Blaine teenager reported missing out of Bellingham, Bellingham PD searching for driver following Wednesday morning hit-and-run, Man brandishing firearm accidentally shoots self near Ferndale health facility, SCSO finds human remains east of Concrete during boat search of Skagit River, WCSO releases statement on drug arrests of two Bellingham men, Bellingham mayor reaffirms commitment to opening daytime shelter for unhoused people, Tribes receive funding for clean energy, FEMA releases over $4 million in hazard grant funding requested following 2021 floods[10] [11], State lawmakers approve partial rollback of estate tax hikes, citing fears of wealth exodus, Free and cheap – leprechaun edition, Baker Lake murder case finally settled with sentence of 16 months for defendant[4] [5], Officials concerned over spike in measles, Hundreds sign letter to protest PeaceHealth cuts, Whatcom County to host second community engagement workshop for new jail RUN AGAIN BY/ABOUT MAR 16, FREE OR CHEAP
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KMRE brings you local news for Friday, March 13th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.
STORY: Blaine teenager reported missing out of Bellingham
Washington State Patrol is asking for help finding a missing Bellingham teen.
Seventeen-year-old Destany Gray-Haugness (DES-tuh-nee GRAY HAW-ness) was last seen February 25th. She’s described as 5-foot-8 and 195 pounds.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911.
STORY: Bellingham PD searching for driver following Wednesday morning hit-and-run
Bellingham Police are asking for help tracking down a hit-and-run driver.
Investigators say a pickup hit a pedestrian and a dog in a crosswalk Wednesday morning at Cottonwood and West Maplewood, then left the scene. The eastbound driver blew through a stop sign, struck the pair, stopped briefly at Shuksan Meadows Park, and fled north on Maplewood. The pedestrian and dog both required medical treatment.
Police say they are looking for a dark-colored truck with oversized tires, a front brush guard, and yellow LED-style headlights — possibly with the right one burned out.
They ask anyone who was in the area with dash-cam footage or home security video facing the intersection to come forward. Submit a tip at cob.org/tips — or call the tip line.
STORY: Man brandishing firearm accidentally shoots self near Ferndale health facility
Ferndale Police say a man accidentally shot himself near a local health facility Tuesday morning.
According to Ferndale Information Officer Megan Jueneman (MAY-gun JUNE-uh-mun), police responded to the 6000 block of Portal Way on reports of a man brandishing a firearm. Nearby businesses, including Unity Care NW, briefly went into lockdown while police investigated.
When officers arrived, they found a 64-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound and determined he was the same person reported in the original call. Police say the injury appears to be the result of an accidental discharge, and no one else was hurt.
First responders transported the man to the hospital for treatment. His condition has not been released.
STORY: SCSO finds human remains east of Concrete during boat search of Skagit River
Human remains were discovered in the Skagit River east of Concrete.
In a social media post, the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office said the bones were discovered yesterday while deputies were conducting a boat search of the area. Detectives were called in to process the discovery. Officials say the Skagit County Coroner’s Office will work to identify the remains.
Authorities are asking the public to avoid the area near milepost 90 as the investigation continues.
STORY: WCSO releases statement on drug arrests of two Bellingham men
Three men have been arrested following a multi-agency drug investigation that seized large amounts of suspected fentanyl.
The Whatcom Regional Drug Task Force says the investigation, which began in January, targeted a Mexican-based criminal organization operating in the area.
A March 4th search warrant in Federal Way led to the seizure of more than 33 pounds of suspected fentanyl-laced pills, about 2.3 pounds of fentanyl powder, and roughly $10,000 in cash. Authorities arrested 22-year-old Alfio Felix Rivera.
A second set of search warrants served at locations in Bellingham turned up about 1.9 pounds of the powder, a handgun, and more than $15,000 in cash. Police arrested 26-year-old Omar Gaona-Garcia and 23-year-old Jorge Ramos, both of Bellingham. Bail was set at $100,000 and $250,000 respectively, and both were scheduled to appear in Whatcom County Superior Court.
The sheriff’s office says the investigation involved assistance from the DEA, Homeland Security, Washington State Patrol, and several local police agencies.
STORY: Bellingham mayor reaffirms commitment to opening daytime shelter for unhoused people
Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund has reaffirmed her commitment to opening a daytime shelter for unhoused people.
During Monday’s city council meeting, Lund said about one million dollars remains in state funding for the shelter.
The shelter is planned to open this fall, ahead of the Bellingham Public Library’s temporary closure for renovations. The library has been a welcome place for unhoused people, with social services across the street.
While no location or other details were shared during the meeting, Lund said the planned shelter could double as a cold weather shelter, and will also house the county’s Street Medicine team.
STORY: Tribes receive funding for clean energy
The Washington State Department of Commerce will award nearly $16.8 million in clean energy grants to tribes across the state.
According to a recent announcement from Commerce, the money will help 17 tribal communities install solar panels and battery storage systems, electrify fishing vessels, and conduct feasibility studies for future energy projects.
