Leader of Everett-based drug trafficking organization sentenced in Whatcom Court Superior Court, City of Bellingham wins judgement against property owner whose land had been hosting homeless encampment, Newest trial date set for Whatcom County health official accused of domestic violence, Two Bellingham firms among three named to co-design and build new Whatcom County jail, Whatcom Humane Society seeking community assistance amid massive influx of stray cats, Allegiant Air to offer nonstop flights to Burbank from BLI, : Mount Vernon man sentenced to 23 years for murder of man in bar fight, among other charges, Reykdahl releases state assessment results – 9/10/25, Free or cheap (kill 9/12), Free or cheap (KILL 9/19), Free or Cheap (Kill 9/12), Tree coupon back (fill)
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KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, September 10th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Leader of Everett-based drug trafficking organization sentenced in Whatcom Court Superior Court
The leader of a massive drug pipeline into Whatcom County is headed to prison.
According to court records, 38-year-old Mikel Leandro Escandon Tibillin (MICHAEL lee-ANN-dron es-KAHN-dohn tee-bee-YEEN), the ringleader of an Everett-based drug trafficking network, was sentenced Tuesday in Whatcom County Superior Court to 40 months in prison. He pleaded guilty to four felony charges after a months-long investigation by the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force.
Escandon Tibillin ran what investigators described as a “dispatcher-style” drug operation — using couriers, multiple apartments, and a fleet of vehicles to move fentanyl, meth, heroin, and cocaine into Whatcom County. The bust netted over 70 pounds of drugs and 60,000 dollars in suspected drug money.
He was arrested last August alongside 24-year-old Washington Ruiz Bomboza (ROO-eez bom-BOW-zah), who admitted to moving drugs and wiring profits to Ecuador on Escandon Tibillin’s (es-KAHN-dohn tee-bee-YEENS) behalf. Bomboza remains in Whatcom County Jail, with his trial slated for November 17th.
Despite originally facing 11 felonies, Escandon Tibillin accepted a plea deal. He could serve about one more year in state custody with credit for time served.
STORY: City of Bellingham wins judgement against property owner whose land had been hosting homeless encampment
A massive homeless encampment has left a Bellingham property owner with a six-figure bill.
Whatcom News reports that Whatcom County Superior Court has ordered the property owner to pay over 126,000 dollars to the City of Bellingham, with the judgement covering cleanup costs. After 45 police responses and three overdose deaths at the site, the city claimed the encampment on Deemer Road created a public nuisance, and filed a lawsuit earlier this year.
At a hearing last month, the owner admitted the problem with the encampment, but said she could not stop people from cutting through fences and squatting on her land. The court said although the situation was not her fault, the city is not responsible for the cleanup either.
The city also asked for permission to do more cleanup on the site.
STORY: Newest trial date set for Whatcom County health official accused of domestic violence
A Whatcom County health official charged with domestic violence has been on paid leave for 16 months — and is still collecting a six-figure salary.
56-year-old Mark Raaka (RAY-kuh), a public health emergency specialist and former COVID-19 response coordinator, has been charged with two counts of second-degree assault involving his ex-wife. The charges include allegations of strangulation and threatening her with a knife. After six court delays, he has denied the claims and awaits trial on October 6th.
Raaka was placed on paid leave just weeks after charges were filed in March of 2024. He continues to earn over 102,000 dollars annually, despite not working on any county duties.
According to recent reporting by the Cascadia Daily, the case has raised questions about Whatcom County’s policies, as officials confirm they are not required to suspend or fire employees who face criminal charges. Raaka was also controversially granted a public defender despite his salary.
His next court appearance is scheduled for today.
STORY: Two Bellingham firms among three named to co-design and build new Whatcom County jail
Whatcom County says it has moved forward with plans for the new jail.
Officials announced on Tuesday that the county has selected a design-and-build team that includes Bellingham-based RMC Architects and RAM Construction, along with national firm Clark Construction.
The current downtown jail has been over capacity for years. A county study estimates the new facility will need about 480 beds by 2030. The project is funded through a voter-approved criminal justice sales tax, with no additional cost to taxpayers.
County leaders say planning continues on whether to include a separate Behavioral Care Center. They hope to have the new jail open by 2028.
STORY: Whatcom Humane Society seeking community assistance amid massive influx of stray cats
The kennels at the Whatcom Humane Society are full, and they need the public’s help.
The Division Street shelter took in a substantial new crowd of stray cats and kittens this past Saturday. In a statement on Facebook, shelter officials issued an urgent call for donations of canned pet cat food, toys, and other essential supplies. Meanwhile, staff and volunteers say they are hard at work while they check all the newcomers for microchips, and provide first vaccines, de-wormer, and flea treatment. All the new arrivals also need their kennels equipped with litter pans, toys, food, and water, and are provided with, quote, “lots of TLC,” unquote.
