Open enrollment for state health insurance begins next week, on heels of newly approved hike in rates, Former WWU police officer now under state investigation for striking handcuffed suspect, WCC under financial sustainability review after months of cuts and furloughs, Raw milk products at Whatcom dairy linked to E. coli outbreak, Vehicle crash blamed for widespread power outages in Skagit County on Saturday, St. Joe’s breaks ground on new Peter Paulsen Pavilion, Mount Vernon seeks property tax hike to avoid reductions in first responder and municipal staff Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, October 27th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Open enrollment for state health insurance begins next week, on heels of newly approved hike in rates The Washington Health Benefit Exchange Board has approved a 21 percent average increase in health insurance premiums for 2026 — nearly double last year’s hike. And other insurance buyers will face even larger increases. Officials say the sharp rise stems from uncertainty over federal premium tax credits set to expire at year’s end. Those credits are a key sticking point in the ongoing government shutdown debate between Republicans and Democrats. According to state records, nearly 300,000 Washingtonians bought plans through the Exchange last year. Three out of four received federal credits and saved an average of $1,330 a year. The Exchange warns that without an extension, 80,000 people could lose coverage next year. Open enrollment for Washington’s health insurance marketplace starts November 1 — but small business owners, freelancers, and others who buy their own coverage can now preview next year’s rates at Washington Healthplanfinder dot org. STORY: Former WWU police officer now under state investigation for striking handcuffed suspect The case of a former Western Washington University police officer who struck a handcuffed suspect in early 2024 is now under review. 44-year-old Robert Anderson was fired by WWU Police after video showed he hit a man who had broken into his personal truck. Anderson later pleaded guilty to fourth-degree assault; he received probation, a fine, and mandatory anger management. A Bellingham Police investigation found both Anderson and his supervisor, Sergeant Wolf Lipson, violated multiple department policies. Lipson was placed on leave, voluntarily demoted himself and subsequently retired before the conclusion of the internal review. Anderson was fired in July of 2024, and briefly rehired by Lummi Nation Police Department later that year — he was, however, dismissed weeks later when a background discrepancy surfaced. According to the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission, Anderson’s peace officer certification remains active, though he has not worked in law enforcement since last December. STORY: WCC under financial sustainability review after months of cuts and furloughs After a series of cuts, furloughs, and budget shortfalls, Whatcom Community College is undergoing its first-ever comprehensive financial review. According to reporting by Cascadia Daily, President Justin Guillory (GILL-or-ee), who took office in May, says the college faces a $2.3 million deficit for the upcoming fiscal year, with another $1 million shortfall in 2026-27 if no changes are made. Every program and service at Whatcom has been asked to report on enrollment, efficiency, and potential cost savings. Those reports will be reviewed by a task force made of faculty and staff before final recommendations reach the president by December 12th. Guillory says he plans to present his proposals to the Board of Trustees on January 14th. In the meantime, furloughs have begun with nearly all employees taking between six and twelve unpaid days this year, which is estimated to save the college about $900,000. Controversy has surfaced over retention bonuses for two senior administrators, who are each scheduled to receive $3,000 a month through January. Guillory defended the payments, and called them key to maintaining leadership continuity during a challenging transition. Faculty leaders are now calling for greater transparency about college finances — and how it plans to make lasting change in its approach. STORY: Raw milk products at Whatcom dairy linked to E. coli outbreak An E.coli outbreak has been tied to raw milk products from a Whatcom County creamery. According to the Washington State Department of Health, raw milk cheeses produced by Ferndale’s Twin Sisters Creamery are being recalled after an outbreak of E. coli (EE KOH-lye) infections in Whatcom County and Oregon. Two adults and a small child fell ill between September 5th and September 16th; one person was hospitalized. The patient from Oregon reported eating Twin Sisters Creamery Farmhouse cheese before they fell ill. A sample revealed the presence of E.coli. Bacteria was also found in an additional sample from a Washington retail location. As a result, all sizes of Whatcom Blue, Peppercorn, and Mustard Seed cheeses produced on or after May 27th of this year have been recalled. The Washington State Department of Health says it is working with the Oregon Health Authority – as well as local, state, and federal partners – to investigate the infections. Twin Sisters is cooperating with the investigation. STORY: Vehicle crash blamed for widespread power outages in Skagit County on Saturday Thousands of Skagit County residents woke up Saturday morning without power. Puget Sound Energy says it started to receive outage reports after a crash damaged multiple transformers in Sedro-Woolley. Police say the outage was caused by a motor vehicle crash at Wicker and Fruitdale roads. The people in the vehicle were safely rescued. Much of Sedro-Woolley and Burlington were affected; power fully was restored about 24 hours later. STORY: St. Joe’s breaks ground on new Peter Paulsen Pavilion St. Joseph Medical Center broke ground last Friday on a major expansion that honors the late developer Peter Paulsen. According to a release from PeaceHealth, the new six-story Peter Paulsen Pavilion will add 80 single-patient rooms, a modern emergency department, and new childbirth and pediatrics floors. Paulsen, who died last year, donated $50 million dollars toward the $336 million dollar project — which helped PeaceHealth make the project happen. Officials say the expansion will bring better care to Whatcom County and help attract more doctors …
October 24, 2025 News Transcript
Blaine man dies in federal custody following brief chase, Seattle judge blocks federal cuts to climate change preparation funds, Mount Ker Theater sign damaged by wind, Food programs try to get by, Free and cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, October 24th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Blaine man dies in federal custody following brief chase A Blaine man died while in federal custody after a car crash and brief chase near the Canadian border on September 20th. U.S. Customs and Border Protection says that 43-year-old Trinn Hatch died near the Peace Arch Port of Entry. Officials say Hatch crashed into a curb near the inspection lanes and then tried to run away. During the chase, officers saw a handgun fall from his waistband. After taking him into custody, they say Hatch continued to resist, so they used restraints and a wheelchair to move him to a secondary inspection area. A short time later, officers say Hatch became unresponsive. Emergency crews tried to revive him but declared him dead about an hour after the incident began. A preliminary autopsy found a major artery blockage, though toxicology results are still pending. The Border Patrol’s Office of Professional Responsibility says it is reviewing the incident. STORY: Seattle judge blocks federal cuts to climate change preparation funds A federal judge in Seattle has blocked the Trump administration from cutting millions in climate adaptation funds for Washington state. The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges’ Tribal Steward Program was awarded more than $9 million under the Inflation Reduction Act to train over 2,000 students in environmental and natural resources. According to court records, the goal was to increase tribal representation in those careers. The funding, along with a separate $250,000 grant for coastal hazard reduction work by the Department of Ecology, was terminated in May. However, U.S. District Judge Marsha Pechman (PESH-man) ruled this week that ending multiyear grants simply because of an administrative change would cause “unnecessary chaos” across government-supported programs. State officials say the decision protects critical work to help Washington adapt to more severe heat waves, wildfires, flooding, and sea level rise. Attorney General Nick Brown called the ruling a major win for communities on the front lines of climate change. STORY: Mount Ker Theater sign damaged by wind Strong weekend winds caused some unexpected drama at one of Bellingham’s most iconic landmarks. The Mount Baker Theatre says gusty winds nearly tore the “B” and “A” from its signature sign. City officials stepped in to help after reports that one of the letters was hanging tenuously. Bellingham PD used a drone to inspect the damage, while the Fire Department brought a ladder truck to remove the loose letters before they could fall. The Mount Ker Theatre remains open, and the letters will soon be replaced. STORY: Ferguson signs executive order intended to broadly strengthen tribal and state government relations Governor Bob Ferguson has signed a new