Suspect at large following reported sexual assault in Little Squalicum Park, Five-mile stretch of southbound I-5 down to one lane following crash, Birch Bay considers incorporating, asks for residents’ input, Ragfinery announces plans to reopen in new downtown Bellingham space, Ferndale approves contract to upgrade City Hall, WA secures largest share of federal funds to upgrade ferries, $875K of which is pledged to Lummi Island vessels, Certain North Cascades trailheads to be closed for infrastructure repairs over next month, Free or Cheap (Kill 9/12)
Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, August 21st. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Suspect at large following reported sexual assault in Little Squalicum Park
Whatcom County authorities are still searching for the suspect in a sexual assault incident, which triggered an emergency response near Little Squalicum Park yesterday morning.
The Bellingham Herald reports that Bellingham Technical College issued an emergency alert around 9:30 a.m., urging people to shelter in place. The suspect remained at large. By noon, officials said there was no longer a threat to the college, and BTC lifted its campus lockdown.
Entrances to Little Squalicum Park were taped off for hours, as law enforcement searched the area. The suspect is described as a bearded white male in his 30s or 40s, heavyset, about 5-foot-10 to 6-foot-1, and who had his dark, curly hair in a ponytail. He was last seen wearing brown pants and a tan jacket.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office is asking residents and businesses to check any surveillance footage from yesterday between 7 and 9 a.m. Anyone who finds anything suspicious is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office tip line.
STORY: Five-mile stretch of southbound I-5 down to one lane following crash
A 5-mile stretch of southbound I-5 at Lake Samish is down to one lane after a crash yesterday afternoon.
The crash, which temporarily blocked all lanes, was reported at the Samish Way southbound off-ramp just after 3 p.m. Medical aid, fire responders, transportation department incident response teams and the Washington State Patrol responded to the crash.
According to State Patrol Trooper Kelsey Harding, the vehicle had been transporting propane tanks. While the left lane was eventually reopened, both the right lane and the off-ramp will remain closed until fire units determine they can be safely reopened.
STORY: Birch Bay considers incorporating, asks for residents’ input
Whatcom County is taking a fresh look at whether Birch Bay could stand on its own as an incorporated city.
An updated feasibility study, first done in 2008, will examine the financial and service impacts of incorporation. Right now, Birch Bay depends on the county for law enforcement, road work, and planning. As a city, it would take on many of those responsibilities directly or through contracts.
The study is neutral and informational — no decisions are being made yet. Results are expected this fall and will help guide future discussions.
Residents — both full-time and part-time — are encouraged to weigh in by completing a community survey. It takes about five minutes, and is open through September 10th. The public’s input will help shape which services and priorities the study explores. A link to the survey can be found on Whatcom County’s website.
STORY: Ragfinery announces plans to reopen in new downtown Bellingham space
A beloved Bellingham fixture is reopening before the winter.
My Bellingham Now reports that Ragfinery, a local nonprofit, announced its plans to reopen at a new location during the Upcycled Fashion Show last Saturday.
Ragfinery’s executive director Kate Sturgis says the new location at 115 Unity Street will offer a downstairs retail space, while upstairs will be occupied by a staff and volunteer area with office space.
Ragfinery’s old location on Forest Street was damaged by a fire last December. The public responded by raising $40,000 for the textile organization, which helped keep them afloat. An anonymous donor through the Whatcom Community Foundation then offered to match all donations to help cover reopening costs.
Sturgis says a grand opening at the new location is planned before winter this year.
STORY: Ferndale approves contract to upgrade City Hall
The Ferndale City Council has approved a contract to upgrade their City Hall.
The Washington Supreme Court recently identified Ferndale Municipal Court as one of the state’s most deficient, with proceedings held in a poorly suited space. The City Hall building is also maxed out, with no room for additional staff.
To address the issue, Ferndale is proposing a new Civic Campus — a 19,000 square foot building between City Hall and the Ferndale Library. The project would bring the court, City Council chambers, staff offices and public meeting rooms under one roof. The current City Hall would be repurposed to house nonprofit partners such as the Chamber of Commerce and local service organizations, keeping more resources accessible to Ferndale residents.
STORY: Recreational shellfish harvesting closed between Bellingham Bay and Drayton Harbor
Recreational shellfish harvesting is off-limits across all Whatcom County beaches after dangerous toxin levels were detected.
Health officials say oysters, mussels, and scallops are all affected by elevated levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning, a naturally occurring toxin that can cause numbness, muscle loss, and in severe cases, paralysis or suffocation.
The closure stretches from Bellingham Bay to Drayton Harbor near the Canadian border.
Officials are urging the public to avoid eating any shellfish harvested from local beaches until further notice.
STORY: WA secures largest share of federal funds to upgrade ferries, $875K of which is pledged to Lummi Island vessels
A Lummi Island lifeline just got a boost.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is sending over $875,000 to Whatcom County to support the island’s ferry. It’s part of a package delivering $175 million in federal ferry funding nationwide. Washington received the largest share, with most directed to state ferries.
For island residents, the ferry is more than a boat — it’s their connection to work, school, groceries, and medical care. County officials say the funding will help keep this line steady, while considering long-term upgrades.
Riders should plan ahead this weekend. Crews will be working to replace terminal cables, so late-night rides are canceled Friday and Saturday. On both nights, the last boat will leave Gooseberry Point at 10:10 p.m., with service picking back up at 7 a.m. the next morning.
From fresh funding to weekend delays, the Lummi Island Ferry is a reminder that one short crossing can carry a community.
WX: High 70s? Yeah, I’m told they were.
And now for the weather:
It’s another bright and sunny day today, with daytime highs set for the mid-to-high 70s, alongside a U.V. index rating of 6. The skies should remain fairly clear throughout the day and into the evening, where we’ll see temperatures drop to lows in the high-50s.
Tomorrow should kick off a string of proper scorchers here in Whatcom, with highs jumping straight into the mid-80s.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THARE-un) Danielson, Cody Mills, Aidan Larson, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), Bella Mae, Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee), Nate Landi (LAND-ee) and Hailey LeRoy (luh-ROY). 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!
##
STORY: Certain North Cascades trailheads to be closed for infrastructure repairs over next month
The U.S. Forest Service says hikers hoping to catch fall colors along State Route 20 should plan ahead.
Several popular trailhead parking areas in the North Cascades will close through September for repairs.
The Washington Pass Overlook and Bridge Creek Trailhead will be closed until September 7th, and both the Rainy Pass Picnic Area and Rainy Pass North — including access to the Pacific Crest Trail — will be shut down from September 8th through the 25th.
Officials warn that parking alternatives are extremely limited, restrooms will be closed, and parking along the highway is dangerous and ticketed. The work, funded by the Great American Outdoors Act, should be complete in time for peak larch season.
STORY: Free or Cheap (Kill 9/12)
https://www.whatcomcd.org/run-with-the-chums — Sat, Sept. 13
Mark your calendars for the 13th Annual Run with the Chums on September 13th at BP Highlands in Birch Bay.
This free, family-friendly 5K fun run celebrates salmon, clean water, and community. All ages and paces are welcome, and the scenic course offers stunning views of Whatcom County’s shoreline.
Kids 10 and under can enjoy the Smolt Sprint obstacle course starting at 9:30 a.m., with the 5K kicking off at 10.
Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m.—arrive early for a free T-shirt while supplies last.
