher at Lynden Christian Schools, was recognized for going beyond academics to connect with students personally. Other finalists in the private-school category also came from Lynden Christian’s elementary and middle school campuses.
Both Liddle and Tjoelker received $5,000 awards for their achievements.
STORY: Public participation requested for county Homeless Housing Plan
Whatcom County is shaping its next five-year Homeless Housing Plan — and your voice matters.
County officials invite residents to attend one of two upcoming public meetings to learn about progress so far and weigh in on which housing strategies should be prioritized for 2026 through 2030.
The first meeting will take place on Monday, June 2nd, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Civic Building in downtown Bellingham. The second will be held on Wednesday, June 4th, also from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., at the Lynden Community and Senior Center.
Each meeting starts with a short presentation, followed by breakout sessions where attendees can learn more about housing objectives and share feedback. No RSVP is needed, but participants are asked to stay for the full session.
Both locations are wheelchair accessible. For other accommodations, email housing@co.whatcom.wa.us at least two business days ahead.
WX: Sun’s so HIIIIIIIIYIAAAAIIIIIIIIII! HIGH ABOVE MEEEEE!
And now for the weather:
It will be a bright, mostly sunny day today. Today’s UV index rating is set at a potentially dangerous 8, so wear sunscreen – and a hat – if you plan to be outdoors. Daytime highs should peak in the low 60s. Clouds are expected to remain fairly sparse throughout the day and into the evening, when temperatures are expected to fall to lows in the mid-40s.
Tomorrow should be fairly warm and sunny as well.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Cody Mills, Aidan Larson, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (O-shay), and Kai Blais-Schmolke (KI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee). 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 _________, and thank you for listening.
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STORY: Marysville man pleads guilty to 2023 Boulevard Park murder
STORY: Bellingham Intl Airport receives $2 million for runway reconstruction project
Runway improvements are set to take off at Bellingham International Airport.
In a recent press release, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell announced the airport will receive 2-million dollars from the Federal Aviation Administration as part of a national Airport Infrastructure Grant program.
Cantwell said the funding will cover the design phase of a major runway rehabilitation project. The project targets 67-hundred feet of the paved runway, and it aims to improve the runway’s structural integrity and lifespan.
This marks the first phase of a long-term improvement plan at the airport.
STORY: Second Bellingham Trader Joe’s set to open next week
Bellingham’s second Trader Joe’s is finally opening its doors next week.
The new store, located at the former Bed, Bath and Beyond location in the Cordata Center, will open on Thursday, May 29th.
Store Captain Brian Casey and his team will kick things off with a short ribbon-cutting ceremony before officially welcoming customers at 8am.
The nearly 10,000-square-foot space marks the city’s second Trader Joe’s location. Once open, the store will operate daily from 8am to 9pm.
STORY: Ferndale announces new Chief of Police
Ferndale has named its new permanent Chief of Police.
MyBellinghamNow-dot-com reports Matt Huffman has officially stepped into the role after serving as interim chief since December. He took over following the departure of former Chief Kevin Turner.
Huffman previously retired in 2023 after a 26-year career with the Ferndale Police Department, where he last served as a lieutenant. He’s a graduate of the FBI National Academy and played a key role in helping the department earn recognition for high professional standards.
Mayor Greg Hansen praised Huffman’s calm and collaborative leadership style and called him a steady presence with deep roots in the Ferndale community.
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