executive order to strengthen Washington’s relationship with Native American tribes. The order, signed Wednesday during the Centennial Accords meeting hosted by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, expands tribal relations training for state workers and directs agencies to develop new consultation policies with tribes. It also gives the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs a permanent seat in the governor’s cabinet, along with expanded authority to help carry out the new directives. Tribal leaders praised the move as a meaningful step toward deeper, government-to-government collaboration — though some pointed to ongoing challenges around trust and treaty obligations. Ferguson said the goal is to move beyond “checking boxes” and towards genuine communication and respect for tribal sovereignty. The Office of Indian Affairs will report back next year with recommendations to improve state-tribal relations. STORY: Food programs try to get by Washington state announced it has secured additional federal funding to keep the WIC Nutrition Program running through mid-to-late November. The funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture helps support the state’s WIC administrative team and ensures food benefits continue for eligible women, infants, and children. But they warn, if program redemption rates rise, the funds could quickly run out. Meanwhile, the USDA has stopped processing SNAP benefits for November, which puts 42 million Americans at risk as the holidays approach. In Washington state, more than 1 in 10 residents rely on SNAP. Over half of participants are families with children and nearly 40% are families with older adults or people with disabilities. Food banks across the state are struggling to keep up with demand, following federal budget cuts that tightened eligibility and work requirements for SNAP benefits. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely and urge residents to check the state’s Federal Government Shutdown webpage for updates. STORY: Free and cheap 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. Make a Difference Day is tomorrow. Support the continued conservation at Whatcom Falls Park with NSEA and the City of Bellingham. Join the City and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association and celebrate with a work party from 9am to noon. Participants will help improve habitat along the banks of Whatcom Creek by planting native trees and shrubs and removing invasive species close to Derby Pond. All ages and abilities are welcome, but participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Spots are limited, so please register in advance at volunteerbellingham.org. WX: Swimming pedestrians And now weather: Today, we end the week with more stormy weather. Winds are expected to reach speeds of 30 miles per hour, and heavy rainfall is projected from dawn ‘till dusk, perhaps reaching three-quarters of an inch. The windstorm should persist through the evening, with increased chances of a thunderstorm in the late hours. Daytime highs are projected around 60 degrees with evening lows in the upper 40s. Looks like we’ll have stormy weather throughout the weekend— with heavy rain. A Winter Weather Advisory is …
October 23, 2025 News Transcript
Strong windstorm bound for northwestern WA, Bellingham man arrested on suspicion of assault, Sedro-Woolley man sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to last year’s fatal Halloween vehicle crash, : Bellingham City Council adopts plan to combat invasive freshwater mussels, Sedro-Woolley man sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to last year’s fatal Halloween vehicle crash, WA Dept. of Health launches map tracking measles exposures, Potential “moderate,” coalition taking shape in state Senate, Recall issued for BMW and Supra cars Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, October 23rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Strong windstorm bound for northwestern WA An intense storm could bring wind, heavy rain, and power outages to Western Washington today and tomorrow. Meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Seattle warn that winds will be particularly strong along the coast, in western Skagit and Whatcom Counties, on Whidbey Island, and in the San Juans. Gusts of 40 to 45 miles an hour have been predicted for Thursday night and Friday, with a small possibility they could reach 60 miles an hour in Whatcom County. No hazardous weather warning has been posted as of yet, but high winds can bring down tree limbs, a leading cause of power outages in the region. Heavy rain is also expected, with up to 1 to 2 feet of snow predicted for Mt. Baker. Snow levels could drop down as low as 2500 feet on Friday. STORY: Bellingham man arrested on suspicion of assault Bellingham police have arrested a man accused of an assault earlier this month in downtown Bellingham. According to Lieutenant Claudia Murphy, officers were called to the 100 block of East Holly Street on the evening of October 7th after a man said he was attacked by a group. The victim told police that one of the attackers, 29-year-old Cecil Leroy Harvey, shouted a derogatory remark, forced him into an alley. They then knocked him down and beat him before they fled. The victim suffered a head injury that required staples. Police later located Harvey in the same area on October 18th and took him into custody. He is now being held at Whatcom County Jail. STORY: Bellingham City Council adopts plan to combat invasive freshwater mussels Bellingham officials have a new plan to fight a local invasion of invasive freshwater mussels in Lake Whatcom. The Lake Whatcom Mussel Response Plan, presented to the City Council’s Public Works and Natural Resources Committee Monday, outlines how local and state agencies would respond if zebra, quagga, or golden mussels are ever detected. While Washington has no infestations yet, scientists warn that mussels spreading from Idaho and California could reach Whatcom County through shipping or transported watercraft. The mussels can destroy ecosystems, clog water systems, and damage recreation equipment. According to Senior Scientist Mark Cecchini Beaver (chuh-CHEE-nee), from consultant group Four Peaks Environmental, the plan’s purpose is to protect the City’s water supply and ensure rapid, coordinated action to eradicate the mussels if they’re detected. The Bellingham City Council adopted the plan, with the Whatcom County Council and Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District expected to vote on it in the coming weeks. STORY: Sedro-Woolley man sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to last year’s fatal Halloween vehicle crash A Sedro-Woolley man will spend the next decade in prison for a deadly Halloween night crash that killed an 11-year-old Sumas girl. Thirty-one-year-old Tyler Patton Higdon pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and vehicular assault in Whatcom County Superior Court this week. Prosecutors say Higdon was driving 100 miles per hour and had a blood alcohol level over the legal limit when he T-boned a car and killed 11-year-old Yaretzi Davila-Estrada. Her brother was critically injured, and two other siblings were also hurt. The accident happened east of Everson last October. Judge Lee Grochmal sentenced Higdon to 10 years in prison followed by 18 months of community custody. Grochmal said the punishment cannot reflect the full value of Yaretzi’s life — but she hopes time will help the family heal. STORY: WA Dept. of Health launches map tracking measles exposures The Washington State Department of Health has launched a new online tool to help track possible measles exposures across the state. The Measles Exposure Location Tracker shows public places where someone with contagious measles recently visited. Measles is highly contagious and can live in the air for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. The Department of Health says the tool makes it easier for people to see if they may have been exposed in order to take quick, preventive action. People who are not immune to measles and are exposed to the virus have a high risk of being infected. Getting vaccinated within 72 hours of first exposure can reduce the chance that a person will become infected or seriously ill. The tracker now includes Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on October 13th, when a traveler with a confirmed case passed through. Washington has confirmed 11 cases so far this year. You can find the new tracker and measles updates at doh.wa.gov. STORY: Potential “moderate,” coalition taking shape in state Senate Some Republican candidates for the Washington State Senate say they hope to reshape politics in Olympia — not by pushing further right, but by building a bipartisan coalition of moderates. The idea comes as both parties gear up for a handful of tight Senate races this November. Lawmakers expect the 2026 session to again focus on tax reforms and affordability, and a centrist bloc could complicate the Democratic majority’s ability to advance its agenda. According to reporting by the Seattle Times, Representative Michelle Caldier (call-DEER), a Republican from Gig Harbor running in the state’s most expensive Senate race, says she’s already spoken with Democrats who may join such a coalition. Fellow candidates Amy Walen (WHALE-un), a Democrat from Kirkland, and Chad Magendanz (MAG-un-danz), a Republican from Issaquah, have also expressed interest in working across the aisle. …
October 22, 2025 News Transcript
