Man arrested following attempted shooting in Bellingham’s Silver Beach neighborhood, Investigation into strange odor in Bellingham apartment yields no drug findings, resident arrested on unrelated warrants, Whatcom health officials issue health warning in wake of pertussis outbreak in higher education setting, State to end funding for library program serving over 4,000 Whatcom children, City of Bellingham to pay $425k in settlement over water main damage claim, Coalition of sheriffs file lawsuit over new oversight law, Major roadwork project in Everson set to begin this week (run 4/13 or /14), Spokane rep and lead WA Democrat budget writer will not seek reelection, FREE or CHEAP, Free tree saplings for Bellingham community member
Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, April, 7th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Man arrested following attempted shooting in Bellingham’s Silver Beach neighborhood
Bellingham Police have arrested a 30-year-old man accused of firing a gun at another man during a confrontation on Northshore Drive.
According to a press release, officers responded to reports of gunshots on Saturday night. The victim said an argument turned physical before the suspect retrieved a gun and fired twice as he walked away. No one was injured. The suspect was taken into custody on Sunday night near the Whatcom County Jail. According to reports, he told officers he planned to turn himself in.
The man now faces possible charges of first-degree assault with a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, and reckless endangerment. He had yet to be formally charged as of yesterday.
STORY: Investigation into strange odor in Bellingham apartment yields no drug findings, resident arrested on unrelated warrants Emergency crews responded to a report of a chemical odor at the Lincoln Square apartments on Saturday.
Officials with the Bellingham Police say the report triggered a hazmat response and the temporary evacuation of the fourth floor. While initial concerns pointed to possible drug activity, investigators later determined the source was likely bear spray released in a hallway by a tenant experiencing behavioral issues.
One man with unrelated warrants was arrested. The building was then ventilated and cleared.
STORY: Whatcom health officials issue health warning in wake of pertussis outbreak in higher education setting
Whatcom County health officials say they are investigating a cluster of pertussis — also known as whooping cough — linked to Western Washington University.
According to Whatcom County Health and Community Services, the highly contagious respiratory illness is on the rise locally. 15 cases have been reported so far this year; 189 were reported last year. While most people in the U.S. have had childhood vaccinations against the disease, health experts say immunity may fade over time — even in vaccinated adults. In addition, infants face the greatest risk of severe illness or death from whooping cough.
The Health Department says the Tdap vaccine remains the best protection against pertussis.
STORY: State to end funding for library program serving over 4,000 Whatcom children
An iconic free library’s existence in Washington is now under threat.
The latest state budget will stop offering matching funds for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library on June 30th. Presently, half of the program’s funding comes from local Imagination Library partners, while the rest comes from the state.
The program provides free books for children from low-income families from birth to age five, and aims to promote literacy skills and school readiness. United Way runs the Whatcom County program which serves around 4,500 kids at a monthly cost of $12,000.
United Way President and CEO Kristi Birkeland (BURKLAND) promises to do everything possible to keep the program going through donations.
STORY: City of Bellingham to pay $425k in settlement over water main damage claim
Two water‑main breaks in Bellingham’s Edgemoor neighborhood have led to a major payout by the city.
The City Council voted unanimously on March 23rd to authorize Mayor Kim Lund to settle with homeowners Troy and Adrienne Haskell (AYE-dree-un HAS-kull) for the amount of $425,000. The money will come from the city’s water fund.
The Bellingham Herald reports an aging pipe caused the first break in November, and heavy rain contributed to a second break in December. Both incidents flooded the Haskells’ home on Bayside Road, and damaged living areas, flooring, cabinetry, and the property’s embankment.
Public Works has added a larger stretch of the water main on Bayside Road to its priority replacement list.
STORY: Coalition of sheriffs file lawsuit over new oversight law
Four Eastern Washington sheriffs are suing the state over a new law they say could remove them from office.
The Seattle Times reports the lawsuit was filed on Friday, two days after Governor Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5974. The measure ties an elected sheriff’s ability to serve to their state peace‑officer certification — something the sheriffs argue violates the state and U.S. constitutions.
