Bellingham woman sentenced for involvement in fentanyl ring, Whatcom County approaching record numbers of homeless deaths, Three Whatcom County fire districts seeking additional funding from voters, Three Whatcom County fire districts seeking additional funding from voters, WA facing “alarming surge” in EBT scams, 30-day residency requirement for WA voter registration struck down, WA wolf population numbers under scrutiny Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, July 15th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham woman sentenced for involvement in fentanyl ring 38-year-old Bellingham woman Natasha Parkhill was sentenced to four years in prison for her role in a Whatcom County fentanyl distribution ring on Friday. Parkhill was arrested along with four others after a failed attempt to flee in January of 2023, where police found about 1,000 fentanyl pills and over $1,300 in cash. She was one of six defendants charged by a Seattle grand jury with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, according to a U.S. Justice Department statement released in April. According to the statement, the ring actively moved fentanyl from the Seattle area to drug dealers in Bellingham. Law enforcement officers say they observed various transactions before intercepting the narcotics. Two other drug ring members have already been sentenced: 39-year-old Daniel Faix (FAY) of Bellingham was sentenced in March to 10 years in prison. 33-year-old Ahbdurman Ahmed (ahb-DOOR-mun AH-med) of Seattle was sentenced in January to six years in prison. Two other defendants, 35-year-old Mohamed Abdirisak Mohamed (mo-HAH-mud ahb-DEER-uh-sek mo-HAH-mud) of Seattle and 35-year-old Matthew Anderson of Bellingham pleaded guilty and are awaiting trial. The last alleged member of the drug ring, 41-year-old Robel Sisay Gebremedhin of Burien (ruh-BELL SEE-say guh-BREM-uh-deen), is currently being sought by law enforcement. According to the U.S Justice Department, the investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Whatcom County Drug and Gang Task Force– with valuable assistance by the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, and the Whatcom County Prosecutor’s Office. STORY: Whatcom County approaching record numbers of homeless deaths According to reports from the Opportunity Council’s Homeless Outreach Team, there’s a sharp increase in the number of deaths among the homeless population in Bellingham and Whatcom County. 84 deaths were reported in 2023, but that number is now on track to rise to over 100 this year, with factors such as easy access to opioids, the high cost of living, lack of affordable housing, and a strained behavioral health system contributing to the rise. According to the report, the COVID-19 pandemic has also made the issue worse. The local increase unfortunately mirrors a national trend where homeless individuals face a 3.5 times higher mortality rate compared to those who are housed. STORY: Three Whatcom County fire districts seeking additional funding from voters Three Whatcom County fire districts are requesting additional tax funds from voters to rebuild their stations and boost their operations. Fire District 1, which serves Everson, Nooksack, Deming and the Nooksack Indian Tribe is proposing a bond to help them build a new station on Everson Goshen Road. According to Assistant Fire Chief Greg Macy, the current station, located on E. Main St. in Everson, sits on a flood plain, and lacks sleeping quarters as well as space for community activities and meetings. The new station would also serve as an Emergency Operations Center in case of a disaster. Fire District 17 in Sandy Point is re-running a levy after a measure in the April special election failed by only one vote. The levy money would go towards the rebuilding and relocation of the district’s fire station which has been damaged twice by floods. Co-chair Jeanne Carroll says money to hire paid staff is also essential, as longtime volunteers are getting older. Fire District 21, known as North Whatcom Fire and Rescue, which serves Lynden, Blaine, Custer, Laurel, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo, is also proposing a levy. According to their website, the levy increase would fund eight emergency personnel, a response unit for medical emergencies, a ladder truck, three fire engines and the replacement of Station 63 in Birch Bay. STORY: WA facing “alarming surge” in EBT scams The Washington State Department of Social Services has found that residents on food assistance have lost $5.5 million to Electronic Benefit Transfer – or EBT – scams. These scams happen when a thief places a device on retail card swiping machines, stealing information and benefits from EBT card holders. According to the Seattle Times, roughly 4 of the $5.5 million in benefit losses in the state were from the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps. The agency is now taking steps to reimburse those with lost benefits by using funds from Spending Legislation signed by Joe Biden, as well as state funding. As of now, the department has replaced $3 million in food benefits and processed 8,000 claims. However, agency spokesperson Norah West said that the agency did not get funding to replace cash benefits stolen before July 1st 2024. Claims for stolen EBT benefits must be reported to the department within 30 days of discovering a loss. To report a claim online, visit dshs.wa.gov. STORY: 30-day residency requirement for WA voter registration struck down There will not be a 30-day residency requirement for Washington state voters ahead of the 2024 election. The requirement was struck down last year but recently became official. RESIDENCY AUDIO: 1:32 STORY: WA wolf population numbers under scrutiny On July 19th, members of the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will cast their votes on whether or not to downgrade the status of Washington’s gray wolves from endangered to sensitive. The change would lower penalties for the illegal poaching of wolves and give livestock owners access to permits to kill wolves that cause conflict with their herds. However, wildlife advocates believe that officials could be relying on flawed wolf count figures and call the count produced by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife implausibly high. The potentially flawed population count comes from the Confederated …
July 12, 2024 News Transcript
WWU fires police officer facing trial for assault charge, Ferndale mother pleads guilty to manslaughter, Bellingham City Council considers shuttering supportive housing facility, Bellingham Value Village employees find real ammunition among prop munitions, Bellingham International Airport pursuing larger role in international travel, U.S. and Canada reach deal on Columbia River deal, Free or Cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, July 12th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: WWU fires police officer facing trial for assault charge The Western Washington University Police Department has fired one of its officers and a second remains on leave following a use of force incident on January 20th. Police Chief Katy Potts said in a statement that the incident involved an individual who was caught breaking into a private vehicle owned by one of the responding officers. After being handcuffed and searched, the individual was struck in the face by an arresting officer. Officer Robert Anderson was fired Thursday after Mount Vernon Police referred the case for prosecution and Anderson is also facing a fourth-degree assault charge in Whatcom County. STORY: Ferndale mother pleads guilty to manslaughter The mother of a Ferndale 5-year-old pled guilty Thursday to second-degree manslaughter in connection with the death of her daughter. Melissa Welch could face up to three and a half years in prison for the death of her daughter, who passed away from a fatal amount of fentanyl. Welch’s boyfriend, Cody Craig, and her daughter’s father, Michael Doane, were also in the house and face first-degree murder charges in relation to the case. Following Welch’s guilty plea, her first-degree murder charge was amended to second-degree manslaughter. Court documents show that during the search of the residence law enforcement found meth, methadone, and fentanyl on the floor of the garage near the 5-year-old’s play area. Welch will be sentenced on August 15th while Doane and Craig could be in front of a jury as early as July 29th. STORY: Bellingham City Council considers shuttering supportive housing facility The Whatcom County Council is scrutinizing the Opportunity Council’s management of 22 North, following multiple deaths and criminal investigations. Since February 2022, nine people have died at the downtown Bellingham housing facility, and numerous criminal incidents have occurred. The Opportunity Council defends 22 North as vital for providing affordable, supportive housing with essential services for homeless adults. However, Councilmember Ben Elenbaas is concerned