Bellingham Public Library to reduce operating hours and staff in response to budget shortage, Community engagement workshop on upcoming Ferndale jail to be held next month, WWU President Randhawa’s contract extended through 2028, Port of Bellingham seeks public comment on updates to five-year plan, Bellingham-based hot sauce company takes home several awards from New York expo, Report released by state agencies points to potential energy shortages across the PNW in coming years, WA cuts rebates to farmers affected by heavy fuel surcharges amid budget restrictions, Free and cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, October 22nd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham Public Library to reduce operating hours and staff in response to budget shortage Bellingham’s public libraries will close on Sundays starting next year as part of citywide budget cuts. The move is among several cost-saving measures to help close a projected $10 million deficit heading into 2026. Library Director Rebecca Judd told the City Council this week the change affects both the Central Avenue and Bellis Fair branches. The Barkley and Fairhaven branches already close Sundays. The library will also trim its new materials budget by about $90,000 and leave several staff positions unfilled. According to Judd, the move will also help address ongoing staffing challenges. STORY: Community engagement workshop on upcoming Ferndale jail to be held next month The new jail and behavioral care center needs your input. Whatcom County will host a Justice Project community workshop on November 20th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Pioneer Pavilion Community Center in Ferndale. According to Policy and Communications Specialist with Whatcom County, Riley Sweeney, the event will give residents a chance to learn about progress on the project and share input on design and service priorities. SWEENEY AUDIO 1 Elected officials, county staff, and construction experts will be on hand to answer questions and gather feedback. Sweeney says the Justice Project aims to reshape the county’s approach to criminal justice and behavioral health. SWEENEY AUDIO 2 According to Sweeney, key decisions remain to be made. SWEENEY AUDIO 3 The Justice project is funded by a sales tax approved by voters in November of 2023. STORY: WWU President Randhawa’s contract extended through 2028 Western Washington University President Sabah Randhawa will stay on through July 2028. The university’s Board of Trustees approved a two-year contract extension during its meeting last Friday. Board Chair Faith Pettis says the updated contract encourages Randhawa to take up to 30 days each year for professional development or rest — something she called important for sustaining his leadership. Randhawa earns just over $506,000 a year and also holds a tenured faculty appointment in Western’s College of Business and Economics. Randhawa has led Western since 2016, following a decade as provost at Oregon State University. STORY: Port of Bellingham seeks public comment on updates to five-year plan The Port of Bellingham has asked for public input on its five-year strategic plan. Port officials are revising the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for 2027 through 2031 and have launched an online survey to gather community feedback. Residents are invited to share priorities, challenges, and opportunities for local economic growth through December 20. Economic Development Director Tyler Schroeder says the plan will help guide action and keep Whatcom County eligible for key state and federal funding. STORY: Bellingham-based hot sauce company takes home several awards from New York expo A Bellingham hot sauce maker is in the news again. According to a recent release, Funky’s Hot Sauce, founded by Matthew Mini in 2019, took home multiple honors at the New York City Hot Sauce Expo last month — including two first-place Screaming MiMi awards. Funky’s Nirvana sauce won in the triple-X-hot category, and Trilby’s Chipotle Marionberry BBQ sauce took first in fruit-based BBQ. The local company has now racked up 31 awards in just six years — and has been featured on the popular YouTube show Hot Ones. STORY: Report released by state agencies points to potential energy shortages across the PNW in coming years A new report raises concerns about the Pacific Northwest’s ability to meet growing electrical demands. The report, produced by consulting firm E3, projects the region could face a shortfall of 1,300 megawatts in 2026, growing to 8,600 megawatts by 2030. The analysis was commissioned by the region’s largest utilities, and warns that power shortages could occur during extreme weather. According to the report, a rise in demand from population growth, electric vehicles, data centers, and increased air conditioning, along with retiring coal plants, has put pressure on the grid. Last winter, during a cold stretch in January 2024, the Northwest had to rely on power imports from California and came close to implementing rolling outages. Utilities say they are adding wind, solar, and battery projects, but experts say delays in construction and transmission could make it difficult to close the gap by 2030. While the report flags potential shortages, officials stress that a blackout in the next five years remains unlikely. Experts say the situation highlights the need for a diverse mix of energy resources and careful planning to maintain grid reliability. STORY: WA cuts rebates to farmers affected by heavy fuel surcharges amid budget restrictions Washington has quietly ended a program that gave millions in rebates to farmers and agricultural haulers who paid improper fuel surcharges under the state’s Climate Commitment Act. According to reporting in the Washington State Standard, the Agriculture Support Program, funded with $30 million in 2024, issued nearly $7.9 million in rebates before it closed on June 30th. Remaining funds were returned to the climate fund. Lawmakers say new legislation and a state-created online directory of retailers who sell exempt agricultural fuel will help farmers avoid surcharges at the pump rather than seek rebates after the fact. Some Republican lawmakers praised the change as an easier path for farm fuel users and haulers of agricultural goods to receive the fuel exemption promised under the state’s cap-and-trade system. But, they say, the broader …
October 21, 2025 News Transcript
One dead, another injured in North Bellingham shooting, Bellingham residential fire leaves one seriously injured, Bellingham School District brings funding initiative to ballot, Port Candidate Forum to air on KMRE, One person was hospitalized in serious condition after a house fire in Bellingham., Port Candidate Forum to air on KMRE, State formally charges Whatcom nursing assistant with unprofessional conduct, WA State Patrol chief says department will increase security around lawmakers in response to increased political threats, Community engagement workshop on upcoming Ferndale jail to be held next month, Free and cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, October 21st. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: One dead, another injured in North Bellingham shooting Bellingham Police are investigating a deadly shooting late Saturday night. According to Bellingham PD Lieutenant Claudia Murphy, officers responded to reports of gunfire near West Horton Road and Meridian Street around 11:50 p.m. but found no crime scene. A few minutes later, a vehicle arrived at St. Joseph Medical Center with two passengers suffering from gunshot wounds. One of them, a 26-year-old man, died at the hospital. While, the other passenger — a 25-year-old man — was treated and is expected to live. Detectives are still working to identify the suspects or motives involved. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bellingham PD. STORY: Bellingham residential fire leaves one seriously injured One person was hospitalized in serious condition after a house fire in Bellingham. According to South Whatcom Fire Chief Mitch Nolze, fire crews were dispatched Friday afternoon to a two-story house on Cable Street, where they were met by smoke and flames. One person made it out before firefighters arrived and was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center. Chief Nolze said the fire was knocked down within 20 minutes, and no other victims were found. Crews from Bellingham and North Whatcom Fire also helped contain the blaze to a single house. STORY: Bellingham School District brings funding initiative to ballot Two levy lid lifts are headed to the ballot this November to help fund Bellingham schools. Bellingham School Superintendent Greg Baker says the legislature still has not fully met its constitutional duty in public education funding. That combined with the rise of insurance, utilities, and payroll costs, as well as a decline in state revenue, has left local school districts no option but to ask the public for a lift in local levies. BAKER AUDIO 1,2,3 To fill the gap, two school taxes will appear on the November ballot — a supplemental operations levy made possible by a recent increase in the state’s “levy lid,” and a facilities maintenance levy developed by the district’s capital planning committee. BAKER AUDIO 4 Officials say the levies will not solve every budget issue but they will provide critical support to keep schools safe, functional, and welcoming for students and the community. STORY: Port Candidate Forum to air on KMRE The three candidates for Port Commissioner participated in a forum