Bellingham woman sentenced for 2021 murder of Langley man, Lynden School District to hold town hall discussing upcoming capital levy election, Skagit County to add fifth judge to Superior Court bench, WA lawmakers decry “reckless, unhinged” comments by President Trump on Iran, High diesel prices impact local farmers, Recall measure underway for Ferguson for failing to fill vacant seats on state campaign finance board, Dirty Dan Harris steakhouse finally reopens, Major roadwork project in Everson set to begin this week (run 4/13 or /14), St. Joseph’s receives $10 million dollar donation, FREE or CHEAP, Celebrate Earth Day with us, 32nd Annual Spring Garage Sale, Antiques, Crafts and More!
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KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, April, 8th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Bellingham woman sentenced for 2021 murder of Langley man
A Bellingham woman has been sentenced to more than 23 years in prison for a 2021 murder.
Sixty-seven-year-old Lynda Clare Mercy was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of Thomas Flood of Langley. Prosecutors say Mercy shot Flood twice in Coupeville and then drove his body to Blaine, where it was later found near Semiahmoo Spit.
In court, family members described Flood as a kind man and as someone who is deeply missed, calling his death a “permanent hole” in their lives.
Judge Robert Olson imposed a 280-month sentence, citing the severity of the crime and lack of remorse, despite defense arguments pointing to Mercy’s history of trauma and mental illness.
STORY: Lynden School District to hold town hall discussing upcoming capital levy election
The Lynden School District is hosting a town hall on Thursday to discuss a proposed capital levy ahead of this month’s special election.
The school district has proposed three bond measures since early 2024, failing each time. The new measure is a twenty-five-and-a-half million dollar levy that, according to the district, will focus on expanding and maintaining existing schools rather than building a new high school.
The measure would require a simple majority to pass. If approved, the levy would raise property taxes by almost $1.10 per one-thousand dollars of assessed value.
The town hall begins at 6:40 p.m. at the district office, with ballots set to be mailed out today.
STORY: Skagit County to add fifth judge to Superior Court bench
Skagit County will add a new Superior Court judge.
A bill signed into law last month allows the county to expand to a five-judge bench, matching Whatcom County. Yakima County was also authorized to add another judge.
In an announcement, Skagit County says it has already secured funding for the position and is now accepting applications. Interested candidates must submit application materials, including a questionnaire, resume, and letters of recommendation by August 3rd.
STORY: WA lawmakers decry “reckless, unhinged” comments by President Trump on Iran
Washington state lawmakers are sharply condemning President Trump after a dramatic escalation — and sudden de-escalation — in tensions with Iran.
Democrats, including Senator Patty Murray and Representative Adam Smith, called the president’s threats reckless and unhinged, after Trump warned yesterday morning that “a whole civilization” would die last night if Iran did not capitulate by his evening deadline. Later in the day, Trump announced a pause in military action, followed by a reported ceasefire.
Members of Congress say they will now push for a new vote to limit U.S. military involvement, as the conflict continues to divide lawmakers — and amplify fears here at home.
STORY: High diesel prices impact local farmers
Rising fuel costs tied to the conflict in Iran are hitting Washington farmers at a critical time.
As diesel prices surge past record highs, growers say the spike is driving up costs just as spring planting ramps up across the state. Mark Richardson has more.
[WA Diesel WANS audio, 1:38]
STORY: Recall measure underway for Ferguson for failing to fill vacant seats on state campaign finance board
A recall effort is targeting Washington Governor Bob Ferguson.
An attorney filed the petition this week, accusing Ferguson of violating state law by failing to appoint members to the Washington Public Disclosure Commission. The vacancies mean the panel lacks enough members to take official action.
With just three of five seats filled, the commission has already been forced to cancel key business, raising concerns ahead of this year’s election cycle.
The governor’s office says it is working to fill the vacancies. Critics, however, warn the delay could undermine oversight of campaign finance enforcement.
STORY: Dirty Dan Harris steakhouse finally reopens
A popular Fairhaven steakhouse is sizzling again.
Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse has reopened under new management, nearly two-and-a-half years after a 2023 fire forced the longtime restaurant to close.
The fire caused heavy water and smoke damage, and shut down the business while the building underwent repairs. New co‑owner Steve Marandola and his business partner, Heather Everett, purchased and renovated the restaurant; however, the reopening was delayed by new bar installations and a Whatcom County health inspection.
Marandola told the Bellingham Herald he chose not to advertise ahead of time, opting instead to “turn on the sign and open the doors” yesterday to avoid overwhelming the kitchen and waitstaff on day one.
The steakhouse has been a Fairhaven fixture for more than 50 years. It’s named after Daniel “Dirty Dan” Harris — an alcohol smuggler credited with establishing the town in 1883.
WX: Mmmmmm, das nice
And now for the weather:
We’re keepin’ the streak alive with another day of sun. Temperatures are expected to continue their slow rise today, reaching highs in the upper-50s. This evening, expect a cool, clear night with lows around 40 degrees.
Tired of the sunshine? Us neither! Blue skies and highs in the 60s are expected 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, Bella Farris, and Jenny Lam. 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!
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STORY: Major roadwork project in Everson set to begin this week (run 4/13 or /14)
STORY: St. Joseph’s receives $10 million dollar donation
Bellingham’s St. Joseph Medical Center has received a major boost to its expansion efforts.
The hospital foundation announced a $10 million donation from local business leaders Fred Kaiser and Grace Borsari, helping push its Stronger Together campaign past the $100 million mark.
The funding will support a new emergency department, a rooftop helipad and expanded maternity and pediatric services.
Hospital leaders say the upgrades aim to improve capacity, patient flow and access to care across Whatcom County and the surrounding region.
FREE or CHEAP
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
