Deming man sentenced to 13 years for possession of child pornography, Man struck, killed by train identified, Port of Bellingham plans to hire national recruiting firm to aid in replacing executive director, Port considers expanding Board of Commissioners, Concealed carry licenses in WA spike after passing of mandated permit law, LGBTQ-owned businesses in gaining govt. Contracts, Several diseased or dead trees removed from Chestnut Street, Bat tests positive for rabies in Skagit County, Gov. Ferguson announces program to aid majority ??, Free or Cheap (Kill 9/12)
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KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, August 14th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Deming man sentenced to 13 years for possession of child pornography
A Deming man has been sentenced to over 13 years in federal prison for possessing tens of thousands of violent child sexual abuse images.
Federal prosecutors say 47-year-old Robert Howell Jr. was convicted in April after investigators linked his IP address to a child exploitation website flagged by foreign authorities in 2019.
As reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, a 2020 search of Howell’s home uncovered more than 90,000 files across 75 devices, including graphic material involving very young children.
A federal judge called Howell a danger to the community, and noted his lack of remorse. He was also ordered to pay $141,000 in restitution to 47 child victims, and will be on supervised release for 20 years following his prison term.
The case was prosecuted as part of the DOJ’s Project Safe Childhood initiative.
STORY: Man struck, killed by train identified
A 61-year-old man was struck and killed by a BNSF freight train in Bellingham.
Police say the incident happened on August 6th at the Harris Avenue crossing. The victim, identified by the medical examiner as David L. Battles, was unhoused. His cause of death was listed as multiple blunt force injuries.
According to The Bellingham Herald, investigators are still trying to determine why Battles was on the tracks. BNSF says the crossing was equipped with gates, lights, and bells. No injuries were reported among the train crew.
STORY: Port of Bellingham plans to hire national recruiting firm to aid in replacing executive director
The Port of Bellingham is casting a wide net to find its next executive director — but the hire likely will not happen until late November or beyond.
The port is launching a national search to replace Rob Fix, who was fired in June after more than a decade in the role. Commissioners said they’re looking for a “new vision” for the port’s future — including the waterfront, airport, and shipping terminal.
According to the Cascadia Daily News, the top candidate to lead the search is CPS HR Recruiting, a national firm whose process would take about 16 weeks and cost up to $35,000.
In the meantime, Tiffany DeSimone, the port’s maritime director, is serving as interim executive director.
Commissioners are also weighing the idea of eventually hiring a second executive-level position to handle day-to-day operations, allowing the future director to focus more on strategy and public engagement. The deputy would be selected by the new executive director after they’re hired.
STORY: Port considers expanding Board of Commissioners
This November, Whatcom County voters will vote to expand the Port of Bellingham Board of Commissioners from three members to five. KMRE’s Paul Meyer asked Port Commissioner Michael Shepherd why he thought expanding the number of commissioners was necessary.
Shepherd said with the current 3-man commission, no two commissioners can text, go for a walk, or collaborate outside of an open public meeting, due to state law that requires two members for a quorum
[CLIP: Shepherd.wav, :23, out: are listening]
To hear the entire interview with Shepard, tune to KMRE’s Love Your Waterfront today at 5:30.
STORY: Concealed carry licenses in WA spike after passing of mandated permit law
More Washingtonians are arming themselves — and fast.
The number of concealed pistol licenses in Washington state is rising sharply, just as a new state law will soon require a permit to purchase a firearm. According to the Washington State Standard, over 14,000 new concealed carry licenses have been issued in just the first seven months of 2025 — more than double last year’s total. While King, Pierce and Snohomish counties saw the largest increases, Whatcom County also reported a spike in license holders.
Overall, the number of active concealed pistol licenses has soared to over 713,000 — about one for every 11 people in the state.
Gun rights advocates say the surge is a direct response to new restrictions. A new law requiring would-be gun buyers to complete certified firearms training and get a five-year state permit — on top of existing background checks — will take effect in 2027.
Critics call the law burdensome, while supporters argue it improves safety and keeps guns out of the wrong hands.
STORY: LGBTQ-owned businesses in gaining govt. Contracts Small businesses that are majority LGBTQ-owned can now qualify for certification with the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises under a new statewide initiative announced last week.
OMWBE-certified companies get listed in the office’s official directory, which schools, contractors, city and county governments, and other agencies consult when seeking local and diverse organizations with which
to do business. In addition, Washington provides various incentives to encourage contracting with certified organizations.
In a statement released last Thursday, Governor Bob Ferguson said that this is, quote, “a particularly important moment to show our support as a state for the LGBTQ community”, unquote.
In support of the governor’s statement, OMWBE Director Lekha (LEE-cuh) Fernandes noted that this will be one of the first statewide LGBT Business Enterprise programs in the nation. Additionally, Matt Landers, King County Secretary of the Washington State LGBTQ Commission, expressed the
hope that actions like this can, quote, “help move the needle toward a fairer economy for all Washingtonians,” unquote.