hosted by the Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition last Thursday. During the forum, each of the candidates shared why they decided to run for office, and what they hope to accomplish if they are elected. To hear the forum in its entirety, please tune in to community radio KMRE 88.3 this Wednesday and Saturday at 2 p.m. STORY: State formally charges Whatcom nursing assistant with unprofessional conduct A Whatcom County nursing assistant is now facing charges of unprofessional conduct. The Washington State Department of Health says certified nursing assistant Nancy Kromer is accused of neglecting a vulnerable adult in her care and engaging in an inappropriate relationship with the client’s spouse. According to The Bellingham Herald, investigators say the client was hospitalized in August of 2023 with serious, unhealed wounds. Adult Protective Services later reported possible neglect, as well as the alleged relationship. The Department of Health says home security footage showed Kromer and the client’s spouse behaving… er, affectionately? Kromer was formally charged in late September. Her license remains active while the case is pending. STORY: WA State Patrol chief says department will increase security around lawmakers in response to increased political threats Washington State Patrol is stepping up protection for lawmakers in response to rising political threats. During an interview on TVW’s Inside Olympia, Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste told host Austin Jenkins that a staff member at the Washington State Fusion Center has been assigned to monitor potential threats to legislators, whether they are in session or not. The move comes in response to the killing of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband on June 14th. Batiste said a break-in at the state Capitol in Olympia on October 5th only reinforced their concerns about security. The Fusion Center, run jointly by the state patrol and federal partners, will now focus on identifying and assessing threats to lawmakers. Batiste said the long-term goal is a round the clock operation capable of responding to immediate dangers. Batiste said the change improves the agency’s ability to stay alert and coordinate effectively to keep public officials safe. STORY: Whatcom County bucks statewide trend of worse air quality during wildfire season As a whole, our state’s air quality worsened this past wildfire season — but not Whatcom County’s. According to air quality data compiled by the state Department of Ecology between May and mid-October, most of Washington experienced good and moderate air quality for most of the summer. The number of unhealthy days for air quality were greater than each of the past two wildfire seasons. Central Washington was hit the hardest due to the numerous large fires burning in that region. Western Washington, however, had only a few days of unhealthy air quality — less than elsewhere in the state — and Whatcom County itself had just a few days with moderately healthy air. Finally, at no point during this past wildfire season did the county have a day where the air was unhealthy for sensitive groups. WX: Shine on, you crazy …
October 20, 2025 News Transcript
Thousands rally in Bellingham for No Kings protest, BPD seeking witnesses or victims related to man arrested for sexual exploitation of a minor, Whatcom County Charter approves twelve amendments for next month’s ballot, Ferndale ballot dropbox temporarily moved, Data shows WA counties hardest hit by health care cost rise, Medicare open enrollment has started Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, October 20th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Thousands rally in Bellingham for No Kings protest Despite persistent rain, over five thousand people filled Bellingham’s Maritime Heritage Park on Saturday to protest a wide range of Trump administration policies. The event was part of the nationwide series of No Kings rallies, which drew over 7 million protestors across all 50 states. Addressing what he sees as the administration’s intensifying turn toward authoritarianism, State Representative Alex Ramel told the crowd that, quote, “All of us who believe in justice, freedom, equality, and democracy need to speak up, stand up, and act,” unquote. Other speakers at the almost entirely peaceful rally included Shu-Ling Zhao from the Whatcom Human Rights Task Force, as well as representatives from tenants- and trans-rights groups, the Bellingham Chapter of the Troublemakers organization, and more. Folksinger Robert Sarazin (s-air-a-zin) Blake led several singalongs, and giant puppets representing the Constitution paraded through the park. Groups of participants marched to the rally from the Western Washington campus and the Fairhaven business district. Some dressed in inflatable animal costumes, likely inspired by similar outfits donned by Portland citizens protesting ICE actions in that city. Thousands of No King’s protestors also lined half a mile of sidewalk along Burlington Boulevard in Skagit County. Adding to the dozens of rallies that took place throughout Washington state. STORY: BPD seeking witnesses or victims related to man arrested for sexual exploitation of a minor Bellingham Police are asking for the public’s help in finding witnesses or possible victims connected to a 24-year-old Alger man. Police say Jacob — or Jake — Smith drives a bronze 2008 Subaru Outback. They’ve also released his Snapchat handles: Jakemdd_11 and Jake_s1121. Smith was arrested October 17th on suspicion of sexual exploitation of a minor, according to the Whatcom County jail log. He’s being held on $150,000 bail but has not yet been formally charged. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Lisa Aspessi (a-SPEZ-ii), or leave an anonymous tip at cob.org/tips. STORY: Whatcom County Charter approves twelve amendments for next month’s ballot Whatcom County voters will see 12 proposed amendments to the county charter on this year’s ballot — the local constitution that shapes how county government operates. The 15-member Charter Review Commission met for seven months in a once-a-decade process, ultimately forwarding a dozen measures that won support from at least 10 commissioners, a supermajority requirement set in 2015. Most proposals focus on transparency, accountability, and process improvements — such as creating a county Office of the Ombuds (on-buds), allowing councilmembers to hire dedicated aides, and requiring performance audits of county operations. Voters will also weigh changes to budgeting, financial reporting, and redistricting rules. The full list of propositions — and explanatory statements — can be found in the Whatcom County Voters’ Pamphlet and online at whatcomcounty.us/elections. STORY: Ferndale ballot dropbox temporarily moved Due to construction, Ferndale’s Drop Box has temporarily moved to Pioneer Pavilion Community Center at 2007 Cherry Street, for this election only! Be sure to return your ballot in an Official Ballot Drop Box by 8:00 pm November 4 or by mail, postmarked by November 4, 2025. The United States Postal Service recommends mailing by Tuesday, October 28. You can find an official ballot box near you on the Whatcom County website. STORY: Hanford comes online Washington has begun turning nuclear waste at the Hanford Site into glass for safe disposal. This marks a major milestone in one of the nation’s most complex environmental cleanups. Governor Bob Ferguson and the State Department of Ecology say the Low-Activity Waste Facility is now operating under strict safety and environmental standards, just ahead of an October 15th legal deadline. The process will take decades, but officials say vitrifying the waste offers the best protection for the environment and communities in the Pacific Northwest. STORY: Federal shutdown takes a toll in Washington According to State Employment Security, about 79 federal workers a day across the state are applying for unemployment benefits due to the federal shutdown. Employment Security notes that while claims from federal workers are a small percentage of the growing number of unemployment claims, they are more complex and take longer to process. This Thursday at 1 p.m., Employment Security will host a webinar for federal workers and contractors impacted by the shutdown. Over 1500 federal workers live in Whatcom County. STORY: Data shows WA counties hardest hit by health care cost rise Washingtonians will likely face major health insurance premium hikes next year— and certain rural counties will be hit the hardest. The Enhanced Premium Tax Credits help make health insurance more affordable for millions of people who buy coverage on the open market. However, Congress needs to extend those credits, and it has been shut down with Republican congressmen sent home on vacation. Senator Maria Cantwell released new data this week that shows average premiums in seven rural counties east of the Cascades — including Yakima, Grant, Adams, Franklin, Douglas, Chelan, and Ferry — could more than double if the credits expire. Statewide, about one in thirty residents received the enhanced tax credits this year. San Juan County has the highest share of recipients at more than 11 percent of its under-65 population. STORY: Medicare open enrollment has started And just a quick note– Medicare’s Open Enrollment is underway through December 7th. Elders are encouraged to visit Medicare.gov to review coverage options, check for changes to their current plan, and update their information. WX: A weatherperson who reports an overcast forecast is a cloud bank teller And now for the weather: Expect today to be cloudy and rainy once …
