Bellingham Fire to begin carrying new overdose-reversing medicine by end of September, : BPD arrests suspect in Alabama hit-and-run, Bellingham eyeing new sales tax intended to fund expanded police budget, Bellingham City Council to consider lifting restrictions on number of guests temporary shelters may hold at one time, Today to kick off two days of overnight road paving on Meridian, Frozen shrimp recalled for potential radiation contamination
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KMRE brings you local news for Friday, August 25nd. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Bellingham Fire to begin carrying new overdose-reversing medicine by end of September
A new tool in the fight against fentanyl addiction is giving hope to patients and first responders in Whatcom County.
Buprenorphine (BEW-pren-or-fin) — once a daily pill — is now available as a monthly injection that blocks cravings, prevents overdoses, and eases withdrawal. Patients say it feels like a “miracle drug.”
Whatcom County is one of only seven counties in Washington chosen for a statewide pilot program. By the end of September, Bellingham Fire crews will begin carrying oral buprenorphine, and Whatcom County EMS is preparing to administer it in the field.
Health officials call buprenorphine a “game changer,” and say it can keep patients from returning to fentanyl after an overdose.
STORY: BPD arrests suspect in Alabama hit-and-run
The Bellingham Police say a suspect is now in custody after a hit-and-run sent a bicyclist to the hospital Friday morning.
Authorities have asked for the public’s help in locating the vehicle involved — it’s described as a black ’90s Ford pickup with pinstripes, last seen heading south on Orleans Street from Alabama Street.
The crash happened around 10 a.m. in the 800 block of Alabama Street. Police say anyone with additional information should call 911.
STORY: Bellingham eyeing new sales tax intended to fund expanded police budget
Bellingham leaders are considering a new sales tax to help fund police hiring and training, as the city faces a projected budget deficit next year.
The proposal would add one-tenth of 1% to the local sales tax — about 10 cents on a $100 purchase — and raise nearly $4 million in 2026 for a range of public safety programs.
A new state law allows cities to impose the tax if they meet certain criteria, with funding eligible for police training, domestic violence services, public defenders, and programs that help formerly incarcerated people re-enter the workforce.
There are currently about 1.25 Bellingham Police officers per thousand residents — well below state and national averages. City officials say the tax could help strengthen recruitment and keep training at best-practice levels.
Council members take up the measure Monday at City Hall.
STORY: Bellingham City Council to consider lifting restrictions on number of guests temporary shelters may hold at one time
Bellingham City Council will take public comment today on changes to the city’s homeless shelter rules.
Temporary shelter rules — which cover spaces like tiny home villages and safe parking sites — were first adopted in 2018. The proposed amendments would bring city code in line with state law. It removes limits on how many people a shelter can host and would drop requirements for operating hours, as well as adjust guidelines for reporting homeless youth.
The changes also allow extensions on shelter operating permits.
The public hearing starts at 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall, and speakers must sign up in advance.
STORY: Today to kick off two days of overnight road paving on Meridian
Overnight paving is scheduled this week on Meridian Street in Bellingham.
The city says work will run from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. today and Tuesday, Aug. 25th and 26th, between Interstate 5 and Orchard Drive. Both directions of traffic will be affected, though business access will remain open.
The work is part of a larger sewer main replacement project.
STORY: Whatcom County woman arrested for attempting to steal fuel and setting truck on fire
A Whatcom County woman has been arrested after deputies say she accidentally set a truck on fire while trying to steal gas.
Court documents allege 51-year-old Jan Marie Ethier (E-thee-ur) used a power drill to puncture a fuel tank on a Chevrolet Silverado in late May, sparking a blaze that engulfed the vehicle. Deputies later found a melted drill under the truck and another Silverado nearby with a hole in its tank.
Investigators say Ethier is linked to earlier gas-theft cases tied to her partner, who is already in jail. She was arrested earlier this month and now faces felony charges, including reckless burning and malicious mischief.
STORY: Lummi Nation nears ribbon-cutting on transitional home village
The Lummi Nation held a grand opening celebration last Wednesday for a new, 40-unit transitional housing village that will welcome residents in early September.
Named Kwensot Qelat (KWEN-sot chuh-LOT), which means “to begin again”, the 64-square-foot tiny homes are designated for unhoused tribal members, with the goal of transitioning them from the streets or vehicles to more permanent housing. Each individual dwelling, built by Pallet Shelter of Everett, has air-conditioning, heating, a lockable door, and a bed.
The village also features communal facilities, including a kitchen, laundry, shower, and restrooms. Substance use will be forbidden on site, and residents will have access to social workers, medical professionals, and specialists trained in helping with substance use disorder.
The Lummi Indian Business Council prioritized work on Kwensot Qelat after last November’s cleanup of the homeless encampment behind the Walmart on Guide Meridian, and January’s subsequent cleanup of the encampment at Northwest and Bakerview Roads.
In an announcement, Lummi Nation Chairman Anthony Hillaire (hill-AIR) stressed that, quote, “People can’t recover—whether from illness or substance use disorder—when they’re living outside. The Kwensot Qelat Village is truly about beginning again,” end quote.
STORY: Frozen shrimp recalled for potential radiation contamination
Federal officials have expanded a recall of frozen shrimp because of possible radioactive contamination.
California-based Southwind Foods is recalling shrimp sold under the brands Sand Bar, Arctic Shores, Best Yet, Great American and First Street. The products were distributed in nine states, including Washington.
The FDA says the shrimp may contain Cesium-137 (SEE-zee-um ONE THREE SEVEN), a radioactive isotope linked to long-term cancer risk. Earlier this week, Walmart also recalled Great Value brand frozen shrimp in 13 states for the same reason.
Consumers are urged not to eat the recalled products.
WX: Now that’s what I call a stretch for a reference
And now for the weather:
The heat advisory has been extended through tomorrow night, and is now set to terminate at 5 A.M on Wednesday morning. Today will be exceptionally warm and sunny, with highs in the low 80s. This evening won’t be much cooler, with lows only getting down to the low 60s.
Tomorrow looks to be just about as warm as today. Make sure to buy your water bottles something nice for all they’re doing for you.
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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