Whatcom Democrats board calls for County Executive Satpal Sidhu’s resignation, Lummi Island resident sues county and executive over ferry rate hike taking effect June 1, Western’s Fairhaven Complex sewer project expected to be completed this summer, Bellingham private school seeks approval for building renovation, Lawsuit partially settled for $8 million in Point Roberts carbon monoxide deaths, Lawsuit partially settled for $8 million in Point Roberts carbon monoxide deaths, Northwest Tune-Up announces 2024 music lineup, Kroger to pay WA $47.5 million over role in opioid crisis, Social Security expands rental subsidy
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STORY: Whatcom Democrats board calls for County Executive Satpal Sidhu’s resignation
Whatcom Democrats’ executive board has called for County Executive Satpal Sidhu to resign over his handling of sexual harassment allegations against former Public Works director Jon Hutchings.
Sidhu did not inform the County Council about the investigation or a subsequent $225,000 settlement with a female employee. Sidhu accepted responsibility but did not bring the issue before the council, citing adherence to policies and procedures. The letter from the Whatcom Dems accused Sidhu of prioritizing relationships over duty and called for resignation to uphold basic values. Sidhu’s actions, including providing a recommendation letter for Hutchings, were criticized for undermining trust and betraying shared values.
STORY: Lummi Island resident sues county and executive over ferry rate hike taking effect June 1
A Lummi Island resident is suing Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu, Public Works Department Director Elizabeth Kosa, and Whatcom County over a ferry rate hike taking effect on June first.
Last Tuesday, Peter Earle filed for an injunction against the increase, based on his claim that county officials were incorrectly calculating costs on the ferry to justify the raise in rates.
According to the Whatcom County code, fares are meant to generate enough revenue on an annual basis to cover 55 percent of the ferry’s operating costs. Earle’s lawsuit claims the county violated the code and the county charter by including both emergency repair and real estate leasing fees as operational costs, rather than capital costs.
Earle is seeking a temporary and permanent injunction to halt the fare increases from going into effect. He is also seeking a court order to prevent the county from charging anything other than regular and routine maintenance as operating costs.
A hearing is set for 1:30 pm on Friday.
STORY: Western’s Fairhaven Complex sewer project expected to be completed this summer
Western Washington University sewage repairs to be completed this summer.
According to Westerns’s construction coordinator, Andy Hansen, ongoing repairs to the Fairhaven Complex sewer lines will be completed this summer. After complaints from residents last October of a foul smell around the Fairhaven Complex and The Outback Farm, a hole in the sewage pipes was found in December by Fairhaven Complex Stack 3. The sewage leak has caused frequent disruptions to residents’ daily lives and sewage backups within the dorms.
The project will be completed in three phases in hopes of minimizing impact on campus residents. Water shut offs and more disruptions will continue during construction. Western says it will notify residents in advance when water shut offs will occur.
STORY: Bellingham private school seeks approval for building renovation
A Bellingham private school is currently seeking approval for a renovation.
Franklin Academy, a Pre-K through 8 school located in the Columbia neighborhood, is proposing a two-story addition to one of its buildings. According to Head of School Gretchen Bucsko (BUS-ko), the outdated infrastructure in Robin Hall is no longer meeting the needs of their students. Classrooms are being shared, and some rooms have infrastructure damage.
According to reporting from the Bellingham Herald, concerns have been raised about the impact on traffic and parking during a neighborhood meeting last year. However, Cascadia Daily News says no substantial public comment was heard during yesterday’s meeting.
Bucsko said the school doesn’t have a timeline yet for the build but hopes construction will begin within the next two years. Hearing Examiner Sharon Rice said she expects to release a decision on the permit in May.
STORY: Lawsuit partially settled for $8 million in Point Roberts carbon monoxide deaths
Whatcom County Superior Court Judge Robert Olson recently approved a settlement in a Whatcom County couple’s death from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Murray Church, 67, and Gail Amundsen, 61, were found deceased in their Point Roberts residence on Thanksgiving Day in 2021 due to carbon monoxide exposure from a faulty boiler installation. The settlement, totaling $8 million, involves Ferndale-based Andgar Mechanical and contractors Optimum Contracting and Shoreline Electrical Services. Andgar will pay $6 million, while Optimum and Shoreline will each pay $1 million.
The settlement was deemed reasonable by Judge Olson, considering various factors including damages suffered by the plaintiffs and the defendants’ ability to pay. A second lawsuit against Triangle Tube and Whatcom County, which were not part of the settlement, will proceed.
STORY: Northwest Tune-Up announces 2024 music lineup
Northwest Tune-Up Festival announced this year’s music line-up.
The Festival located on the Bellingham Waterfront will run July 12th-14th and features live music, regional and national biking and outdoors brands, competitions at the pump track, and live art. This year, the headlining acts will be extended to 90 minutes and the festival will include free music from local bands.
Bluegrass group “Yonder Mountain String Band” will headline opening night on Friday. Saturday’s show will feature Rapper Lupe Fiasco and Sunday’s headliner, electronica artist RJD2, will close the weekend festivities. Other artists announced in the lineup include Indigo De Souza (SOO-zuh), Saxsquatch and Bellingham-based Tom Petty tribute band Petty or Not.
Early bird tickets for the Northwest Tune-Up Festival are on sale now through April 30th.
STORY: Kroger to pay WA $47.5 million over role in opioid crisis
The grocery chain Kroger is slated to pay the state of Washington $47.5 million for its role in the opioid epidemic.
The lawsuit is part of a wave of legal actions taken by the state of Washington and other state governments to hold companies to account for their part in the spiraling opioid crisis. Washington State argued that Kroger, along with Albertsons and Rite Aid, failed to act as a check against the overprescription of opioids.
The money, to be paid out over 11 years, will be used to fight the opioid epidemic. Half the money will go to the state and half to local governments, to be directed toward improving treatment options, educating youth and supporting first responders.
The lawsuit against Albertsons and Rite Aid is still ongoing.
WX: Rain
Your Whatcom County weather – There will be rain all day today with moderate winds and a high of 55 degrees. The rain will continue overnight with a low of 48. Tomorrow will bring even more precipitation.
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.