October 17, 2025 News Transcript
Judge rules in favor of local Canvassing Board, Caregivers at Evergreen Supported Living ratify new contract, Big-box retail vacancies increase in Bellingham once again, Dockside Market holds food drive for Bellingham Food Bank (AIR FRIDAY), Bloedel Donovan Park re-opens with updated playground, WA co-leads lawsuit against EPA’s cuts to renewable energy funding, WA education grant applications open, Free and cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, October 17th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Judge rules in favor of local Canvassing Board A Whatcom County judge upheld the Canvassing Board’s decision to cancel Ferndale City Council candidate Steve Potvin’s voter registration at his downtown business address. The challenge came after questions arose about whether Potvin lived at the address he used for his registration. While the court noted Potvin’s integrity and unique lifestyle, it ruled the law is clear: the business address does not meet the legal definition of a residence. Potvin is still a candidate on the 2025 ballot. STORY: Caregivers at Evergreen Supported Living ratify new contract Caregivers at Evergreen Supported Living in Bellingham have ratified a new two-year contract with higher pay and improved benefits. The 21 unionized caregivers, represented by SEIU 775, secured a 3% wage increase, additional anniversary raises, expanded health coverage, and a new step on the wage scale. Starting pay is now at $21.75 an hour. The agreement follows nearly a year of negotiations and comes after the workers raised the possibility of a strike. Evergreen’s executive director called the deal fair, saying it reflects a commitment to both staff and clients amid uncertainty over federal health care funding. STORY: Big-box retail vacancies increase in Bellingham once again Retail vacancies in Bellingham rose last quarter after the closure of several big-box stores at Sunset Square. JoAnn Fabrics, Rite Aid, and At Home — along with Forever 21 at Bellis Fair Mall— have all closed recently. According to a quarter vacancy report from Pacific Continental Realty, the city’s retail vacancy rate climbed to 5.3% at the end of September, up from 4.5% in July. Analysts say it may be difficult to fill the large empty storefronts, but smaller shops and restaurants continue to see steady leasing activity across other parts of the city. STORY: Dockside Market holds food drive for Bellingham Food Bank (AIR FRIDAY) This Saturday from 10am-2pm the Bellingham Dockside Market will hold a food drive to benefit the local Food Bank. Bring your donation of non-perishable food or supplies, buy and donate canned fish from market vendors, or give online at the Food Bank website. Most needed items include peanut butter, alternative nut butters, pinto beans, rice, and diapers. Donors at the Dockside Market will receive five Seafood Superstar stamps as a thank-you. The event will take place rain or shine. STORY: Bloedel Donovan Park re-opens with updated playground Bellingham’s Bloedel Donovan Park has re-opened with a brand-new playground. After nearly two months of construction, the upgraded play area features more than 40 new play elements, which include slides, swings, and wheelchair-accessible ramps. It’s the park’s first major playground update in more than 25 years, with separate spaces designed for both toddlers and school-aged kids. Parks and Recreation officials say a few finishing touches are still in the works, but the playground is ready for families to enjoy. STORY: Superintendent Reykdal reports no indication of incoming cuts to WA special education funding The Trump administration has laid off another 466 employees from the U.S. Department of Education, after nearly 1,300 layoffs earlier this year. A recent report from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction says the cuts affect every program within the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. In addition, nearly all staff in the Office of Special Education Programs have been cut, which oversees services for millions of students with disabilities nationwide. Washington’s Superintendent of Public Instruction says federal grants remain active and local school funding is not at risk, but warn that layoffs could weaken oversight and protections for vulnerable students. STORY: WA co-leads lawsuit against EPA’s cuts to renewable energy funding Washington says it will join 22 other states in a lawsuit against the EPA over the cancellation of $7 billion in renewable energy funding. The lawsuit claims the EPA violated federal law and the Constitution when it shut the program down. Attorney General Nick Brown says ending the Solar for All program freezes more than $150 million in solar projects across Washington. The initiative was created by Congress and aims to bring solar power to low-income and disadvantaged communities. Brown accuses the administration of targeting the poor, by cutting programs that lower energy costs. STORY: WA education grant applications open Help is on the way for Washington students. The Washington College Grant program assists with a variety of college and job training, from four-year degrees and community colleges to workforce programs and apprenticeships. The grant is not limited to top students and is available to all eligible Washington residents based on income and family size. According to a recent announcement from the state, a family of four earning $78,500 or less could qualify for a full award that covers public college tuition. Even families earning up to $130,000 a year may be eligible for some help, but income limits will increase next year. Students are urged to apply now for the 2026–27 academic year and use the online calculator at WAgrant.org to estimate how much they could receive. STORY: Free and cheap 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 “No Kings” march returns to Bellingham tomorrow with a rally at Maritime Heritage Park from 1 to 3 PM. The rally is open to all, with a commitment to peaceful, nonviolent protest. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes. Orca Recovery Day is also happening tomorrow. Join Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, Whatcom Conservation District, and Whatcom Land Trust by helping to restore …
October 16, 2025 News Transcript
Section of Birch Bay-Lynden Road closed indefinitely pending investigation into vehicle crash, No Kings Protest scheduled for Saturday, Post office outlet inside Bellingham market avoids closure following petition and contract re-negotiation, Bellingham Utility rates to increase in 2026, Artist Point section of Mount Baker Highway closed for season, Some Skagit farmers oppose proposed regulations on agritourism in Tuesday hearing, AG Brown proposes new legislation aimed at protecting migrant workers Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, October 16th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Section of Birch Bay-Lynden Road closed indefinitely pending investigation into vehicle crash A Border Patrol pursuit ended in a crash Wednesday morning at Birch Bay–Lynden and North Enterprise Roads. First responders were called to the scene around 9 a.m., where a Border Patrol vehicle collided with another car at the four-way stop. Both drivers suffered minor, non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Washington State Patrol says the collision happened during an operation involving a suspect pursuit. WSP is leading the crash investigation, while federal agencies — including Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI — are handling the related enforcement and criminal inquiries. Birch Bay–Lynden Road was closed for several hours between North Enterprise and Woodland Roads as crews cleared the scene. STORY: No Kings Protest scheduled for Saturday The “No Kings” movement returns to Bellingham this Saturday with a rally at Maritime Heritage Park from 1 to 3 PM. The rally is free and open to all, with a commitment to peaceful, nonviolent protest. Organized by Indivisible Bellingham and co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Bellingham/Whatcom County, the event is part of a nationwide day of action against what participants describe as authoritarian policies under the Trump administration. The protest has been granted a permit, however attendees will not be allowed to march. Participants can expect speakers, music, art, and community engagement and are encouraged to wear costumes. Throughout Whatcom County you can also find protests happening in Nooksack at Everson City Park, Maple Falls, and Pt. Roberts at the corner of Gulf and Tyee Streets. Additional No Kings protests are happening in LaConner at Gilkey Square, Anacortes, Burlington on Burlington Blvd in front of Popeye’s, Sedro Wooley starting at Hammer Heritage Square, Coupeville at the Coupeville overpass, Orcas Island at Eastsound Village Green Park, Lopez Island at the Lopez Community Center, Friday Harbor, and on Shaw Island at the Ferry Terminal. STORY: Post office outlet inside Bellingham market avoids closure following petition and contract re-negotiation A neighborhood post office in Bellingham’s Alabama Hill neighborhood will stay open after all. The U.S. Postal Service has renewed its contract with Ben’s Market on Alabama Street, reversing plans to close the small postal unit at the end of September. Store manager Nixon Shrestha (SHRES-thuh) says community support made the