Bellingham man pleads guilty on multiple rape charges, including those of his younger sisters, Authorities identify cyclist killed in Saturday’s train collision, Ferndale mother sentenced to four years in prison in daughter’s manslaughter trial, North Cascades Highway reopens after mudslide, Easy Fire still growing, Easy Fire still growing, Updated COVID-19 vaccine approved by FDA
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KMRE brings you local news for Friday, August 23rd. Good afternoon,
I’m _David Korb_____.
STORY: Bellingham man pleads guilty on multiple rape charges, including those of his younger sisters
A Bellingham man pled guilty yesterday to three child assault charges in Whatcom County Superior Court.
32-year-old Brian Drake is accused of raping his younger sisters over a seven-year period. He pled guilty to one count of first-degree rape of a child, one count of first-degree incest, and one count of second-degree child molestation during the seven-minute hearing.
According to the amended information document showing the charges, the crimes took place between 2004 and 2009 when the victims were between the ages of 4 and 11. Court documents show that Drake was arrested almost a year ago and during an interview with law enforcement he admitted to the abuse of his sisters.
Following the completion of a pre-sentencing evaluation, Drake is expected back in court for sentencing in 60 days.
His brother, Aaron Drake, is facing similar charges for a child sex crime case in Billings, Montana where he is accused of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl who was known to him.
Aaron Drake is expected to have a change in plea hearing next Wednesday.
STORY: Authorities identify cyclist killed in Saturday’s train collision
A bicyclist who died last Saturday after being struck by a train has been identified.
According to a city of Ferndale news release, 54-year-old Rodney Redfern died after he rode into a railroad crossing bar on Hovander Road and was thrown into the path of the moving train.
Redfern’s cause of death has been ruled an accident by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
STORY: Ferndale mother sentenced to four years in prison in daughter’s manslaughter trial
A mother from Ferndale, was sentenced to four years in prison for the manslaughter of her 5-year-old daughter, Olivia Doane, who died from a fentanyl overdose in March of last year.
Melissa Welch, who expressed deep remorse during the emotional court hearing, is the third person sentenced in connection with Olivia’s death. Olivia’s father, Michael Doane, was also sentenced to four years in July for second-degree manslaughter.
The girl was found dead with a lethal amount of fentanyl in her system, and drugs were discovered throughout the home, including near children’s toys. Welch admitted to failing to protect her daughter and was sentenced to a longer term than the state recommended, as the judge emphasized accountability for her actions.
STORY: North Cascades Highway reopens after mudslide, Easy Fire still growing
State Route 20/North Cascades Highway reopened yesterday, nearly 20 days after being closed due to wildfire and a subsequent mudslide.
The highway was initially closed between Granite Creek and Easy Pass trailhead on August 4th due to the Easy Fire. The subsequent mudslide on August 11th required crews to remove around 7,000 tons of debris before the road could reopen.
Although the road is now passable, firefighters remain in the area and drivers should be cautious of fire and maintenance vehicles. The Easy Fire, sparked by lightning on July 17th, has burned over 2100 acres and is 36% contained.
The U.S. Forest Service expects the Easy fire– and others in the Pacific Northwest—to continue to burn until significant rain or snow begins in the fall.
STORY: Updated COVID-19 vaccine approved by FDA
U.S. regulators have approved updated COVID-19 vaccines that are designed to better target recent virus strains and potential variants this winter.
The FDA cleared vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, with doses expected to ship soon, while the Novavax’s version will be available a bit later. The CDC recommends the new vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older, with availability expected within days.
The new vaccines are tailored to the KP2 subtype of omicron, and the CDC data show they offer improved protection against multiple virus subtypes. Health experts, including Dr. Peter Marks from the FDA and Dr. Robert Hopkins Jr. from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, emphasize the importance of getting the updated vaccine to maintain protection – especially for high-risk groups such as older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women.
With the ongoing summer wave of COVID-19, and the likely winter surge, they also recommend people get the flu shot simultaneously with the COVID-19 vaccine.
STORY: Free and Cheap
Here are some free and cheap activities to enjoy over the weekend:
Ferndale’s Summer of Fun Flicks in the Park finishes up its season tonight with an early showing of the animated comedy, Migration. The movie will be shown inside Pioneer Pavillion starting at 6pm. As always, the event is free.
The Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema is also finishing up its 2024 season this weekend, with a showing of The Princess Bride on the Village Green tomorrow night. Entertainment starts 90 minutes before sunset with performances by Keith Carpenter and Lynne Givier (give-ee-AY). Tickets are $7.
Calling all dogs, and their people! The annual Whatcom Humane Society Dog Days of Summer Festival is back this Sunday. The festival will start at 11am and run until 3pm with pet-themed vendors, canine contests, games, an animal caricaturist, food trucks, and much much more. The event will be held at the 9-acre field behind the Whatcom Humane Society Division Street Shelter and admission is free. The Society asks that attendees not bring reactive or aggressive dogs, or dogs who have not had all of their vaccinations. Other restrictions can be found at the WHS website. All dogs must remain on leash.
WX: Clouds ‘n showers
And now weather:
Today is expected to be overcast and rainy once again, with highs in the mid-60s. Winds are projected to be higher today, gusting up to 20 mph. Nighttime lows will be in the mid-50s. Saturday is expected to be rainy throughout. Showers expected Sunday morning, changing to partly sunny later on.
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 Garduño (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 visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _David Korb______________… thanks for listening.
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