Man accused in connection with June hate crime declared incompetent to stand trial, King County man pleads guilty to 2017 rape at Bellingham home, WSP searching for hit and run driver, Search continues for missing hiker in North Cascades, Bellingham’s upcoming Texas Roadhouse location announces October opening; currently hiring, Initiative on the ballot could slash state’s budget for childcare
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KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, August 20th. Good afternoon,
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STORY: Man accused in connection with June hate crime declared incompetent to stand trial
The man accused of assaulting a sixth-grade student in June has been declared incompetent to stand trial.
42-year-old Paul Bittner was originally charged with one count of a hate crime, and one count of second-degree assault of a child. Court records indicate that Bittner punched the 11-year-old Whatcom Middle School student as he and his class returned to school from a field trip. The boy suffered quote-unquote “immense pain” and a chipped tooth.
Bittner pleaded not guilty to the charges at his arraignment hearing June 21st, and subsequently was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation by a qualified expert designated by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. Bellingham neuropsychologist Dr. John Neer later diagnosed him with schizoaffective disorder. Bittner, who also allegedly exposed himself to female deputies during his incarceration, was, according to Neer, manic and psychotic during the evaluation. Judge Lee Grochmal, from Whatcom County Superior Court, determined the man was incompetent to stand trial.
Bittner is currently receiving treatment at Western State Hospital.
STORY: King County man pleads guilty to 2017 rape at Bellingham home
A SeaTac man pleaded guilty in Whatcom County Superior Court last Tuesday to the third-degree rape of an intoxicated Bellingham woman.
In 2017, 30-year-old Van Robert Wolfe attacked a woman he knew while in her Bellingham home. Court records show Wolfe was originally charged on January 5th, 2022 with one count of second-degree rape, before his charge was lowered in exchange for a guilty plea.
According to reporting by The Bellingham Herald, The Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is expected to recommend Wolfe serve six months in jail, with one year of probation. Additionally, Wolfe will also be required to register as a sex offender, participate in sexual deviancy treatment, and any other programs the Washington State Department of Corrections recommends. A five-year no-contact order between Wolfe and the woman is also expected to be recommended, court documents state.
According to court records, Wolfe’s standard range sentence is between six and 12 months in jail, with 12 months of probation.
Wolfe was taken into custody following his guilty plea last Tuesday, and will remain incarcerated in the Whatcom County Work Center until his sentencing hearing on October 3rd.
STORY: WSP searching for hit and run driver
The Washington State Patrol is investigating a serious hit-and-run collision that occurred on Mt. Baker Highway over the weekend.
On Saturday at around 4 p.m. near milepost 24, an unknown vehicle crossed the centerline and struck an orange 2024 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, causing it to crash on the eastbound shoulder and sending two people to the hospital. The vehicle then fled the scene heading eastbound. State patrol detectives are asking for help in locating a 2015-2021 white Nissan Murano.
Witnesses or anyone with information are urged to contact the State Patrol.
STORY: Search continues for missing hiker in North Cascades
The search continues for a hiker who is missing in the North Cascades.
39-year-old Robert Schock went hiking on July 31st and was last seen at the 5-mile mark of the Chilliwack River Trail with his dog, Freddy.
Schock’s mother, Jan Thompson, says she was contacted on August 4th by the Whatcom County Humane Society, because the dog had been found around the 8-mile mark by a forest ranger. Thompson reported her son missing the next day, after which Schock’s car was found at the trailhead, with his wallet on the dashboard.
According to a news release by the Sheriff’s office, deputies as well as North Cascades National Park Rangers searched the area on August 7th, August 15th and August 16th. Last Friday, US Border Patrol conducted both an air search and a ground search near where the dog was found.
According to the Sheriff’s Office public information officer Deb Slater, no clues were found in any of the searches.
Schock is described as being 5’10” with a muscular build. He has dark blue eyes, brown hair, a beard and usually wears a baseball cap. If you’ve seen Schock or have any information on his potential whereabouts, please call the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.
STORY: Bellingham’s upcoming Texas Roadhouse location announces October opening; currently hiring
The long-awaited Texas Roadhouse is set to open in early October at the former site of Billy McHale’s Restaurant on Meridian Street.
The restaurant recently announced it is looking to hire over 200 positions– both part and full time positions are available. Those who are interested should apply online.
STORY: Initiative on the ballot could slash state’s budget for childcare
Childcare costs are high in Washington state. An initiative on the ballot in November could slash the state’s budget for childcare and early learning. Reporter Eric Tegethoff has more.
CHILDCARE AUDIO 2:00
WX: Partly sunny
And now for your Whatcom County weather:
Today, expect showers on and off throughout the day, with highs around 70 and a chance of thunderstorms starting in the afternoon. The rain and storms will continue into the evening as temperatures drop to a low of 60. Tomorrow’s weather is expected to follow a similar pattern, however, no thunderstorms are projected until the evening.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman (COOL-mun), Carlee Schram (CAR-lee SHRAM), Tristan Trudell, Kyler Cantrell, Anna Vickers, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Paloma Ortiz, Anna Hedrick, and Miguel Garduno (MEE-gel gar-DOO-ño). 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 thank you for listening.
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