about ongoing issues including overdose deaths & crime and questions the effectiveness of the housing-first model used by the facility. The resolution cites the failure of the program to address fentanyl addiction and homelessness effectively and would have the County defund and close the facility and turn it into a secure detox center. Council members emphasize the need for a broader conversation on improving support for vulnerable populations. An outside consultant is being sought to evaluate all local permanent supportive housing programs and recommend improvements. Public opinion is divided: some support shutting down the facility due to the problems, while others argue it is a crucial resource for those in crisis. The discussion was tabled for three weeks and will continue at a county health board meeting on July 30. STORY: Bellingham Value Village employees find real ammunition among prop munitions Employees at Bellingham Value Village were surprised to find firearms, ammunition, flares, and what appeared to be an explosive device in their donation box. Bellingham Police Department confirmed that the firearms were old movie prop revolvers and a pneumatic “flashbang” prop, but the ammunition and flares were real. Although the weapons were props, law enforcement will destroy them since Value Village does not accept any kind of weapon. STORY: Bellingham International Airport pursuing larger role in international travel At the June 18th Bellingham Port Commission meeting, Bellingham International Director of Aviation Kip Turner announced that the airport is hoping to expand its role in Northwest Washington’s air travel industry by adding flights to Mexico. The airport has seen a continuous drop in passenger numbers over the past decade, despite multi-million-dollar improvements to the terminal. While certain outside factors can be blamed, including the fluctuating Canadian dollar, lack of actual international flights is also thought to share some responsibility for the decline. Another factor in the recent announcement may be the upcoming exit of Southwest Airlines, which will stop serving Bellingham on August 4th. Turner stated that the airport was in talks with three potential new carriers – two of which may be able to start service as early as October. STORY: U.S. and Canada reach deal on Columbia River deal The US and Canada have reached agreement on the renewal of a 50 year old treaty managing the Columbia River basin. The treaty will reduce the amount of hydropower that the US sends to Canada by 37%. Electricity generated by dam has been in decline over the last 20 years because of lower snowpack and record-breaking droughts. At the same time, power demands in the Northwest are increasing. The reduction in power exports will help the region take care of its own power needs. Fish and river advocates are unhappy with the deal as they say it prioritizes money over ecosystem health. Shannon Wheeler, chairman of the Nez Perce (NEZ PEIRCE) Tribe, said that the ecosystem-based function of the treaty should have been the third leg of the discussion. The treaty still needs to be approved by the US Senate and the Canadian prime minister. STORY: Free or Cheap Here are some free and cheap activities to enjoy this weekend: The Bellingham Circus Guild will be making an appearance at Ferndale’s Summer of Fun Food Truck Friday this afternoon at Pioneer Park. Entertainment will begin at 5:30pm, followed by a showing of Kung Fu Panda 4 at 9pm. Ferndale’s Summer of Fun events are all free to attend. If you’re looking to catch another movie this weekend, Fairhaven’s Outdoor Cinema will be screening Best in Show on Saturday with performances by The Sweet Goodbyes. Entertainment begins 90-minutes before sunset. Tickets are …
July 11, 2024 News Transcript
Washington issues statewide outdoor burn ban, COVID on rise in Western Washington, Affordable housing residents call for action amidst heat wave, Summer EBT program aims to provide for food-insecure families and youth, Bellingham approves $350K in funds for downtown beautification project, Gas prices in Whatcom and WA decline, WA State Democratic staff vote to unionize Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, July 11th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Washington issues statewide outdoor burn ban A burn ban is in effect for all of Washington state. The ban, issued by Washington’s Department of Natural Resources, went into effect yesterday and will run through September 30th. The move came in response to the heat wave that hit most of the state last week. The ban will apply to the two million acres of Washington’s forests controlled by the DNR, as well as any other lands under its jurisdiction. According to a news release by the department, the ban covers quote “burning, campfires, the use of charcoal briquettes, and prescribed burns” unquote, with an exception for prescribed fires for ecological purposes and community protection. According to DNR’s wildfire dashboard, Washington has already seen 695 fires this year. STORY: COVID on rise in Western Washington The annual summer surge of COVID-19 infections has begun, fueled by the spread of new variants, and as millions of people travel this summer, infections are expected to increase. According to the CDC and the state Department of Health, wastewater surveillance – one of the more reliable ways of tracking COVID’s spread – shows an increase of the virus in Washington over the last 45 days. State data also shows an increase in the percent of hospitalizations and emergency room visits due to COVID in June. The CDC also found that cases are growing or likely growing in 39 states, and they do not appear to be declining. Although experts say this summer wave should remain mild, it’s a reminder to remain vigilant, particularly among those who are medically vulnerable. CDC vaccine advisers say they will release their newest recommendations on updated COVID-19 shots in the fall. STORY: Affordable housing residents call for action amidst heat wave Bellingham residents living in affordable housing complexes are concerned about rising temperatures in their buildings. Lack of air conditioning is common throughout the Northwest, and especially prevalent in affordable housing developments, however many low-income senior residents say they are at a higher risk for heat-related illness. According to county records, in 2021, a resident in Eleanor apartments, one of Bellingham’s affordable housing complexes owned by Mercy Housing, died of heat stroke. Recent reporting by the Bellingham Herald says residents of Eleanor were unable to open some of the windows in their rooms more than a few inches, and claim the housing development’s upstairs hallways regularly reach 85 degrees. Residents of Trailview, another Bellingham affordable housing complex owned by Mercy Housing, have also voiced concerns. They claim the community rooms which have air conditioning were closed due to a lack of management. Temperatures are currently dropping, but County health advisors remind everyone to remain safe and hydrated during the scorching summer heat. STORY: Summer EBT program aims to provide for food-insecure families and youth There’s a new program aimed at alleviating summertime food insecurity. The Summer EBT program provides a pre-loaded card to Washington families who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. The card has about $120 in SUN Bucks per child for grocery purchases that expire four months after the card is issued. Washington U.S. Senator Patty Murray– who helped champion the federal bill that funded the program– says at least half-a-million Washington children will benefit it. Families who are already signed up for programs such as SNAP and TANF (TAN-if) are automatically enrolled in SUN bucks. STORY: Bellingham approves $350K in funds for downtown beautification project The City of Bellingham has announced it will invest nearly $350,000 to enhance the downtown area through a new grant program. The program will use $250,000 from the lodging tax fund and $97,000 from the general fund to support various projects designed to beautify and activate downtown spaces. Mayor Kim Lund proposed the grant program in spring. Despite a short one-month application period, the city received 43 project proposals. A review committee selected three major projects from the public art nonprofit Paper Whale: immersive gallery experiences ($60,000), alleyway activations ($100,000), and murals on the Lakeway/Interstate 5 underpass ($90,000). Additionally, four smaller projects will receive general fund support, including a mural on the Lee Memorial Park staircase, a mural on the Whatcom Museum firehouse, and an interactive “Trike Trak” where riders on trikes can create art. The project designs await approval from the Bellingham Arts Commission. The city anticipates three rounds of $250,000 grants, and encourages applicants to resubmit proposals for future consideration. STORY: Gas prices in Whatcom and WA decline The price of gas in Washington state is headed down this year, providing some relief for consumers. According to AAA (triple A), the national average gas price was $3.54 per gallon on Monday, nearly the same as last year’s numbers. However, Washington State’s gas prices are down by 67 cents from last year, sitting at $4.29 per gallon as of Monday. Washington state is ranked third for highest gas prices in the country. Fuel at the pump runs 75 cents above the national average. STORY: WA State Democratic staff vote to unionize The stage is set for the first-ever contract negotiations between Washington state lawmakers and some of their most trusted employees. Democratic staff in the state House and Senate voted overwhelmingly to unionize Monday. They join their Republican peers in both chambers who elected to form bargaining units last month. Workers in each of the four partisan caucuses will sit down with administrative leaders of the House and Senate to negotiate separate agreements covering wages, benefits and working conditions. Under Washington state law, employees of the Democratic and Republican caucuses in each chamber must be in …