difference — with more than a thousand people signing petitions to keep the location open. The office never actually shut its doors, and Shrestha says customers are relieved, especially with the busy holiday season approaching. Ben’s Market handled more than a quarter-million dollars in postal sales last year. STORY: Bellingham Utility rates to increase in 2026 Bellingham water rates are going up in 2026. Starting in January, customers will see double-digit increases in their monthly bills as the city invests in critical water, wastewater, and stormwater projects. The average bill will be about 13.5% higher. The biggest jump will come in wastewater rates, which will help pay for improvements at the Post Point treatment plant. Mayor Kim Lund says any delay in repairs would lead to higher costs and more disruption in the future. To help offset the impact, the city says it will expand its Customer Assistance Program next year. Low-income households earning up to 80% of the area median income can apply for reduced rates online, and current participants will be automatically re-enrolled. City officials say the plan tries to balance affordability with the need to keep Bellingham’s water systems safe, reliable, and sustainable for years to come. STORY: Artist Point section of Mount Baker Highway closed for season After a snowy weekend on Mount Baker, access to Artist’s Ridge is now closed for the season. The Washington State Department of Transportation says it will continue to clear snow and ice from Highway 542 up to the closure point, which lies just past the Mount Baker Ski Area near Heather Meadows. Areas past the closure can still be accessed on foot for winter sports and recreation, with permits obtainable at the Glacier Public Service Center. WSDOT (WASH-dot) will also provide updated traffic and mountain pass information on their website. STORY: Some Skagit farmers oppose proposed regulations on agritourism in Tuesday hearing Skagit County’s proposed rules for agricultural tourism are drawing strong reactions. The county has proposed new rules for farms that host events — including limits on guest numbers, minimum income requirements from farming, and a ban on restaurants and similar businesses on certain agricultural lands. At a public hearing Tuesday night, farmers and residents voiced passionate opposition to new regulations. The county says the goal is to allow farmers to host events like weddings and tours while also protecting farmland and neighboring properties. Nick Cecotti (suh-KOTTY) told commissioners tourism income keeps his farm afloat, while Larry Jensen called the proposal “absolutely ridiculous.” Others, like Sedro-Woolley farmer Terry Sapp, supported the changes as a reasonable compromise under state law. Public comments on the plan are open through Thursday, October 16th. STORY: AG Brown proposes new legislation aimed at protecting migrant workers Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has proposed new protections for immigrant workers. The measure, called the Immigrant Worker Protection Act, would require employers to alert their workers within 72 hours if federal immigration agents plan to inspect their employment records. Brown’s office says the proposal would give workers time to get documentation in order, speak with an attorney, or make family plans. Similar laws already exist in California, Oregon, and Illinois. The proposal follows recent …
October 15, 2025 News Transcript
Investigation underway into fire that completely destroyed residential trailer in Ferndale, PeaceHealth expansion still underway amid uncertainty of federal funding cuts, Bellingham rental prices rise, while most other Whatcom cities trend downward, No jail time for Whatcom man who pled guilty to sexually assaulting child, Two people fined over $7 million for perpetrating years-long, statewide estate sale scheme, Flags to fly at half-staff in honor of JBLM crash victims Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, October 15th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Investigation underway into fire that completely destroyed residential trailer in Ferndale A fire that destroyed a fifth-wheel trailer home in Whatcom County last week is under investigation by the county Fire Marshal’s Office. Fire crews were called around 5:50 p.m. last Thursday to the 5000 block of Elder Road. When firefighters arrived, a camper and fifth-wheel being used as a single residence was fully engulfed. No one was home at the time, and the resident was uninjured. Crews from Fire District 7, North Whatcom Fire and Rescue, and District 17 knocked down the main flames in under 10 minutes, then worked several hours extinguishing hot spots. While blocking the road, a Sheriff’s Office vehicle was hit, which injured the deputy inside. The deputy has since been released from the hospital and is recovering at home. STORY: PeaceHealth expansion still underway amid uncertainty of federal funding cuts PeaceHealth officials say they’re keeping a close eye on how federal health care changes. At a community meeting Monday, PeaceHealth Northwest Chief Executive Charles Prosper said federal and state policy shifts are still evolving, and the hospital will stay alert as those changes unfold. Meanwhile, construction on PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s 80-bed expansion continues along Squalicum Parkway, with sidewalk and bike lane work set to wrap up by the end of the month. The project will add 120,000 square feet to the Bellingham hospital, which includes a new emergency department, single-patient rooms, and a rooftop helipad. Most of the new beds are expected to be licensed by mid-2027, with the rest coming online in 2029. According to PeaceHealth, the $336 million expansion will improve access to care without raising patient costs. STORY: Bellingham rental prices rise, while most other Whatcom cities trend downward Rental prices in Bellingham ticked up this month, even as many nearby cities saw drops. According to new data from Zillow, the average rent in Bellingham reached $2,200 in early October — up $50 from September and $200 higher than a year ago. That’s about 8% above the national average. Elsewhere in Whatcom County, rental trends were mixed. Prices dropped in Lynden, Blaine, Sumas, Birch Bay, and Deming, while Ferndale and Everson saw increases. Ferndale’s average rent rose to $2,400, the highest in the county, while Deming had the lowest average at about $1,300. STORY: No jail time for Whatcom man who pled guilty to sexually assaulting child A Whatcom County man who admitted to the sexual assault of a child will not serve jail time. Sixty-five-year-old Luciano Lozano pleaded guilty and was sentenced Tuesday under a special sex offender sentencing alternative. This means his more than five-year prison term is suspended if he follows court-ordered treatment and supervision. Lozano was arrested in January 2022 after telling his pastor he had inappropriately touched a 10-year-old girl. The pastor contacted authorities, which led to Lozano’s arrest. Judge David Freeman approved the agreed-upon sentence, saying it appropriately addressed the charges. Lozano must complete five years of sex offender treatment and has a no-contact order with the victim. STORY: Two people fined over $7 million for perpetrating years-long, statewide estate sale scheme Two people have been ordered to pay more than $7 million for what state officials call a “probates-for-profit” scheme that cheated families across Washington. According to the state Attorney General’s Office, John Elliott and Shanelle Sunde used legal loopholes to get themselves appointed as estate administrators for nearly 200 deceased strangers, then sold off homes and assets without notifying heirs. They collected large commissions and sold at least 90 homes worth more than $28 million, with eight of those cases in Skagit County. A King County judge also barred the pair from ever serving as probate administrators again. STORY: Flags to fly at half-staff in honor of JBLM crash victims Last Friday, Gov. Bob Ferguson ordered U.S. and Washington state flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of four soldiers who died in a helicopter crash last month. The soldiers — Chief Warrant Officers Andrew Cully and Andrew Kraus, Sgt. Donavon Scott, and Sgt. Jadalyn Good — were killed in a training accident near Summit Lake in Thurston County on September 17th. Scott was from Tacoma, Good from Mount Vernon, Cully from Missouri, and Kraus from Florida. Flags at all state agency facilities will remain at half-staff until sunset or close of business on Friday. The Army has called the crash an “aviation mishap” and is still investigating the cause. WX: Sixty Degrees of Kevin Bacon And now for the weather: It’s another sunny fall day here in Whatcom. The forecast calls for bright, clear skies and highs around 60 degrees. Cloud cover is expected to remain minimal throughout the day and headed into the evening. Speaking of which, we’ve got another chilly fall night in store for us, with temperatures expected to hit lows in the mid-high 30s. Expect to see some increasing cloud cover tomorrow, with chances of scattered showers as the day wears on. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THARE-un) Danielson, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), Bella Mae, and Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee). 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 …
October 14, 2025 News Transcript