Members of the public can make donations and meet the animals during the shelter’s open hours — Tuesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The statement also urges county residents to adopt rather than shop for new pets, as well as to spay and neuter their animals. Local owners are also encouraged to microchip their outdoor cats, so they can avoid the shelter.
STORY: Allegiant Air to offer nonstop flights to Burbank from BLI
Allegiant Air is adding a new flight from Bellingham to Southern California.
Starting on February 12th, the budget airline will launch a nonstop service between BLI and Hollywood Burbank Airport.
Flights will run twice a week, year-round. Airport officials say Burbank offers travelers shorter lines and easier access when compared to LAX.
Allegiant, which has operated out of Bellingham since 2004, already serves six destinations from the airport. Tickets for the new Burbank route are now on sale, with promotional fares starting at 49 dollars.
STORY: Washington businesses affected by summer drought emergency can now apply for federal loans
Small businesses in Whatcom and Skagit counties hurt by this summer’s drought can now apply for federal aid.
The U.S. Small Business Administration says it will offer low-interest disaster loans of up to 2 million dollars to help cover payroll and debts for small businesses, nurseries, and agricultural co-ops.
Farmers and ranchers are not eligible, but other drought-impacted businesses can apply online. The deadline to submit applications is April 6th.
WX: Warms 3D
And now for the weather:
Today should be a fairly warm, pleasant day here in Whatcom, with mild winds, mostly sunny skies and highs in the low-70s. The skies should stay mostly clear as the evening rolls in, leaving us with a nighttime forecast of partial clouds and lows in the mid-50s.
More of the same late-summer weather looks to be in store for tomorrow, as well.
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!
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STORY: Mount Vernon man sentenced to 23 years for murder of man in bar fight, among other charges
A Mount Vernon man has been sentenced to nearly 23 years in prison for murder.
Skagit County Superior Court sentenced 43-year-old Jorge Vasquez after he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the April 2024 shooting death of 28-year-old James White.
Prosecutors say Vasquez forced his way back into a Mount Vernon home during a fight and fired multiple shots, killing White. He also received concurrent sentences for burglary, assault, and drug possession.
The agreed-upon sentence is on the higher end of the standard range for a class A felony, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
STORY: Reykdahl releases state assessment results – 9/10/25
Basic info: Media briefing where State Superintendent Chris Reykdal will share results from Washington’s spring 2025 statewide assessments in math and English language arts, as well as provide information about student achievement nationally and internationally.
| Who: State Superintendent Chris ReykdalWhat: Media briefing where Superintendent Reykdal will share results from Washington’s 2025 statewide assessments in math and English language arts, as well as provide information about student achievement nationally and internationally.When: Wednesday, September 10 at 10 amWhere: The event will be livestreamed on OSPI’s YouTube page, OSPI’s Facebook page, and TVW. – we can get audio from this |
STORY: Free or cheap (kill 9/12)
The 18th Annual Whatcom County Farm Tour is set for Saturday, September 13, from 10 to 4. The free, self-guided event invites all ages to visit local farms, meet the people who grow our food, and learn how it makes its way from field to table.
STORY: Free or cheap (KILL 9/19)
As part of Whatcom Water Week, the Whatcom Land Trust is hosting a Forest Water Scavenger Hunt at Stimpson Family Nature Reserve on Saturday, September 20, from 10 to 4. Families can pick up an activity booklet at the trailhead, then explore the forest to learn how trees and streams keep water clean and cool. The free, family-friendly event includes kid-friendly activities and a Water Wise take-home memento.
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.
STORY: Election Town Halls slated for October (kill 10/4)
This year’s election is all about local power — from city councils to school boards — and Cascadia Daily News wants voters to hear directly from the candidates.
You’re invited to two free town halls in October at the Sehome High School Theater in Bellingham. The first, focused on County Council races, is Saturday, October 4. The second, covering Bellingham City Council candidates, is Saturday, October 11. Both run from 6 to 8 p.m.
It’s your chance to ask questions, raise concerns, and hear where candidates stand before ballots drop.
Admission is free, but an RSVP is required. Reserve your seat for county races at CascadiaDaily.co/WhatcomTownHall, and for city races at CascadiaDaily.co/BhamTownHall.
STORY: Tree coupon back (fill)
Bellingham’s Tree Coupon Program is back this fall. Residents can get up to $100 off per tree at participating nurseries to plant on private property. The city says last year’s program added more than 500 trees, boosting Bellingham’s urban canopy. Sign-ups are online, and coupons are valid from October through May.