July 10, 2024 News Transcript
Whatcom County air quality on decline as Eastern WA wildfires continue, Further details released in Lake Padden assault, WA facing “alarming surge,” in EBT scams, Whatcom County council to challenge legitimacy of Healthy Children’s Fund repeal initiative, Whatcom County council to challenge legitimacy of Healthy Children’s Fund repeal initiative, Whatcom food banks request $2 million in additional funding, Six Whatcom County grocery stores to change ownership in Kroger-Albertson’s merger Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, July 10th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom County air quality on decline as Eastern WA wildfires continue Whatcom County’s air has improved following a “Moderate” air quality index (AQI) reading on Monday. The reading found “Moderate” amounts of particulate matter, typically found in smoke, in Whatcom County due to wildfires in Eastern Washington spreading smoke to the west as well as the recent heat wave – which set a new daily temperature record in Bellingham on Tuesday at 88 degrees. According to the Northwest Clean Air Agency, the AQI in Bellingham has shifted from “Moderate” back to “Good”. Temperatures should also cool down this week, with expected highs in the 70s. A “red flag” warning – put in place last week due to unseasonably dry heat – was also lifted yesterday, according to a recent report from the county. With a hot summer still ahead, KMRE reporter Theron Danielson braved the sun to find out how some in Whatcom have been beating the heat: Due to the heat, Whatcom County still has an active burn ban except for recreational fires, and the National Park Service has banned all campfires in the North Cascades, Ross Lake and Lake Chelan recreation areas. STORY: Further details released in Lake Padden assault The man who attacked a young woman at Lake Padden is still at large, and police have released new details about the assault. According to an update by Bellingham Police, the man was reportedly seen sporting a red backpack and carrying a tire iron or crowbar during the attack on the morning of June 22nd. He did not use his weapon, but was able to break the victim’s nose before fleeing the scene. Two witnesses were able to provide first aid to the woman and follow the man for a short distance. They also provided a description of the man to the police: The suspect is a 5’8 to 5’10 white male in his 30s with a distinct receding hairline and average build. Police have asked the public to provide any information by calling the department or going to cob.org/tips. The investigation is ongoing. STORY: WA facing “alarming surge,” in EBT scams The Washington State Department of Social Services has found that residents on food assistance have lost $5.5 million to Electronic Benefit Transfer – or EBT – scams. These scams happen when a thief places a device on retail card swiping machines, stealing information and benefits from EBT card holders. According to the Seattle Times, roughly 4 of the $5.5 million in benefit losses in the state were from the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps. The agency is now taking steps to reimburse those with lost benefits by using funds from Spending Legislation signed by Joe Biden, as well as state funding. As of now, the department has replaced $3 million in food benefits and processed 8,000 claims. However, agency spokesperson Norah West said that the agency did not get funding to replace cash benefits stolen before July 1st 2024. Claims for stolen EBT benefits must be reported to the department within 30 days of discovering a loss. To report a claim online, visit dshs.wa.gov. STORY: Whatcom County council to challenge legitimacy of Healthy Children’s Fund repeal initiative Whatcom County council members are asking for court input on the validity of a citizen repeal initiative. Earlier this year almost 10,000 signatures were collected by Washingtonians for a Sound Economy to introduce a ballot initiative that would repeal the Healthy Children’s Fund. In June the county auditor’s office verified the submitted petition had enough signatures to be included on the 2024 general election ballot. However, some council members have expressed their belief that the measure should have been a referendum rather than an initiative, which would have required more signatures. The Healthy Children’s Fund was passed in 2022 by only 20 votes and increased property taxes by 19 cents per $1000 of assessed value. Supporters of the fund say the goal is to support young children and families in a way that has long term benefits for the entire community. However, some community members are interested in repealing the initiative in an effort to lower property taxes. On July 9th, a resolution was put forward by council members Buchanan, Donovan, and Scanlon requesting Whatcom County Superior Court weigh in to determine whether the initiative is procedurally invalid. Washingtonians for a Sound Economy denounced the resolution and the unnecessary cost of going through the courts for a pre-election challenge to the initiative. Council members Stremler and Elenbaas said that voter’s voices should be heard first and that legal challenges should occur after the fact. While council member Galloway says that confirming the validity before the election could save the county time, money, and public trust. STORY: Whatcom food banks request $2 million in additional funding The Whatcom County Food Bank Network is requesting $2 million in annual funding from the county to meet growing demands on local food banks. Food bank visits in Whatcom County increased 127% since 2021, with 800,000 client visits in 2023, according to Bellingham Food Bank Executive Director Mike Cohen. The network received $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds from the county and the City of Bellingham for 2023 and 2024, but with these funds now used up, the network is looking for help from the county to continue meeting the needs of the community. Cohen, who spoke at yesterday’s county council committee meeting, acknowledged that the $2 million …
July 9, 2024 News Transcript
Whatcom County air quality on decline as Eastern WA wildfires continue, Bellingham International Airport pursuing larger role in international travel, New population estimates put Bellingham as #12 in state, surpassing Kirkland, Declining number of children statewide, WA facing “alarming surge,” in EBT scams, Three Whatcom County fire districts seeking additional funds from voters Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, July 9th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom County air quality on decline as Eastern WA wildfires continue Whatcom County’s air quality will continue to decline this week as the region bakes under a heat wave and wildfires in Eastern Washington send smoke over the state. Readings taken Monday afternoon by the Northwest Clean Air Agency showed that the air was “moderate” in Bellingham for particulate matter, typically found in smoke. Air in the Custer and Lynden areas was “unhealthy for sensitive groups” due to higher levels of ozone which is a by-product of the reaction between sunlight and chemicals in wildfire smoke. A “red flag” warning has also been issued because of the unseasonably hot and dry weather, these warnings are used to alert residents of an increase in the risk of wildfire danger. Whatcom County has banned all burning except for recreational fires, and the National Park Service has banned all campfires in the North Cascades, Ross Lake and Lake Chelan recreation areas. STORY: Bellingham International Airport pursuing larger role in international travel At the June 18th Bellingham Port Commission meeting, Bellingham International Director of Aviation Kip Turner announced that the airport is hoping to expand its role in Northwest Washington’s