Blaine man sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempted murder of girlfriend, Weekend windstorms leave over 2,000 PSE customers without power, City of Blaine temporarily withdraws controversial urban growth plan, Accessible voting units available in Whatcom County (for 10/14), Lynden approves tax hike, Environmentalist groups challenge Whatcom County’s “robust” assessment of AltaGas terminal, Actuary for WA’s paid family and medical leave program paints dire picture of financial future, Ferndale ballot dropbox temporarily moved (kill 10/28 without edit, 11/3 with edit), Free and Cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, October 14th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Blaine man sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempted murder of girlfriend A Blaine man will spend 15 years in prison for the attempted murder of his girlfriend last summer. 42-year-old Clayton Dubois (doo-BWAH) was convicted of first-degree attempted murder and unlawful firearm possession nearly two months ago. He was sentenced to prison yesterday in Whatcom County Superior Court. According to police reports, Dubois hit his girlfriend in the face with a propane tank in August of 2024. She was later airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle with severe injuries. Judge Evan Jones called Dubois’ actions incredibly violent behavior. Dubois told the court he never intended for the assault to happen, and called it a quote “absolute tragic event”. STORY: Weekend windstorms leave over 2,000 PSE customers without power Wind gusts that swept through northern Whatcom County left more than 2,000 Puget Sound Energy customers without power. The gusts, which reached speeds of 40 miles per hour, affected the area on Sunday night and Monday morning. PSE identified trees and vegetation as the cause of virtually all of the outages. By Monday evening, more than half of the affected locations had seen their power restored. Work is ongoing. STORY: City of Blaine temporarily withdraws controversial urban growth plan The City of Blaine has paused its plan to move its urban growth area from east to west. Cascadia Daily News reports the proposal will be revisited after November’s vote on de-annexing nearly 600 acres in east Blaine. Alex Wenger, the city’s Planning Director, told the Whatcom County Planning Commission the city needed more time to work out issues and coordinate with neighbors to the south. The plan faced opposition from Birch Bay residents and local groups, who argued it could limit Birch Bay’s growth, worsen stormwater runoff, and increase traffic. County planners also raised legal and environmental concerns. Blaine proposed to expand the urban growth area on the Semiahmoo (seh-mi-AH-moo) Peninsula to make up for the potential lost land. However, the city has canceled its public hearing and presentation for now, and says it will refine the plan before moving forward. STORY: Accessible voting units available in Whatcom County (for 10/14) Voters with accessibility needs can cast their ballots independently on new accessible voting units in Whatcom County. The units, equipped with visual and audio technology, will be available at the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office starting tomorrow. They will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through November 3rd. On Election Day, November 4th, the office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for accessible voting. The Auditor’s Office is located at 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103 in Bellingham. More information is available by calling the office’s Election Division. STORY: Lynden approves tax hike Lynden leaders have approved a new 0.1% public safety sales tax. The Lynden City Council voted unanimously yesterday to impose the new tax, which is expected to bring in about 400-thousand dollars a year starting in 2026. A state law passed earlier this year allows cities to raise funds for criminal justice purposes without a public vote. The Lynden Tribune reported last week the city’s expenses are higher than budgeted for this year, and revenue — including sales tax — has been lower. City officials say the money will help maintain police services as costs rise and revenues fall. Lynden officials say the city has not faced financial strain like this since the 2008 recession. Council members admit they do not want to raise taxes, but say it’s necessary to keep the community safe. STORY: Environmentalist groups challenge Whatcom County’s “robust” assessment of AltaGas terminal Environmental groups are challenging Whatcom County’s approval of permits at the Ferndale LPG Terminal. Nonprofit law firm Earthjustice filed an appeal on behalf of local advocates. It says the county’s decision allows terminal owner AltaGas (AL-tuh GAS) to dramatically increase propane and butane exports to Asia without a full environmental review. They argue throughput (THROO-put) at the terminal has soared since 2016, bringing more trains, ships, and pollution risks to the Salish Sea. A 2021 investigation found the facility had already expanded without proper permits, resulting in a record 4-million-dollar air-quality fine. Whatcom County’s planning department issued a Determination of Non-Significance, which says the company’s mitigation measures make the actual impacts “non-significant.” However, Earthjustice calls that conclusion, quote, “clearly erroneous,” and says only a full Environmental Impact Statement can assess the project’s true effects on orcas, fisheries, and climate. On their end, AltaGas maintains their operations comply with environmental law and that the review was “robust and appropriate.” The appeal could test Whatcom County’s 2021 rules meant to limit fossil fuel expansion at Cherry Point. STORY: Actuary for WA’s paid family and medical leave program paints dire picture of financial future Washington’s paid family and medical leave program could soon run hundreds of millions of dollars in the red unless lawmakers act. According to a presentation given at the Paid Family & Medical Leave Advisory Committee meeting in September, the program’s actuary projects a deficit of more than 350-million dollars by 2029. State law caps payroll premiums for the program at 1.2%, and projections show it will hit that ceiling by 2027 — just as claims and costs continue to rise. The program, launched in 2020, lets workers take paid time off for serious health issues or to care for family …
October 13, 2025 News Transcript
Jury settles negligence case after Deming woman injured at Costco, Search teams rescue injured biker on Lookout Mountain, One lane of I-5 in Ferndale closes this week for construction projects, SR 20 closes for three days, COB says avoid flooding, adopt a stormdrain, Water rates going up in the New Year, Dept. of Fish and Wildlife announces record sockeye returns to Baker River system, Dept. of Health announces second round of funding for key federal food assistance program, Nightclub catering exclusively to young adult patrons opens in Bellingham, Accessible voting units available in Whatcom County (for 10/14), Ferndale ballot dropbox temporarily moved (kill 10/28 without edit, 11/3 with edit), Free and Cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, October 13th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Jury settles negligence case after Deming woman injured at Costco A Whatcom County jury has ruled that Costco was not negligent in a personal injury lawsuit brought by a Deming woman. Heather Bradford filed the lawsuit in 2021, years after an incident in which an employee reportedly struck her with a cart loaded with furniture boxes, causing her lasting neck, shoulder, and back pain. After hearing from medical experts on both sides, the jury deliberated for one day before it decided that neither Costco nor Bradford were negligent in the incident. STORY: Search teams rescue injured biker on Lookout Mountain Search and rescue teams responded to Lookout Mountain on Friday morning after a mountain biker was injured on a steep trail. The call came in just before 9 a.m. Crews from the Bellingham Fire Department, the South Whatcom Fire Authority, and Bellingham Mountain Rescue worked for several hours to bring the rider to safety. Chief Mitch Nolze said rescuers used a rope system to carefully lower the man down the mountain, describing the process as slow but necessary for safety. The injured biker was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center, and later released. Authorities have not shared details about his injuries. STORY: One lane of I-5 in Ferndale closes this week for construction projects Drivers should expect nightly lane closures on Interstate 5 in Ferndale starting this weekend. The Washington State Department of Transportation says the left lanes in both directions will close between Portal Way and Grandview Road for paving and safety upgrades. Southbound closures began last night and will continue through Friday morning, while northbound work starts tonight and also runs through Friday. Crews will repave the roadway and install new cable barriers as part of WSDOT’s (WASH-dots) ongoing Nooksack-River-to-Blaine paving project. STORY: SR 20 closes for three days State Route 20 near Oak Harbor will close nightly from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., tonight through Thursday. According to WSDOT (WASH-dot), the new West Fakkema (FEH-kuh-mah) Road roundabout will be paved. The new roundabout is designed to slow traffic, improve safety, and make navigation easier for large trucks. Travelers can get real-time updates via the WSDOT