Businesses can find more information, eligibility requirements, and application materials on the OMWBE website.
STORY: Mabel the cow is in her new home
The Marvelous Miss Mabel — turning a wild escape into a forever home.
Last August, Whatcom County’s famous cattle fugitive broke free from a livestock trailer on her way to auction, near the intersection of Hannegan Road and Bakerview Drive — and vanished.
For nine weeks, the five-month-old calf survived alone — crossing roads, finding shelter, and avoiding other animals — until she was lured by
Whatcom Humane Society staff into a trip-wired trailer filled with hay and sweet grain in October, ending her life on the run.
According to farm caretaker Kami Steinbach, Mabel’s curious, smart, still cautious, and can be quite sassy, although she’s still understandably wary of strangers.
Last Saturday — referred to as “Mooving Day,” by Laura Clark, the humane society’s executive director — Mabel rode a ferry to the Heaven on Earth Animal Retirement Sanctuary in Friday Harbor, where pasture mates Daphne and Pepper greeted her instantly — bringing happy tears as she kicked up her heels, sassy and free, in her forever home.
For Mabel, the chase is over — and the best life has just begun.
WX: Summer of ‘Bout 69
And now for the weather:
We’re looking at an intermittent mix of clouds and sun today, with highs in the upper-60s. Be prepared for a slight chance of showers as the evening rolls in, picking up significantly at night. Speaking of the evening, nighttime lows are projected right around 60 degrees.
The rain is expected to linger in force tomorrow, with up to three-quarters of an inch of precipitation falling throughout the day, culminating in chances for an evening thunderstorm.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THARE-un) Danielson, Cody Mills, Aidan Larson, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), Bella Mae, Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee), Nate Landi (LAND-ee) and Hailey LeRoy (luh-ROY). 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. Check out our Patreon page or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _________, and thank you for listening!
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STORY: Several diseased or dead trees removed from Chestnut Street A stretch of chestnut trees lining Chestnut Street were cut down last weekend.
Kelsey Thomas, the City of Bellingham’s Assistant Communications and Community Outreach Director, told My Bellingham Now that the city’s park arborist found two of these trees to be completely dead, with a few others showing serious signs of disease and decline. Thomas said that appropriate street trees will be replanted this fall.
Parks Operations Manager Steven Janiszewski told My Bellingham Now that there are no plans to remove additional chestnut trees, but that the health of the remaining trees will be monitored.
While the reason for the trees’ sickness is unknown, Whatcom Million Trees Executive Director Sarah Hutton pointed out in an email to My Bellingham Now that urban street trees generally undergo more stress due to exposure to pollution, as well as their roots being constrained by the infrastructure around them. The high heat days and drought brought by climate change can also make these trees particularly vulnerable to diseases.
STORY: Bat tests positive for rabies in Skagit County
A rabid bat found in a child’s bedroom has prompted swift action from Skagit County health officials.
Uncertain whether their child or pets had contact with the bat, the family alerted Skagit County Public Health. The bat tested positive for rabies on Monday after being submitted to the state lab.
It’s the first confirmed rabid bat in Skagit County this year and the fourth statewide in 2025. The family was advised to seek medical care due to potential exposure.
While bats play an important role in the ecosystem, officials urge residents not to touch them. If a bat is found indoors—especially near people or pets—call public health immediately for guidance.
STORY: Public records suit filed against City of Blaine A new lawsuit accuses the city of Blaine of stonewalling public records requests and hiding environmental documents.
The Northern Light reports Geoffrey Baker — using the name Otto Pointer — filed the civil suit last week in Whatcom County Superior Court on behalf of the Blaine Water Coalition. It alleges repeated violations of Washington’s Public Records Act and seeks penalties, attorney’s fees, and reforms.
A vocal critic of recent housing developments in east Blaine, Baker and the Blaine Water Coalition have allegedly flooded the city with records requests. City officials say the demands have strained staff and cost taxpayers thousands.
Baker is also asking the court to seal his name, citing anti-SLAPP protections, though his identity is already public. A hearing on that matter is set for August 22.
STORY: Gov. Ferguson announces program to aid majority ??
STORY: Free or Cheap (Kill 9/12)
https://www.whatcomcd.org/run-with-the-chums — Sat, Sept. 13
Mark your calendars for the 13th Annual Run with the Chums on September 13th at BP Highlands in Birch Bay.
This free, family-friendly 5K fun run celebrates salmon, clean water, and community. All ages and paces are welcome, and the scenic course offers stunning views of Whatcom County’s shoreline.
Kids 10 and under can enjoy the Smolt Sprint obstacle course starting at 9:30 a.m., with the 5K kicking off at 10.
Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m.—arrive early for a free T-shirt while supplies last.