Several Northwest tribes will benefit, including the Nooksack Indian Tribe who were awarded just over $1 million dollars, and Lummi Nation, who were awarded $1.1 million. The money will fund solar projects and cleaner fishing vessels.
State leaders said the grants are part of Washington’s broader push to expand clean energy and climate resilience.
STORY: FEMA releases over $4 million in hazard grant funding requested following 2021 floods[10] [11]
Nearly $4 million in federal hazard-mitigation funds are headed to Whatcom County.
According to a recent announcement, FEMA signed off on long-delayed grants to elevate 16 flood-prone homes in Sumas, Ferndale, and Everson. The money comes from the agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and was first requested in 2022, after the catastrophic November floods of the previous year that damaged more than 2,000 homes and critical infrastructure across the county.
The new funding is part of a broader push to help Northwest Washington recover from repeated flooding. Communities are still dealing with the impacts from last December’s storms, which brought even more damage to the area.
State and federal officials have been pressing for additional disaster declarations and assistance — including low-interest loans and federal support for rebuilding public infrastructure — several of which are still awaiting approval.
Local leaders say the mitigation grants will help reduce future flood risk while they continue working to secure more long-term recovery dollars.
STORY: State lawmakers approve partial rollback of estate tax hikes, citing fears of wealth exodus
Washington state lawmakers have approved a partial rollback of last year’s increase in the estate tax.
The state Senate voted 39 to 10 yesterday to scale back the top estate tax rate, which lawmakers raised last year to 35 percent — the highest in the nation. If signed by Governor Bob Ferguson, the change would lower that top rate beginning with estates of people who die on or after July 1st, 2026.
At the same time, lawmakers also gave final approval to a new income tax on people who have more than one million dollars in income per year.
Democratic leaders say the moves strike a balance — raising revenue from wealthy residents while addressing concerns Washington’s estate tax had climbed well above national norms.
Lawmakers are now racing to finish a broader tax package and pass final state budgets before the legislative session adjourns tomorrow.
STORY: Free and cheap – leprechaun edition
It’s Friday, and here are a few goings on this weekend.
On Saturday, visit the land of Oz as the Bellingham Arts Academy presents The Wizard of Oz. Shows are at 9am, 11am, and 2pm. Admission is by donation.
Or, if you have clothing or gear that needs repair, stop by the main branch of the public library for a free mending lesson from the people at Ragfinery! Walk away with a fixed garment having learned a new skill. From 1:30 to 4:30pm.
And, later on Saturday, head on out to the Acme Diner for a free performance by Haley & the Haymakers. From 6 to 8pm at 2045 Valley Hwy, Acme.
And on Sunday, why not check out the Bellingham St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The fun begins at noon and follows Cornwall Avenue from Ohio St. down to E Chestnut St.
WX: Wet Snow, Lord of Winterfell
And now weather:
Expect clouds today with some rain and highs near 45 degrees. The evening will see more clouds and lows just below freezing.
Saturday, look for possible snow and rain, mid-day expect some brief snow flurries, before turning back to rain. Sunday looks like a rain and snow mix in the morning, becoming rain in the afternoon.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Glen Hirshberg, Kathi O’Shea, Austin Wright, Kai Blais-Schmolke, Kieran Dang, and Bella Farris. 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. To help support our work, check out our Patreon, or Substack, or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _David Korb________… thanks for listening!
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STORY: 2019 Baker Lake murder case finally settled with sentence of 16 months for defendant[4] [5]
An Arlington man has been sentenced for killing his friend during a 2019 camping trip near Mount Baker.
The Bellingham Herald reports 36-year-old Alexander Vanags was given 16 months in prison and three years of community custody Wednesday in Whatcom County Superior Court. Jurors found him guilty of first-degree manslaughter last month after three trials. He had originally been charged with second-degree murder for killing 28-year-old Mark Stebakov with a machete while the two were camping at Bear Lake and using psychedelic drugs.
Judge Lee Grochmal called it a difficult and complex case, saying both men were people their families were proud of and that neither was violent or “evil.” She said evidence suggested Stebakov was the initial aggressor, but Vanags used more force than necessary when he tried to defend himself.
Grochmal said the sentence reflects accountability while giving both families a path to finally move forward
STORY: Officials concerned over spike in measles
Washington health officials say measles cases are rising sharply this year.
The Washington State Department of Health has confirmed 26 measles cases across four counties so far in 2026. That’s already more than double the 12 cases reported statewide during all of last year.
Most of the cases are in children, and nearly all involve people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. Cases have been reported in Snohomish, Clark, Stevens and Kittitas counties.
Whatcom County Health and Community Services has warned of an increased risk of measles spreading to the area following an outbreak in Snohomish County and say measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Only 86% of Whatcom County kindergarteners were vaccinated against measles as of the 2024-25 school year— below the 95% rate needed to prevent community outbreaks. Physicians say the MMR vaccine remains the most effective protection against the disease.