mobile app or the Travel Center Map. Drivers are advised to detour using West Ault (AALT) Field and Goldie roads, while local traffic on the east side can use Sleeper and Crescent Harbor roads. STORY: COB says avoid flooding, adopt a stormdrain As our fall weather gets windier, Bellingham officials want to remind residents to help keep storm drains clear. Leaves, trash, and debris can build up and cause secondary flooding on streets and into homes. City staff is urging people to adopt a storm drain near their homes and sweep or rake them, especially on rainy days. Officials say never sweep leaves into the street, or lift the storm grates. Instead, dispose of debris in yard waste or garbage bins. STORY: Water rates going up in the New Year The City of Bellingham wants utility customers to know they will see a 13.5% increase in monthly water bills next year. The City Council approved the rate increase in July, citing the need to upgrade aging infrastructure. The city announced it will expand its Customer Assistance Program to support households earning 80% of the area median income or less. Current participants will be automatically enrolled, and new applications are available online. More information on rates and assistance can be found on the city’s Customer Assistance Program webpage. STORY: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife announces record sockeye returns to Baker River system Sockeye salmon are making a historic comeback in the Baker River system near Concrete. From June through October, nearly 92,000 salmon returned to the Skagit River system on their way to Baker River and Baker Lake — a dramatic increase from fewer than 100 fish in 1985. The run includes salmon native to Baker Lake and the Baker River, a tributary of the Skagit. A record number of one-and-a-half million juvenile fish passed through Baker Lake and Lake Shannon during the May outbound migration. Returning sockeye are trapped below two dams on the lower Baker River and transported above the dams. Some are placed on artificial spawning beaches, some go to hatcheries, and others are released into Baker Lake to spawn naturally or be caught by anglers. Natural spawning occurs mostly at the head of the lake and in the upper Baker River, while fry grow in Baker Lake and Shannon Lake before heading downstream to the sea. STORY: Dept. of Health announces second round of funding for key federal food assistance program There is some good news for families relying on federal food assistance during the government shutdown. The Washington State Department of Health says its Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program — or WIC — will continue running through the end of October, thanks to a second round of federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. WIC provides healthy food, nutrition advice, and support for pregnant people, new parents, and children under 5. That funding will keep food benefits flowing and preserve the state’s 10-person WIC team — at least for now — despite uncertainty over how long the shutdown will last. The Health Department says it’s …
October 10, 2025 News Transcript
Sheriff Deputy injured in Whatcom County crash, Traffic stop leads to second arrest in four months for Bellingham woman in connection with dealing drugs, Lumber truck rollover north of Everson leads to power outage and closure of State Route 9, Ferndale man awaiting trial for property crimes arrested again while out on bail, WWU sees dip in enrollment, Ferndale breaks ground on new civic campus, Whatcom HCS warns of potential listeria contamination in ready-to-eat cauliflower, Free or cheap, Ferndale ballot dropbox temporarily moved (kill 10/28 without edit, 11/3 with edit), Free or Cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, October 10th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Sheriff Deputy injured in Whatcom County crash Two people were hospitalized after a car hit a Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office vehicle Thursday night on Mountain View Road near Barr Road. The Washington State Patrol says a 76-year-old Ferndale woman was driving west when her car struck a marked sheriff’s SUV that was blocking the road with its emergency lights on. Both drivers — the woman and a 31-year-old sheriff’s deputy from Bellingham — were taken to St. Joseph Hospital with injuries. Troopers say both were wearing seatbelts, and both vehicles were totaled. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and it’s not yet known if drugs or alcohol were involved. STORY: Traffic stop leads to second arrest in four months for Bellingham woman in connection with dealing drugs Police say an ongoing investigation has led to a Bellingham woman’s third drug-related arrest this year. According to The Bellingham Herald, 27-year-old Kylie Doreen Wilkinson was arrested most recently on October 2, stemming from multiple earlier incidents involving crack cocaine. Police say Wilkinson was first arrested in June after investigators found a crack-cooking station in a hotel room. She was released on bail, but later pulled over in July and August with suspected cocaine and drug paraphernalia in her car. Warrants from those stops led to her latest arrest. Wilkinson is now facing charges including possession and intent to deliver a Schedule 4 controlled substance and maintaining a vehicle for drug use. She remains in custody at Whatcom County Jail. The investigation has also led to charges against 34-year-old Raymond Robinson and Ashley Elizabeth Zaylor in related cases. STORY: Lumber truck rollover north of Everson leads to power outage and closure of State Route 9 Traffic has reopened on State Route 9 near Everson after a lumber truck crash closed the highway. According to the state highway report, the crash happened around 12:40 p.m. yesterday, just north of Tom Road. A truck hauling lumber went slightly off the road before tipping over and spilling its load across both lanes. No injuries were reported, but the crash damaged a nearby power pole. The road was closed for several hours but reopened late last night. STORY: Ferndale man awaiting trial for property crimes arrested again while out on bail A Ferndale man once again faces felony charges — this time for alleged property crimes while already awaiting trial in multiple other cases. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and Bellingham Police say 40-year-old Hal Louis Hovander was arrested September 25th and booked into the Whatcom County Jail. He’s now charged with organized retail theft, possession of stolen property, and trafficking stolen property. Investigators say security video showed Hovander leaving a Bellingham store with more than $2,400 in unpaid merchandise. He’s also accused of trying to sell stolen construction equipment valued at $20,000. At the time, he was already out on bail awaiting trial in Whatcom and Skagit County Superior Courts on several other felony theft and fraud charges. Hovander was later released after he posted a new bond. STORY: Skagit County judge throws out 2021 murder case after reveal of false testimony A Skagit County judge has thrown out a 2021 murder case. Superior Court Judge Laura Riquelme (ri-KWELL-may) dismissed the case, ruling that prosecutors failed to review key evidence before trial. 59-year-old Angela Conijn was accused of shooting and killing 32-year-old Kamran Cohee after a confrontation over a political sign outside her home. Riquelme found that prosecutor Brandon Platter committed government misconduct by not fully reviewing evidence photos — including one that showed a closed folding knife inside the victim’s truck. That detail, the judge said, could have supported Conijn’s claim of self-defense. The knife was never mentioned in reports or at trial, and Riquelme wrote that the prosecutor’s failure to catch it was “negligent, at best.” Because of the ruling, the Skagit County Prosecutor’s Office cannot refile charges against Conijn. STORY: WWU sees dip in enrollment Western Washington University is welcoming fewer freshmen this fall, which marks the third straight year of declining enrollment. According to an email sent to faculty and staff by President Sabha Randhawa, the university still noted progress. Retention is at its highest since 2020, and FAFSA completion reached a record high. Now Western hopes to build one of its largest classes in two decades, with guaranteed admission for eligible high school graduates and smoother transfers from community and technical colleges. STORY: Ferndale breaks ground on new civic campus Ferndale has broken ground on its new Civic Campus Project, a major step toward modern, accessible city facilities. The $6.75 million in state and federal grants will help fund the 19,000-square-foot building, which brings City Hall, Municipal Court, and Council Chambers under one roof. Mayor Greg Hansen called it a “historic investment” that will improve access and efficiency. Construction by Dawson Construction is underway, with completion expected in 2027. STORY: Whatcom HCS warns of potential listeria contamination in ready-to-eat cauliflower Local officials are joining a national warning about potentially contaminated ready-to-eat meals. Whatcom County Health and Community Services say riced cauliflower in certain Blue Apron and Marley Spoon products may be contaminated with Listeria. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a public health alert for these products, which are no longer available for purchase. The affected products include plastic tray packages labeled “DISH by Blue …