air travel industry by adding flights to Mexico. The airport has seen a continuing drop in passenger numbers over the past decade – this comes in spite of the multi-million-dollar improvements to its passenger terminal in the early 2010s. While certain outside factors are to blame, including the fluctuating weakness in the Canadian dollar, the lack of actual international flights is also thought to share some responsibility for the decline. Another factor in the recent announcement may be the upcoming exit of Southwest Airlines, which will stop serving Bellingham on August 4th. In preceding decades, airlines such as Delta, United Express and Frontier also stopped service to Bellingham, while airlines such as Western and USAir (YOU-ess-air) shut down. Turner stated that the airport was in talks with three potential new carriers – two of which may be able to start service as early as October. STORY: New population estimates put Bellingham as #12 in state, surpassing Kirkland Washington’s Office of Financial Management released the annual city-by-city population numbers on June 28th. Bellingham is now the 12th biggest city in the state, bypassing Kirkland and ranking just below Yakima and Federal Way. Despite more deaths than births for the third year in a row, Whatcom County’s population increased due to a net migration of more than 2,200 people to total 97,270 as of April. This represents a 1.37% increase– higher than the state average of 1.06%, but slower than the 2.18% growth rate seen between 2022-23. Overall, Whatcom County’s population grew by 2,200 and now totals 238,000– maintaining its position as the ninth most populated county in Washington. The county’s growth rate was 0.93%, down from 1.79% last year. STORY: Declining number of children statewide In more population news– according to recent census data, the number of children across Washington State is declining, while the population over 65 is increasing. Between 2020 and 2023 the under-18 population fell by 3% statewide. The Puget Sound area saw the sharpest decline, but the numbers mirror a nationwide trend. Factors such as later marriages and more adults choosing not to have children are contributing to an overall decline in the number of children being born across America. In addition, families leaving expensive areas for areas with a lower cost of living is also decreasing the youth population in certain cities. As the number of children declined, the population of adults aged 65 and older grew by 11% from 2020 to 2023.The primary source of this increase is the aging baby boomer generation moving for retirement. STORY: Whatcom County and state unemployment rates on the rise Whatcom County unemployment rates have been on the rise recently. According to recent records from the Washington Employment Security Department and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the county’s unemployment rate has increased 1.4% since May 2023, which already had an unemployment rate of 3.1%. Other regions in Washington have also spiked– with Ferry county at the highest with 7.7%, and Asotin (uh-SO-tin) county at the lowest with 3.3%. Washington State as a whole has seen an almost 19% increase since last May, with an estimated 195,793 people receiving unemployment benefits as of this May. STORY: WA facing “alarming surge,” in EBT scams The Washington State Department of Social Services has found that residents on food assistance have lost $5.5 million to Electronic Benefit Transfer – or EBT – scams. These scams happen when a thief places a device on retail card swiping machines, stealing information and benefits from EBT card holders. According to the Seattle Times, roughly 4 of the $5.5 million in benefit losses in the state were from the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps. The agency is now taking steps to reimburse those with lost benefits by using funds from Spending Legislation signed by Joe Biden, as well as state funding. As of now, the department has replaced $3 million in food benefits and processed 8,000 claims. However, agency spokesperson Norah West said that the agency did not get funding to replace cash benefits stolen before July 1st 2024. Claims for stolen EBT benefits must be reported to the department within 30 days of discovering a loss. To report a claim online, visit dshs.wa.gov. STORY: Three Whatcom County fire districts seeking additional funds from voters Three Whatcom County fire districts are requesting additional tax funds from voters to rebuild their stations and …
July 8, 2024 News Transcript
Heat wave kicks into high gear, how to stay cool, Police suspect suicide in case of body found in Lake Whatcom, Dept of Ecology to begin cleanup of Bellingham waterfront contamination site, District 40 to only feature one contested race on November ballot, WA initiative to protect natural gas could be on November ballot, Boeing to plead guilty to fraud charge surrounding Max 737 crashes Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, July 8th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Heat wave kicks into high gear, how to stay cool The heat wave that is scorching nearly the entire West Coast is expected to get worse today. Meteorologists say temperatures in California will range from 100 to 120 degrees, Portland is expected to hit 103 degrees today, and here in Whatcom we’re likely to see 87 degrees in Bellingham– with temps in the high 90s out in the county. Although the heat is expected to linger for most of next week, the Puget Sound area might see temperatures dip slightly to the low-to-mid-80s on Wednesday due to incoming westerly winds. The weather service advises people to stay hydrated, use cooling centers available in Whatcom and Skagit Counties, and be cautious of heat-related illnesses, especially for vulnerable populations. Local places to get cool include every County library, the WTA Station in downtown Bellingham, the Lynden Community Center, Ferndale City Hall, Pioneer Pavilion in Ferndale, and the East Whatcom Resource Center in Maple Falls. A reminder from the Health Department– it takes just 10 minutes for someone to suffer heat stroke inside a parked vehicle, so don’t leave kids or dogs in closed cars. STORY: Police suspect suicide in case of body found in Lake Whatcom A man in his early 20’s was found dead on Lake Whatcom Saturday evening, in a suspected suicide. According to the Sheriff’s Office, his body was found floating on a raft with significant head injuries near North Shore Drive. Whatcom County officials say he appears to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and a firearm was recovered. A release from the Sheriff’s Office said the man had been listed as a missing person for two days in Snohomish County, but his identity was not released. The incident is unrelated to another Lake Whatcom occurrence around the same time– a hit-and-run collision involving a boat and a personal watercraft. The collision was reported around 7:30 p.m., and is still under investigation. STORY: Dept of Ecology to begin cleanup of Bellingham waterfront contamination site The state Department of Ecology will begin sampling and dredging this month in the I & J Waterway, a polluted inlet on Bellingham’s industrial waterfront. This is part of a long-planned cleanup at one of Bellingham’s “dirty dozen” contaminated sites. One portion of the site is in the cleanup phase, with construction crews dredging contaminated sediment. Another portion is in an earlier ‘engineering design’ phase, with scientists sampling sediment as they assess the extent of contamination. Over time, the inlet off Bellingham Bay was contaminated by nearby industry, including a pulp and tissue mill, a rock-crushing plant, frozen food and seafood processors, and the runoff from a massive waterfront fire in 1985. Dredging operations will remove about 18,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment from the area adjacent to Bornstein Seafoods. The Port of Bellingham is spearheading cleanup efforts with assistance from the city of Bellingham and the state Department of Natural Resources. Costs are estimated at $160 million dollars. The port is eligible for reimbursement of up to half of their costs through the state’s remedial action grant program which helps to clean up publicly owned sites, and is funded by revenues from a tax on hazardous substances. Sampling activities will last about a month and in-water construction is expected to conclude by next February. STORY: District 40 to only feature one contested race on November ballot Election season is approaching, and candidates are lining up on both sides of the aisle. District 40, which encompasses San Juan County along with portions of both Whatcom and Skagit counties, will have only one contested race on November’s Ballot. In 2020 State Senator Democrat Liz Lovelett defeated Republican Charles Carrell in the general election. This year they are both running again in the only contested election in the 40th. Lovelett is a fifth-generation Anacortes resident who served on the Anacortes City Council for five years before being appointed to the state senate in 2019. Carrell is a resident of Sedro-Woolley, who worked at the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office from 1991-2023. 