Authorities arrest Ferndale man as part of multi-agency human trafficking investigation, Blown stop sign leads to two-hour standoff in Peaceful Valley; driver faces theft, drug charges, Blaine School Board delays vote on proposed staffing cuts, Whatcom County Libraries launching sensory kits in honor of Autism Acceptance Month, Van Zandt Dike will close to target shooting after public safety concerns, Haggen brand to be sold off in proposed merge, Social Security expands rental subsidy
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STORY: Authorities arrest Ferndale man as part of multi-agency human trafficking investigation
Seven victims of human trafficking were rescued recently during a joint law enforcement operation that led to the arrest of a Ferndale man.
Noone (NOON) Marshall, 43, was arrested on suspicion of attempted commercial sex abuse of a minor, felony communicating with a minor, and attempted distribution to persons under the age of 18. The sting operation was conducted on Friday with participation from the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force, Bellingham Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, King County Sheriff’s Office, Bellevue Police Department, Whatcom County Prosecutor’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations. According to records, after the arrest, officers worked with organizations on site to ensure the victims received support and resources.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains ongoing. To report any information about human trafficking, child sexual abuse, or trafficking in child sexual abuse material, call the Homeland Security Tipline.
STORY: Blown stop sign leads to two-hour standoff in Peaceful Valley; driver faces theft, drug charges
A two-hour standoff with police led to a drug seizure and an arrest in Peaceful Valley.
According to police reports, on Saturday at 10 am, authorities noticed a van driving erratically on Deep Valley Drive, off Kendall Road. After attempting to ticket the driver for running a stop sign, they followed the van until it stopped. The driver, later identified as 32-year-old Drew Michael Neilan (NEE-lan), fled to a nearby residence. Neilan was eventually taken into custody after a two-hour standoff.
A search of the van and residence revealed drugs, multiple cell phones, and drug paraphernalia. Neilan was charged with numerous violations including resisting arrest, obstructing a police officer, and two counts of attempting to elude a police vehicle.
He currently remains in custody at the Whatcom County jail.
STORY: Blaine School Board delays vote on proposed staffing cuts
The Blaine School Board has decided to delay a vote on proposed staffing cuts.
During the Monday board meeting, the decision was pushed to next week, after staff, teachers, and community members expressed concerns about increased workloads, and class sizes. Superintendent Christopher Granger said at the meeting that administrators would rather not cut staff, but they must balance the budget.
The proposed reductions would eliminate over 30 positions, but would help the district overcome an expected deficit of $2.5 million dollars. The cuts would include one grade K–5 principal, and two library tech support positions, among other reductions.
The plan has been tabled until Monday, giving the board more time to answer questions, and community members an opportunity to propose alternatives.
STORY: Whatcom County Libraries launching sensory kits in honor of Autism Acceptance Month
Whatcom County Library System announced it will celebrate Autism Acceptance month by providing sensory kits for visitors.
According to a recent release by the library system, Youth Services Assistant, Angelina Kuchar, proposed the idea of providing kits for those with autism to create a more inclusive and welcoming space for everyone. Noise reduction headphones, glare reducing sunglasses, a tangle fidget toy, and visual communication cards for non or minimally speaking children are included in each kit.
All Whatcom County libraries, outside of Bellingham, are equipped with one kit for children and adults to use while visiting. The sensory reduction kits can be located at the library information centers.
STORY: Van Zandt Dike will close to target shooting after public safety concerns
Two of Whatcom County’s unofficial recreational shooting areas are being closed.
Starting in May, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources will close the Van Zandt Dike area and Middle Fork System to target shooting. Road access to Van Zandt Dike will also close on that date. The closure comes after reports of public safety concerns and vandalism. According to the DNR, neighbors and law enforcement reported unsafe shooting practices within Van Zandt Dike, such as using targets without backstops, leading to bullets ending up in nearby residential areas. Reports of trash dumping, timber theft, and illegal camping have also been made.
Officials hope to have target shooting reinstated ahead of hunting season this fall. Both Van Zandt Dike and the Middle Fork System will remain open for other recreational activities.
STORY: Haggen brand to be sold off in proposed merger
C&S Wholesale Grocers may become the new owner of Haggen stores.
Under a revised divestiture plan resulting from Kroger’s proposed purchase of Albertsons Companies, C&S would acquire a total of 124 stores in Washington state, including those under the Haggen banner, along with the QFC brand. The divestiture aims to address antitrust concerns and enhance competition in overlapping areas.
According to a recent release from Kroger and Albertsons, the merger seeks to keep all stores open and maintain employment for frontline workers at existing benefit levels. However, earlier this year, Washington state sued to block the proposed merger, alleging it would harm consumers and raise prices. The Federal Trade Commission followed suit in February. Concerns have also been raised by a coalition of United Food and Commercial Workers Union locals regarding C&S’s lack of experience in retail operations and the potential repercussions on real estate.
Haggen was originally founded in Bellingham on Bay Street in 1933 and was the largest independent grocery retailer in the Pacific Northwest for many years, with locations in Washington and Oregon. The chain faced bankruptcy in 2014 and was subsequently acquired by Albertsons in 2016.
WX: Sun
Your Whatcom County weather – Today will be partly sunny with a high of 64 degrees. Rain clouds are expected late tonight, with a low of 46. Tomorrow more rain is projected, with temperatures lowering to below 60 degrees.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman, Kye Salinas (KEY suh-LEE-nus) and Tristan Trudell. 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 thanks for listening.
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STORY: Social Security expands rental subsidy
The Social Security Administration announced they will expand the rental subsidy policy for those on Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSI provides monthly payments to individuals with disabilities, blindness, or those aged 65 and older with limited income and resources to cover basic needs like rent, food, and medicine. The department says the rule aims to simplify and broaden rental subsidy policies nationwide, improve program equality and reduce administrative burden. The expanded policy will apply nationwide starting September 30th, and will potentially increase payment amounts and eligibility for many.
For more details on SSI eligibility and applications, visit the SSA website.