STORY: Hundreds sign letter to protest PeaceHealth cuts
Hundreds of community members are urging PeaceHealth to restore its advanced care planning program after recent staff cuts.
More than 400 people — including doctors, nurses and the board of the Northwest Washington Medical Society — signed an open letter to PeaceHealth CEO Sarah Ness that called for the reinstatement of four advanced care coordinators and two social workers eliminated in February.
The group says the cuts harm patient care and undermine trust in the community, and note the program helps patients and families prepare for end-of-life decisions.
STORY: Section of Truck Road closes for erosion protection[12] [13]
A section of Truck Road has been temporarily closed for erosion protection.
In an update posted on the Whatcom County Public Works website, the department warned the road between Deal Road and Mosquito Lake Road will be closed for about four weeks. Work is underway to place 430 feet of buried rock trench along the North Fork Nooksack River in an effort to address the long history of erosion as well as recent flood damage.
STORY: Submissions open for local poetry contest[14] [15]
The 21st Annual Sue C. Boynton Poetry Contest is currently accepting submissions.
According to the Whatcom Poetry Series’ website, the deadline is March 31st and the top ten poems will be engraved on plaques outside the Bellingham Public Library. Winners of the adult and children’s division will each be awarded 100 dollars.
See the Poetry series website for more details.
STORY: AG brings lawsuit against Dept of Ed
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and a coalition of 16 other state attorneys general are suing the U.S. Department of Education again.
The lawsuit argues the federal government is unlawfully demanding detailed admissions data broken down by race and sex from colleges and universities.
The new reporting rules stem from a Trump administration memo directing the Education Department to monitor compliance with the Supreme Court ruling banning race as a factor in college admissions.
According to a recent release, Brown says the data demand is unreasonable and illegal, and added that his office will fight the requirement and defend students’ right to privacy. The coalition says the rules were rushed, could lead to reporting errors and penalties for schools, and may jeopardize student privacy.
Colleges are currently facing a March 18th deadline to submit the data.
STORY: Whatcom County to host second community engagement workshop for new jail RUN AGAIN BY/ABOUT MAR 16
Whatcom County wants the public to weigh in on plans for the new jail and behavioral health facility.
The county will host its second community engagement workshop for the voter-approved Justice Project next month in Lynden. The initiative, passed in November 2023, includes construction of a new jail and a behavioral care center.
County leaders are expected to decide this spring on the final capacity, scope and budget before construction begins later this year.
Residents can review project updates and provide feedback at the workshop, scheduled for Thursday, March 19th, at the Lynden City Annex Chamber.
STORY: No Kings Day March 28th
STORY: Places to file your taxes for free
Even though the Trump Administration has ended the IRS Direct File program, many Americans can still file their taxes for free this season.
Taxpayers earning under eighty-nine thousand dollars a year can use IRS Free File software online, while those making about sixty-seven thousand dollars or less may qualify for free, in-person help through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites at libraries and community centers. Seniors can get no-cost help through AARP Tax-Aide, and military members can file for free through the Defense Department’s MilTax program.
Anyone can also file at no charge using the IRS’s Free File Fillable Forms on IRS dot gov. The tax filing deadline is April fifteenth.
FREE OR CHEAP
38th Annual Fairhaven Neighbors Plant and Tree Sale
Saturday, March 28th, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Hillcrest parking lot – corner of Old Fairhaven Pkwy & 14th St.
Welcome spring with an amazing assortment of plants – veggie starts, flowers, herbs, native and specialty plants, bamboo, trees, berries, ornamentals – from local and regional growers. The sale benefits non-profit Fairhaven Neighbors and a portion of profits are shared with other community non-profits, in the past donating to Bellingham Food Bank, Friends of the Family Resource Center, and the Community Boating Center. Admission is free and all are welcome. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own boxes for transporting purchases. Fairhaven Neighbors thanks Hillcrest for sharing its space. Expert gardeners and novices – inspiration and perfect plants await.
For more information, see www.Facebook.com/FairhavenPlantAndTreeSale
School District Events
| March 20, 21, 27, 28 | 7:30 PM | Firebringer: A Rock Musical | Options Theater | $25 GA / $15 Student | Presented by Bellingham TheatreWorks in partnership with Options High School drama; directed by Zacharee Simm. |
| March 26, 27 | 7:00 PM | Vista & Horizon Middle School Play | Ferndale HS PAC | Not specified | Joint production by Vista and Horizon Middle Schools in Ferndale. |
| March 27, 28 | 7:00 PM | Sweeney Todd: School Edition | Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth | See website | BAAY student production of the Sondheim musical; directed by Dylan Cisneros and Logan Hyer-Long. |
| March 28, 29 | 2:00 PM | Sweeney Todd: School Edition | Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth | See website | BAAY student production of the Sondheim musical; directed by Dylan Cisneros and Logan Hyer-Long. |
| March 29 | 2:00 PM | Firebringer: A Rock Musical | Options Theater | $25 GA / $15 Student | Final performance of the partnership production between Bellingham TheatreWorks and Options HS Drama. |