40th District Representatives Alex Ramel (RAM-ull) and Debra Lekanoff (luh-KAN-off) are both running unopposed. In the 42nd District, however, it’s a different story. A primary election will be held in August to decide the top two candidates for the 42nd Representative Position 1. Incumbent Alicia Rule will face off against fellow Democrat Janet Mellman, and Republican Raymond Pelleti. In addition, incumbent Representative Joe Timmons will face Republican challenger Kamal Bhachu in the general election in November. The 42nd District includes most of Whatcom County. This year’s primary ballots will be mailed on July 17th. STORY: WA initiative to protect natural gas could be on November ballot An initiative to protect natural gas users might make an appearance on ballots in November. Combating Washington’s plan to transition to clean energy, Initiative 2066 hopes to protect home and business owners who use natural gas. Supporters have already turned in more than 400,000 signatures for their cause. The initiative, if passed, would also hasten Puget Sound Energy’s transition away from natural gas, and halt Washington’s new energy code designed to install electric heat pumps rather than gas furnaces in newly built residential and commercial buildings. Puget Sound Energy said it is quote “deeply concerned” unquote about the misinformation being spread on the Initiative, saying there is no ban on natural gas and they will continue to serve any customer who desires it. If Initiative 2066 qualifies it will be the first item on the …
July 5, 2024 News Transcript
NWS issues heat advisory from July 5th-8th, Bellingham man sentenced in 2022 shooting, Bellingham woman arrested in connection with hate crime, Whatcom releases overdose data for first half of 2024, Opponents of Skagit gravel mine to appeal county’s decision, Pride in Bellingham returns this weekend, Free or cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, July 5th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: NWS issues heat advisory from July 5th-8th The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Bellingham and most of western Washington. Starting today through Monday, temperatures are expected to reach the upper-80s and low-90s. While we are not expecting to break any records, the Weather Service advises people to drink plenty of fluids, limit their time outside, and use air conditioning – if possible. People should also ensure their pets have access to water, as well as avoid hot pavement when taking them on walks. Meteorologists say the heat advisory is expected to end by 10 p.m. on Sunday for those on the coast, but those who live further inland will have to wait until Monday. With the heat also comes an elevated risk of fire. Whatcom County is currently under a stage one burn ban which is not expected to end until September 14th. STORY: Bellingham man sentenced in 2022 shooting A Bellingham man has been sentenced for the fatal shooting of a woman. Last Monday, 35-year-old Shilo (SHY-low) Englert was sentenced by Whatcom County Superior Court to nearly seven-and-a-half years in prison for killing 31-year-old Kasaundra Booker in February 2022. The shooting took place in a stairwell at the 22 North apartment complex in downtown Bellingham. Englert had originally been charged with second-degree murder, but his charge was reduced to second-degree manslaughter as part of a plea deal. That deal also resolved four other criminal cases Englert was facing – including another fatal shooting. Englert will be required to register as a felony firearm offender, as well as undergo a substance use disorder evaluation and comply with any recommended treatment. The sentence includes a year-and-a-half of probation, though Englert will get credit for the two-and-a-half years he’s already served. STORY: Bellingham woman arrested in connection with hate crime A Bellingham woman was arrested last Tuesday after threatening to stab another woman multiple times. 38-year-old Johnye (JOHN-ee) Springer was asked to leave private property, when she berated a woman with racial and sexual slurs and threatened to stab her. Upon arriving at the scene, Bellingham Police learned that Springer had previously trespassed the property. When she continued to threaten the woman, officers arrested her on a felony harassment charge. She remains in custody on $5,000 bond. Springer was out of custody at the time of her arrest on personal recognizance and awaiting trial for another felony harassment from another incident in March, where she threatened to stab, cut, and murder a family member and their dog. STORY: Whatcom releases overdose data for first half of 2024 Opioid overdoses in Whatcom County seem to have leveled off after a dramatic rise, with early 2024 numbers reflecting last year’s levels. Overdose deaths stand at 55 for the first half of 2024, compared to 136 last year, and 91 the year before. The numbers indicate a potential easing in the crisis; however, officials are uncertain if this trend will continue. Marie Duckworth, a spokesperson for the Health and Community Services Department, noted that May and June 2024 saw numbers more in line with 2023, suggesting the trend may not hold. County officials, responding to Executive Satpal Sidhu’s recent opioid emergency declaration, say they are treating the crisis with the urgency of a pandemic and are now offering comprehensive prevention support, intervention, treatment, and recovery strategies designed to combat the crisis. STORY: Pride in Bellingham returns this weekend Pride in Bellingham returns this weekend with a variety of events. The annual Pride Parade will start at Waypoint Park at 11am Sunday, finishing at the Depot Market Square on Railroad Ave around 1pm. A map of the route can be found on the Pride in Bellingham website. The Pride Festival, located at Depot Market Square and extending across Railroad Ave between Chestnut and Maple, will include local venders and drag performers after the parade. Boundary Bay will be hosting a Pride Family Picnic tomorrow in their Outdoor Garden and the Cedar Dust Alley from noon to 4pm. There will also be a dance in the Market Building from 7-10pm. Each event is free. STORY: Opponents of Skagit gravel mine to appeal county’s decision Community members fighting a proposed gravel mine in a rural area north of Sedro-Woolley have appealed Skagit County’s decision to approve the project. The group, Central Samish Valley Neighbors, or CSVN, indicated they will continue fighting the mine until their concerns are addressed. Opponents of the mine argue the traffic impacts on Grip Road create an unacceptable risk to public safety. Concrete Nor’West, a division of Miles Sand and Gravel, plans to log about 68 acres to open the mine, then haul around 23 trucks of gravel per day from the site, according to proposal documents. Skagit county commissioners will hear the appeal as a closed-record meeting, which means that no new evidence will be presented. After the hearing they will have 60 days to issue a decision. In a recent press release, CSVN indicated they plan to take the case to Superior Court. STORY: Free or cheap In addition to the Pride events happening around town, here are some other free and cheap activities to enjoy this weekend: Celebrate Bellingham’s First Fridays Downtown tonight from 6 to 10pm and engage with local artist showcases, dining deals, late night shopping, live music and more. The Whatcom Museum offers free admission and extended hours until 9pm as part of the celebration. Visit downtownbellingham.com for more information. The second annual Fairhaven “Chicken Festival” takes place tomorrow on the Village Green– a “whimsical afternoon” of chicken-filled fun, carnival games, exhibits, and more. The event starts …
July 3, 2024 News Transcript
