Heat advisory in place for virtually all of western WA, Bellingham woman arrested in connection with boyfriend’s child sexual abuse charges, Whatcom names next head of Health and Community Services, Ferndale City Council to hear voter registration status challenge for council candidate, Appeals court rules that state officials can inspect Tacoma ICE detention center for compliance with health and safety standards, Free, cheap, hot, ‘n crispy, Lynden police chief confirms retirement, prompting search for replacement, Free or Cheap (Kill 9/12)
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KMRE brings you local news for Friday, August 22nd. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.
STORY: Heat advisory in place for virtually all of western WA
A heat advisory is in effect for most of western Washington through early Tuesday morning.
The National Weather Service says that high temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to the 90s are expected across Whatcom and Skagit counties, with lows in the 60s at night. Calm winds are expected to provide some relief.
Everyone is urged to stay hydrated and check on neighbors, especially those who don’t have air conditioning. As always, children and pets should never be left unattended in cars. Finally, if you see someone experiencing symptoms of a heat stroke — such as not sweating, nausea, and flushed skin — call 9-1-1 immediately and move the person to a cool, shaded area.
STORY: Bellingham woman arrested in connection with boyfriend’s child sexual abuse charges
A Bellingham woman has been charged in connection with the sexual exploitation of a teenage girl.
36-year-old Courtney Jean Bartilson was arrested by Bellingham Police last Friday on charges of promoting the commercial sexual abuse of a child and conspiracy to commit rape of a child.
Police say Bartilson knew that her boyfriend, 41-year-old Ben Christopher Spencer, was exchanging explicit messages and photos with the teen earlier this year, and that she encouraged the behavior instead of reporting it. Court records allege Bartilson later demanded money from Spencer, threatening to go to police if he did not pay.
Spencer was arrested in April and faces multiple child exploitation charges. Bartilson remains in Whatcom County Jail on $100,000 bond, with an arraignment set for next Friday.
STORY: Bloedel-Donovan Park playground to close for renovations
The playground at Bloedel Donovan Park will be closed for upgrades starting on Monday.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Bellingham Parks and Recreation said the new playground will have, “separate equipment for tots and school aged kids, and feature slides, climbers, steppers, swings, nooks, and access ramps”. The upgraded park will also feature improved accessibility and fall surfacing.
The city says the current playground was installed in 1999. The updated playground is expected to open this October.
STORY: Whatcom names next head of Health and Community Services
Whatcom County Health and Community Services has appointed a new director.
The county announced yesterday that Champ Thomaskutty, currently a deputy health officer in Maryland, is expected to start at the end of October, pending county council confirmation.
He will oversee more than 150 employees and a $64 million budget, following months of interim leadership after former director Erika Lautenbach’s firing in March. County Executive Satpal Sidhu says Thomaskutty brings strong leadership, management skills, and a commitment to public health.
The County Council is set to vote on his appointment September 9th.
STORY: Ferndale City Council to hear voter registration status challenge for council candidate
Whatcom County Elections has scheduled a public hearing over a voter registration challenge tied to a Ferndale City Council race.
The challenge was filed by Norman Glenn Stewart against council candidate Steven Dale Potvin, questioning whether Potvin’s registration at his downtown Ferndale business address is valid. Stewart argues zoning rules do not allow anyone to live there, but state law requires only that a voter’s registration reflect their permanent physical residence.
Potvin, who switched his registration earlier this year, says the challenge is an attempt to keep him off the ballot, but will not affect his candidacy.
The Canvassing Board hearing is set for 10 a.m. on Monday at the Whatcom County Courthouse.
STORY: Appeals court rules that state officials can inspect Tacoma ICE detention center for compliance with health and safety standards
Washington state has won its fight to regulate the Tacoma ICE facility.
In a major federal court ruling on Tuesday, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower court decision, allowing a 2023 state law to move forward. That law allows state agencies to conduct unannounced inspections and requires the for-profit facility to meet stricter standards — including fresh food, temperature control, mental health care, and free communication for detainees.
The Seattle Times reports the center, run by Florida-based GEO Group, has faced years of abuse and neglect allegations. The company argued the state rules go beyond its federal contract, which is worth at least $700 million over a decade.
Violations under the new law could bring fines up to $10,000 each.
The state Department of Health praised the ruling, saying it can now better respond to complaints and work toward safer conditions.
No word yet on when inspections will begin.
STORY: Free, cheap, hot, ‘n crispy
It’s Friday – if you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s a bit of what’s going on around the county.
The Bellingham Symphony Orchestra is teaming up with the Pickford Film Center in an event combining outdoor cinema with live music. The event is Sunset Flicks, and it takes place tonight starting at 7:30 p.m. outside the Pickford’s Bay Street location. The free, family-friendly event will feature five silent films — including Buster Keaton’s One Week, and George Méliès’ [MAIL-yace] A Trip to the Moon — as well as attractions including a raffle and local food trucks. Audience members are encouraged to bring folding chairs for the occasion.
Edgewater Park in Mount Vernon will host their Pride celebration tomorrow from noon to 4 p.m. The all-ages event, presented by the nonprofit Skagit Queer, will begin with a Pride Walk. The ensuing festival will feature attractions ranging from drag performances to kite flying. Attendees are encouraged to bring sunscreen, friends, family, allies, and picnic supplies.
Finally, Stones Throw Brewery at Larrabee Avenue will host Stonestock — the brewery’s salute to the seminal Woodstock festival — tomorrow from 3-to-6 p.m. The event, which is free to attend, will feature live music from Craig’s Planet Groove, food from Galley-2-Go, creative vendors, tarot, and cookies.
WX: DON’T TOUCH THE PAVEMENT! DON’T TOUCH THE AIR! DON’T TOUCH A N Y T H I N G !
And now weather:
An extreme heat warning is in effect from 11 A.M. today until early Tuesday morning, with highs projected in the mid-to-high 80s the entire time. Expect clear skies and a U.V. index rating of 6. Although, this evening should start off with lows in the mid-50s.
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 __David Korb_______… thanks for listening!
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STORY: Lynden police chief confirms retirement, prompting search for replacement
Lynden Police are on the search for their next leader.
Police Chief Steve Taylor confirmed to My Bellingham Now that he’s retiring at the end of the month. Taylor, who’s worked for Lynden Police for nearly six years, is returning to his home state of Arkansas, where he’ll work as an attorney for the state’s Department of Public Safety.
The City of Lynden has posted a job listing for police chief on its website. Applicants must have at least ten years of experience in law enforcement, with at least five years in senior or executive-level management. Applications are due by September 19th, with first consideration given to applications received by the 5th.
STORY: Certain North Cascades trailheads to be closed for infrastructure repairs over next month
The U.S. Forest Service says hikers hoping to catch fall colors along State Route 20 should plan ahead.
Several popular trailhead parking areas in the North Cascades will close through September for repairs.
The Washington Pass Overlook and Bridge Creek Trailhead will be closed until September 7th, and both the Rainy Pass Picnic Area and Rainy Pass North — including access to the Pacific Crest Trail — will be shut down from September 8th through the 25th.
Officials warn that parking alternatives are extremely limited, restrooms will be closed, and parking along the highway is dangerous and ticketed. The work, funded by the Great American Outdoors Act, should be complete in time for peak larch season.
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.