Pend Oreille (pond-duh-RAY) Sheriff Glenn Blakeslee, Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels (KNOWLES), Stevens County Sheriff Brad Manke (MAN-key), and Ferry County Sheriff Ray Maycumber (muh-COME-ber) are the plaintiffs. They say the law shifts power away from voters because a decertification could force a sheriff out without a recall.
The law also sets new minimum qualifications for sheriffs and police chiefs, including five years of experience and a background check.
A hearing is set for April 16th.
STORY: AG’s office warns residents of uptick in fraudulent investment schemes on Meta-owned social media platforms
Attorney General Nick Brown is warning Washingtonians of the increased use of deep fakes and AI in investment scams.
According to the AG’s office, scammers use fake videos of famous people without their permission to lure consumers into buying cryptocurrencies or low-priced stocks. There has been an increase in such content on Meta platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp.
Once a consumer clicks on the post, they are pressured into moving the conversation into encrypted platforms, such as Telegram. They are then placed into group chats with fake experts putting up fake testimonials.
Attorney General Brown advises users to keep their friends list, photos, and posts private so that they are not easily accessible to scammers. Users are also advised to always verify a financial professional’s identity through the Washington Department of Financial Institutions before conducting any money transfers.
WX: Not so fast, Eager McBeaver
And now for the weather:
Riding high on the warm sunshine? Today might curb those good feelings juuuuuust a skosche (SKOWSH).
Highs today should drop down into the mid-50s, but we should expect to see sunshine on and off throughout the day with occasional clouds. Tonight, expect clear skies and low temperatures in the mid-30s, occasionally dropping below freezing.
Clear skies and warm sunshine dominate the forecast again tomorrow.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRAH-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), Austin Wright, Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee), Kieran (KEAR-un) 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 _________… thanks for listening!
##
STORY: Major roadwork project in Everson set to begin this week (run 4/13 or /14)
STORY: Spokane rep and lead WA Democrat budget writer will not seek reelection
FREE or CHEAP
Free tree saplings for Bellingham community members As part of our efforts to grow Bellingham’s tree canopy, we are continuing our beloved tree giveaway program this spring. Find us at the Bellingham Farmers Market on April 4, the Sunnyland Earth Day event on April 18, and our volunteer work party on April 25. Available species may include cascara, paper birch, and other native trees – while supplies last! Learn more about our Community Tree Programs.
Celebrate Earth Day with us
Save the date for Earth Day on April 22! The City is hosting several events throughout April to celebrate, including:
● Free First Friday at the Whatcom Museum with activities around the new exhibition, Painted Forest: The Science and Beauty of Petrified Wood
● Earth-themed Children’s Storytimes with the Bellingham Public Library
● Volunteer work party to improve water quality and habitat at Squalicum Creek
● A recycling drop-off event for hard-to-recycle items – bring your sensitive documents for shredding, electronic waste, batteries, and used athletic sneakers
● A tour of our recently completed Padden Creek fish passage project
Check out a full list of events with details online.
32nd Annual Spring Garage Sale, Antiques, Crafts and More!
Looking for unique items, great food and local music? Come to the 32nd Annual Spring Garage Sale, Antiques, Crafts and More, happening this Friday and Saturday, April 10th and 11th. Visitors can shop through over 190 vendors, grab a bite to eat from seven food vendors and enjoy live musical performances each day. On Saturday only there will be free kids activities, and staring at 9:00 am Skagit County EMS will have a booth inside the event with a limited supply of 100 FREE kids bicycle helmets to give out while supplies last. A big THANK YOU to North Region EMS Trauma Care Council for providing this resource to our community.
April 10 & 11
Friday & Saturday Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm
$5 Admission; Kid’s 12 and under FREE
$5 onsite parking available
Skagit County Fairgrounds
501 Taylor Street
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
For the full list of food vendors and entertainment schedule, visit www.skagitcounty.net/garagesale
Residents of Whatcom County can safely and responsibly dispose of old or leftover household paint at a Free Paint Collection & Recycling Event. The event will take place on Saturday, May 2, in Lynden. https://www.whatcomcounty.us//CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=5453
Leave a Reply