Extended heat wave expected to hit western Washington later this week, Parents file suit against Bellingham Public Schools following alleged sexual assaults of student, Federal agencies investigating death of man found near Ferndale, Arrest made in connection with sexual assault of Sudden Valley teenager, WWU to construct new academic building on Olympic campus Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, July 3rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Extended heat wave expected to hit western Washington later this week The first extended heat wave of the summer is expected to hit Western Washington later this week. Temperatures in Whatcom County will rise daily, reaching the lower 80s by the weekend. The National Weather Service recommends people drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. If you work or spend time outside, take extra precautions and, when possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. STORY: Parents file suit against Bellingham Public Schools following alleged sexual assaults of student The parents of a student at Wade King Elementary are suing Bellingam Public schools. The lawsuit, filed on June 24th, alleges that the schools failed to protect their 10-year-old son from repeated sexual assaults from another male student while on the school bus. The parents claim the district had prior knowledge and documented history of similar incidents regarding the same perpetrator, and that they failed to report the sexual abuse to law enforcement or state child welfare officials, as is required by law. The parents are seeking general and special damages, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, and any other relief the court deems just and proper for the emotional, psychological and other damages the incidents inflicted on their son. The lawsuit also shows that at some point in June of last year the district initiated a Title IX Investigation into the 10-year-old boy’s claims, but still reportedly neglected to contact the appropriate authorities. Bellingham Public Schools has 20 days to respond. STORY: Federal agencies investigating death of man found near Ferndale Multiple federal agencies are investigating the death of a Mexican citizen found near the Canadian border. The body of 23-year-old Chayanne (CHAI-un) Silva-Perez was found near the intersection of Portal Way and Faris Road in Custer on June 20th. Authorities say that Silva-Perez died of multiple blunt impact injuries, and the incident was ruled an accident by the county Medical Examiner’s Office. Homeland Security, the U.S. Border Patrol, and Customs and Border Protection are investigating Silva-Perez’s death, which is suspected to have been part of a human smuggling operation. Those with information about the incident are asked to contact Homeland Security’s tip line. STORY: Arrest made in connection with sexual assault of Sudden Valley teenager A transient man has been arrested for the sexual assault of a teenager in Sudden Valley. 24-year-old John Rodgers was taken into custody after being identified by detectives on June 2nd as a former Whatcom County Jail inmate. The victim, a 15-year-old girl, said she had met Rodgers on social media in May, and he told her he could provide her with alcohol. A search warrant on Rodgers’ social media revealed he was aware that the victim was underage and the posts also confirmed the date and time of the assault which took place on May 6th during a hike in the woods. Surveillance video showed Rodgers stealing two bottles of liquor from a grocery store on the same day as the alleged incident. He was found at a homeless shelter where he was arrested for rape, theft, offering alcohol to a minor and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes. STORY: WWU to construct new academic building on Olympic campus Both Olympic College and Western Washington University’s Board of Trustees have approved a proposal for a new academic building on the Olympic-Poulsbo campus. Since 1993, Western has offered bachelor’s and master’s degree programs on the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas through their “Western on the Peninsulas” program. However, Western’s Chief of Staff Becca Kenna-Schenk (SHENK) says the building currently used by Western does not have enough space to accommodate expanding academic programs. Kenna-Schenk noted that a rise in regional population growth spurred interest from Washington’s legislature to increase educational access on the Peninsulas. According to the proposal, the project will cost almost $74 million dollars and the proposed budget would come almost entirely from state funds. If Western receives funding, the building should open by the 2026–27 academic year. STORY: All about fireworks on the Fourth of July Tomorrow is the Fourth of July, and the City of Bellingham wants to remind everyone that consumer fireworks, including sparklers, are banned within the city limits. All public displays require a permit, and fines for violations range from $250 to $1,000. However, that’s not the case throughout Whatcom County. Blaine permits consumer fireworks from July 1st to the Fourth, except in certain areas. Ferndale allows state-legal fireworks only on July 4 from 9:00 a.m. to midnight. And in Lynden, only “safe and sane” fireworks are allowed, and they can only be used during specified hours from July 1st to July 5th. And according to the Whatcom County website, fireworks are allowed in unincorporated Whatcom County on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th during specified hours, even with an active ban on open burning. In addition, Washington state law specifically prohibits dangerous types of fireworks like firecrackers and M-80s. The National Safety Council reminds everyone to use fireworks away from people and flammable materials, wear protective gear, and have water available. Backyard fireworks may be off the table in Bellingham, but if you’re looking for something to do over the Fourth of July holiday, here are some options: Peoples Bank 4th of July Spectacular: Bellingham’s main fireworks show at Zuanich Point Park starting at 10:30 PM, hosted by the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce. Blues, Brews & BBQ at Hotel Bellwether: Enjoy music by The Atlantics from 7-10 PM, followed by a fireworks …
July 2, 2024 News Transcript
No charges levied in Saturday’s hate crime arrest, Bellingham recommits police aid to sheriff’s drug task force, Nearly 30 bridges across Whatcom and Skagit county reportedly in poor condition, Bellingham recommits police aid to sheriff’s drug task force, WA to launch program to assist victims of housing discrimination, U.S. Supreme Court ruling derails multi-million dollar opioid settlement for WA Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, July 2nd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: No charges levied in Saturday’s hate crime arrest A Bellingham man who was arrested Saturday in connection with an assault at Cornwall Park will not face hate crime charges. 51-year-old Timothy Franklin was taken into custody after the altercation where he reportedly punched a man in the face and threatened him with a screwdriver. Court documents indicate that both the victim and his alleged attacker used racially charged language throughout the fight. The documents, filed Monday in Whatcom County Superior Court, state that Franklin called the victim a racial slur first, but after being assaulted the victim began using racial slurs as well. Franklin has been arrested several times for violent crimes and was most recently released from jail in May after serving 45 days for spitting on a man and threatening him with a machete. He will face a single count of second-degree assault for the Cornwall Park attack which was reportedly unprovoked. STORY: Bellingham recommits police aid to sheriff’s drug task force Last night, the Bellingham City Council voted to rejoin the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Gang and Drug Task Force and says it will commit to share police personnel to combat drug trafficking in the region. The Bellingham Police Department withdrew from the task force in 2020 because of critical understaffing–– it continued to assist as a support agency but did not provide personnel. The department says, due to the fact that 25 new officers have been hired since 2022, it now intends to provide one officer and one supervisor to the task force. The agreement follows the city’s declaration of an opioid and synthetic drug crisis last month. In February, Mayor Kim Lund passed an executive order that identified the fight against opioid addiction as one of the city’s highest priorities and committed to increase downtown patrols. The resolution also codified the city’s intention to partner with other agencies to intervene in addiction cycles and help community members with recovery. According to records, 137 people died last year in Whatcom County of a confirmed or probable drug overdose, a 50% increase from 2022. The drug task force also seized seven pounds of heroin, 62 pounds of cocaine, 125 pounds of meth, 154 pounds of fentanyl-laced pills as well as 31 firearms. STORY: Nearly 30 bridges across Whatcom and Skagit county reportedly in poor condition An analysis by Cascadia Daily News revealed 30 out of the 600 plus bridges in Whatcom and Skagit Counties are in poor condition with an average age of 52 years. