Ferndale man charged with multiple counts of rape released on bail, Lummi Nation officer recovering nicely, It’s Primary Day in Whatcom County!, Farmworkers union seeks to curb expansion of H-2A visas in Whatcom and Skagit counties, citing insufficient worker protections, Beach reopens after repairs, Food banks continue to struggle statewide, Layoffs loom on the horizon for employees at Washington Health Care Authority, Pickford opens new location on Grand Avenue, Free or Cheap
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KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, August 5th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Ferndale man charged with multiple counts of rape released on bail
A Ferndale man is facing multiple felony charges after a woman reported months of sexual and physical abuse.
According to The Bellingham Herald, 51-year-old Matthew James Kolb was arrested on July 19th, two days after a woman told Ferndale Police he had raped and assaulted her repeatedly between March and July.
Kolb is charged with three counts of second-degree rape and three counts of second-degree assault — both felonies. He’s also been charged with two counts of fourth-degree assault, a gross misdemeanor.
He was released from jail on a $200,000 bond on July 21st. Court records show Kolb pleaded not guilty to all charges last Friday.
STORY: Lummi Nation officer recovering nicely
There are good news from the Lummi Nation — an officer shot last week is now on the road to recovery.
Lummi Nation Police says the officer is healing well and making strong progress. The officer and their family thanked the community for the ongoing support.
Meanwhile, the suspect in the shooting, identified by fingerprints as Jesus Penuelas-Agramon, appeared in Whatcom County Superior Court and was ordered held without bail.
Penuelas-Agramon is a fugitive from Colorado, wanted for parole violations involving drugs and firearms. He now faces charges including attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, fentanyl distribution, and money laundering.
STORY: It’s Primary Day in Whatcom County!
It’s Primary Day in Whatcom County.
Voters are weighing in on key local races, including seats on the Whatcom County Council, the Port of Bellingham, and positions in Blaine, Sumas, and other local districts.
Ballot measures include two tax levy proposals — one for the South Whatcom Fire Authority, and another for the Whatcom County Library District.
Ballots must be mailed and postmarked today, or dropped in an official ballot box by 8 p.m.
You can find a map of all dropbox locations on the Whatcom County Auditor’s website.
STORY: Farmworkers union seeks to curb expansion of H-2A visas in Whatcom and Skagit counties, citing insufficient worker protections
A federal push to expand the farmworker visa program is garnering little support in Northwest Washington.
The Cascadia Daily News reports that while H-2A visa use has surged statewide, Whatcom and Skagit counties have seen sharp declines — largely due to union activism and concerns over worker safety, especially after a farmworker’s death in Sumas eight years ago.
A bill reintroduced by U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse would expand H-2A access, cap wage growth, and require E-Verify checks. It also offers legal status to some undocumented workers — with employer approval.
United Farm Workers supports parts of the bill, but opposes the wage caps. Local advocates reject the bill entirely, saying reforms should not be tied to employment.
Meanwhile, protections for H-2A workers are in question. A 2024 rule from former President Biden expanded safeguards, but an executive order issued by President Trump in June rolled them back. Local advocates worry that as H-2A hiring increases, essential protections for farmworkers could disappear.
STORY: Beach reopens after repairs
Good news for beachgoers — Point Whitehorn has reopened.
The Bellingham Herald reports that repairs to the stairs leading to the beach at Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve were completed last week, and public access to the shoreline was restored on Friday afternoon.
The stairs had been closed last week due to safety concerns, prompting Whatcom County Parks and Recreation to make the project a top priority. Parks Director Bennett Knox told the Herald that the department focused on getting the beach reopened as quickly as possible.
The reserve, located near Birch Bay, is a popular spot for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying scenic Puget Sound views.
STORY: Food banks continue to struggle statewide
Food banks in Washington face growing strain, as thousands stand to lose food stamp benefits this year.
An estimated 170,000 Washington residents could lose access to the state’s food assistance program due to new work requirements in the president’s recent tax cut law. Another 33,000 refugees and asylees may also lose eligibility.
The Washington State Standard reports that food banks are already stretched thin, while rising grocery prices worsen food insecurity.
Temporary pandemic-era boosts to SNAP benefits ended last year, and federal cuts have reduced shipments of fresh food to local banks.
On average, SNAP recipients in Washington receive about six dollars a day. The new law also cuts benefits by roughly $56 a month for many still enrolled, and slashes federal nutrition funding by $186 billion over the next decade.
State lawmakers have allocated $93 million for emergency food aid, but with federal cuts looming, experts say more state support will be needed to keep food on shelves.
STORY: Layoffs loom on the horizon for employees at Washington Health Care Authority
In Olympia, the Washington State Health Care Authority is preparing for additional workforce reductions.
Interim director MaryAnne Lindeblad (lin-duh-BLAD) told staff the agency can no longer avoid layoffs. She said the cuts are not performance-based, but the result of financial shortfalls and state structure. This follows earlier
job cuts at the Department of Health, where layoffs totaled 44 as of June 30th.
Lindeblad steps down later this month. Ryan Moran (muh-RAN), Maryland’s deputy health secretary, is set to take over as director on August 18th.
The agency currently employs about 1,900 people, and manages health care services for nearly 3 million Washingtonians.
Union president Mike Yestramski (yuhs-TRAMS-key) says the union was not formally notified of the layoffs — something required by contract. His union represents over 54,000 public service workers, including many at HCA. A virtual staff meeting on unemployment benefits and layoff support was scheduled to take place today at 1 p.m.
STORY: Pickford opens new location on Grand Avenue
The owners of the Pickford Film Center opened a new location on Grand Street last Friday.
The Herald says the theatre features three brand-new screens. Two of the rooms can seat 60 people, while the more intimate third room has a capacity of 19 people.
The new location allows the Pickford to host more events and feature new and old movies.
WX: Part Carney
And now for the weather:
A cloudy start to the day is likely to give way to some sunnier skies this afternoon. Daytime temperatures are projected to reach into the low-70s at their peak, coming alongside a max U.V. index rating of 6. Expect this
evening to feature heavy cloud cover, alongside an increasing chance of showers as we get closer to nightfall. Evening lows will be around 60 degrees.
Be ready for cloudy skies and up to a quarter-inch of rainfall tomorrow, though temperatures are expected to remain in the 70s.
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: 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.