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers ‘Report on America’s Infrastructure’, most bridges are built with an expected lifespan of 50 years, and Whatcom’s aging bridges are due to be replaced in the next couple decades. However, according to James Lee, bridge and hydraulics manager for Whatcom County Public Works, although many of the counties’ bridges are deemed to be in poor condition some have repairs or replacement plans already funded and underway. Some of the projects have been fully funded by federal money, including the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Within Bellingham, four bridges on the list are under City control––the James Street and Meador Bridges are under construction, with Meador Bridge shut down for repairs. The Central-Chestnut Dock Bridge has been converted into a safe, pedestrian walking path, and funding has yet to be secured for the Electric Avenue Bridge which currently has only one lane open. STORY: WA to launch program to assist victims of housing discrimination A program designed to help low-income first-time homebuyers whose families have been in Washington since 1968 starts this month. In spring of 2023, the Washington State Legislature passed the Covenant Homeownership Act to assist individuals affected by historical housing discrimination. Starting this month, the CHP will provide 0% interest loans for downpayment and closing costs, which are repayable when the house is sold or refinanced. To be eligible, applicants must be first-time homebuyers with household incomes at or below 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and have deep roots in Washington State before April 1968, particularly those from racial or ethnic groups impacted by past discrimination. Applicants work with a Commission-trained lender to prequalify for a mortgage loan and establish eligibility. A $100 document recording assessment fee on real estate transactions is estimated to generate $75 million to $100 million annually for the program and the fund will be managed by the Department of Financial Institutions who will report on the impacts and potentially make recommendations to the legislature. A hotline is available for people who are interested in connecting with a suitable lender or would like to ask questions. Alternatively you can visit wshfc.org for more information. STORY: U.S. Supreme Court ruling derails multi-million dollar opioid settlement for WA The U.S. Supreme Court has invalidated a $183 million payment to Washington as part of a larger bankruptcy plan for Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin. The plan involved the Sackler family, owners of Purdue, contributing up to $6 billion to address opioid epidemic damages, but the court ruled 5-4 against shielding the Sacklers from related lawsuits. Attorney General Bob Ferguson praised the decision, stating it enables his office to hold the Sacklers accountable. Washington’s $183 million settlement is now void, and the state’s case will proceed to mediation. Ferguson says his office is preparing a lawsuit against the Sacklers if mediation does not yield significant resources for Washington. The state attorney general’s office has already secured $1.1 billion from other opioid-related litigations. Purdue Pharma, implicated in the opioid crisis for its marketing …
July 1, 2024 News Transcript
Motorists warned about 1-month intersection closure starting July 8th, Peaceful arrest results from three-hour standoff, Man arrested in connection with alleged hate crime at Cornwall Park, Whatcom County receives EPA grant to fight food insecurity, Whatcom County receives EPA grant to fight food insecurity, Former co-founder and president of Bellingham nonprofit HomesNOW! pleads guilty to first-degree theft, New Italian and Greek restaurant soft opens in Granary Building, WA officials weigh in on Supreme Court ruling allowing criminalization of homeless people sleeping outdoors Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, July 1st. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Motorists warned about 1-month intersection closure starting July 8th Whatcom County Public Works is warning motorists that the intersection of E Smith and Hannegan Roads will be closed to traffic starting next week. Construction of a multi-lane roundabout will continue after the holiday weekend and motorists should expect full traffic closures between July 8th and August 7th. STORY: Peaceful arrest results from three-hour standoff An Everson man was arrested Friday after a three-hour standoff with Bellingham police. The suspect, Richard John Folden, reportedly violated a no-contact order and attempted to break into a Bellingham woman’s home. Shortly before police arrived Folden barricaded himself in a nearby trailer, brandishing what appeared to be a rifle. Police closed 30th Street from Connolly Avenue to South Ave and K-9 units were deployed to the scene. It was later found that the weapon was a “very realistic looking airsoft gun.” Folden eventually surrendered peacefully. He was taken to a hospital for additional treatment of self-inflicted cuts to his arms, before being booked into Whatcom County Jail on suspicion of attempted residential burglary-domestic violence, violation of a no-contact order, third-degree malicious mischief, and intimidating a public servant. STORY: Man arrested in connection with alleged hate crime at Cornwall Park A Bellingham man was assaulted in a possible hate crime at Cornwall Park on Saturday afternoon. The victim reported he was near the playground when he noticed the suspect, 51-year-old Timothy Franklin, staring at him. Franklin approached the victim, used a racial slur and asked what he was looking at. Franklin then repeatedly punched the victim in the face and pulled out a screwdriver which he used to further assault him. Franklin, who is black, used racially charged language throughout the attack then fled. The victim followed him as he called the police, and Franklin was arrested. The victim was taken to Peacehealth St. Joseph Medical Center to treat his injuries. STORY: Whatcom County receives EPA grant to fight food insecurity The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded over $27,000 to Whatcom County Health and Community Services and their partners to build and operate a community fridge in Kendall. The community fridge, called the “freedge”, provides free nutritious food from local restaurants, farms and businesses. The goal is to prevent excess food from going to the landfill and feed those in need. According to a recent announcement, local business organization Sustainable Connections currently operates a freedge at the RE Store in Bellingham and also supports a free food pantry at the Upper Skagit Library in Concrete. County Health and Community Services reports that food insecurity in the Kendall area has spiked over the past five years. The freedge, set to be built at the North Fork Library, will be available to anyone and organizers say it will be restocked several times a week by Sustainable Connections volunteers. To learn more about the program, including how to volunteer or donate food, visit sustainableconnections.org/freedge. STORY: Former co-founder and president of Bellingham nonprofit HomesNOW! pleads guilty to first-degree theft James Lee Peterson, 67, co-founder and former president of the Bellingham nonprofit HomesNOW!, has pleaded guilty to embezzling nearly $50,000 from the organization. Peterson was sentenced to 60 days in jail, which he can serve on work release or work crew. He must also pay $47,000 in restitution, with payments starting at $40 per month. Peterson embezzled over $75,000 from the nonprofit between 2017 and 2019, spending much of it at local casinos and businesses. His arrest in November 2019 followed a month-long investigation, and the case was delayed multiple times due to forensic accounting issues and COVID-19. HomesNOW!, which operates tiny home communities for the unhoused in Bellingham, discovered the financial crimes during an internal investigation into allegations of Peterson’s sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct. The nonprofit has since implemented stricter financial oversight policies. Despite the setback, HomesNOW! continues to operate two tiny home villages and plans to relocate them to a new site, North Haven, later this year. The organization says it maintains a 52% success rate in transitioning residents to permanent housing and remains committed to ending homelessness in Whatcom County. STORY: New Italian and Greek restaurant soft opens in Granary Building Mercato delle Bonta, an Italian phrase that means “market of goodness”, is a new Italian Cafe and Deli that opened yesterday in the Granary Building. Launched by husband and wife chefs Francesco (fran-CHESK-o) Di Vito and Julia Tzortzatos (tsor-TZAH-tose) who competed on Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen” together in 2017, the restaurant serves a variety of foods that reflect the duo’s Italian, Greek, and New York City roots. A sit-down restaurant and event space is still under construction next to the deli and is planned to open in September or October. STORY: WA officials weigh in on Supreme Court ruling allowing criminalization of homeless people sleeping outdoors A Supreme Court decision on Friday will now permit cities and counties to ban sleeping outdoors in public spaces, and has prompted fears of increased homelessness in Washington. The ruling challenges a 2018 9th Circuit Court decision which barred punishment for camping if no emergency shelter is available. The recent case, Grants Pass v. Johnson, involved an Oregon city law prohibiting public sleeping due to insufficient shelter capacity. Several Washington cities have now paused ordinances requiring homeless individuals to accept distant housing pending this ruling. Legislators like Rep. Strom Peterson of Edmonds and Sen. Patty Kuderer (KOO-der-rer) of Bellevue …
June 28, 2024 News Transcript
WWU Police investigating break-in and burglary at nearby construction site, Bellingham woman bonded out of jail after threatening dog owner with knife, Food access activists’ fight continues after AG’s Albertson’s ruling, Heritage Flight Museum to honor late founder and astronaut Bill Anders, Meridian and Blaine school districts to run bonds on November ballot, Dept. of Ecology penalizes owner of sunken boat for spilling diesel off San Juan Island, Free and Cheap ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, June 28th. Good afternoon, I’m David Korb______. STORY: WWU Police investigating break-in and burglary at nearby construction site Western Washington University Police are investigating a Tuesday break-in at a construction site at the Birnam Woods apartments. Workers say numerous tools were stolen from the work area. This is the third time the site has been burglarized. The investigation is ongoing. STORY: Bellingham woman bonded out of jail after threatening dog owner with knife Whatcom County deputies responded to a call stating that Pamela Faye Beidel had pursued a dog owner after their animal got off leash. The caller reported that Beidel had threatened to retrieve a gun from her home before later returning with a large butcher’s knife. Deputies later found Beidel driving on Hannegan Road. Beidel fled the scene at high speed after being informed that there was probable cause for her arrest. She was later found in a trailer off the Guide Meridian, and appeared intoxicated. Beidel was booked into Whatcom County Jail driving under the influence, eluding arrest, and probable cause of felony harassment and brandishing a weapon. She has since left custody after covering the bond. STORY: Food access activists’ fight continues after AG’s Albertson’s ruling Community activists are celebrating a recent agreement that lifts a blockade that prevented grocery stores from opening in Albertson’s old location on Birchwood Avenue. On Monday, Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced that the former Bellingham grocer had removed illegal land use restrictions that had prevented other grocery stores from opening in its former space. Albertson’s actions in the predominantly low-income area led the City of Bellingham to ban such property restrictions on grocery stores. However, the new ordinance could not be applied retroactively. Despite the victory, the neighborhood still lacks a grocery store. Activists now say they are motivated to continue their efforts to bring an affordable and culturally reflective store to the area, which has been classified as a food desert. STORY: Heritage Flight Museum to honor late founder and astronaut Bill Anders The Heritage Flight Museum, founded by Apollo 8 astronaut Bill Anders and his wife Valerie, continues to honor his legacy following his recent death in a plane crash at age 90. Bill, known for his iconic Earthrise photograph, established the museum in in Bellingham in 1996. It has since moved to Burlington and expanded its collection. The museum, now led by Bill’s son Greg Anders, showcases 18 aircraft and offers “Fly Days” to bring vintage planes to life. Following Bill’s passing, the museum opened its doors for a special memorial, allowing visitors to pay respects and listen to Bill’s Christmas Eve broadcast from the moon. Anders says the museum’s goal is to preserve the stories of veterans and reflect Bill’s love of flight. The Earthrise Gallery experience is now free and open to visitors from 10:00am to 4:00pm. STORY: Meridian and Blaine school districts to run bonds on November ballot Two Whatcom County school districts will run bonds on this year’s ballot. The Meridian School District has announced it will place a $75 million, twenty-year bond measure on the ballot. The bond would help complete four projects: building a new middle school, the installation of a generator at Meridian High School, and the repairs and upgrading of both the Performing Arts Center and the Varsity Athletic Stadium at the high school. In addition, the Blaine School District is rerunning a $70 million bond that failed to pass in the special election in February. The new measure would ask for a twenty-year bond, instead of the original request for a twenty-five-year bond. If passed, it would provide funding for projects that include renovations to Blaine Middle School, upgrades and additions to the Pipeline Athletic Complex, and improvements to Blaine primary and elementary schools. STORY: Dept. of Ecology penalizes owner of sunken boat for spilling diesel off San Juan Island The Washington State Department of Ecology will fine the owner of a boat that sank off San Juan Island $18,000 for spilling oil into state waters. Under Washington State law, chemical spills result in strict penalties. In August 2022, the 58-foot fishing boat named the Aleutian Isle, began sinking near San Juan, leading to an extensive effort to prevent further diesel spillage and eventually raise the boat. Owner, Matthew Johnston, and his crew were rescued, but diesel continued to leak from the vessel. Over a mile of absorbent boom was deployed to contain the spill despite challenging conditions. After it sank, the boat was located 200 feet underwater, requiring divers to secure it before it could be raised by a floating crane. During recovery, approximately 590 gallons of diesel were retrieved, but an estimated 1,500 gallons had already spilled into Haro Strait. The majority of cleanup costs were paid by the US Coast Guard from the National Pollution Liability Trust Fund. Ecology is also seeking reimbursement from the fund for an additional $440,000 in expenses. Johnston has 30 days to appeal the $18,000 fine to the Washington Pollution Control Hearings Board. STORY: Free and Cheap Here are some free events taking place around the county this weekend. Tonight at 9pm, there will be an outdoor screening of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem at Pioneer Park in Ferndale. Popcorn and soda will be provided. On Saturday, the City of Bellingham is hosting a community work party at the Cornwall Rose Garden. Volunteers will help tend the garden, with tools and equipment provided. The event starts at 9 am, and registration is available online at CoB.org/event. …
June 27, 2024 News Transcript
Bellingham man arrested on suspicion of attempting to lure children into vehicle, High-speed pursuit in Lynden leads to arrest and hospitalization of Bellingham man, Port of Bellingham receives $17.9 million for rail connection project, Affordable housing and childcare project planned for Bellis Fair area, Skagit farmworker union argues case in court after filing wage protection lawsuit, Skagit farmworker union argues case in court after filing wage protection lawsuit, Health care company sues WA over ban on at-home sexual assault evidence kits, Meridian and Blaine school districts to run bonds on November ballot ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, June 27th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham man arrested on suspicion of attempting to lure children into vehicle A Bellingham man suspected of attempting to lure children into his vehicle was arrested on Tuesday. Whatcom County Sheriff’s office deputies were dispatched to a store in Birch Bay on Monday where the suspect had reportedly tried to lure two children into his car by offering them candy and frisbees. The childrens’ parent asked the man to leave, but noticed he walked into the store instead and pulled up a chair next to 3 juvenile girls, before proceeding to make similar remarks. The parent then dialed 911, and the man fled the scene. 52-year-old Corey Caldwell was positively identified by the adult and another witness but denied all allegations. Caldwell was charged with suspicion of 5 counts of luring— a crime that occurs when a person tries to convince a minor to move away from public view with an intent to harm their health or safety. Caldwell remains in custody pending a preliminary bail hearing. STORY: High-speed pursuit in Lynden leads to arrest and hospitalization of Bellingham man On Tuesday night, a Whatcom County Sheriff’s deputy engaged in a high-speed pursuit of a man who reportedly escaped custody while at the E.R. According to police records, 41-year-old Joshua Vermaat ran red lights going northbound on Hannegan and East Bakerview roads. A tire spike was deployed at Ten Mile and Hannegan roads, followed by a PIT maneuver– a a pursuit tactic where one vehicle forces another vehicle to turn sideways abruptly– which allowed law enforcement to end the chase. PulsePoint EMS reported that one person was sent to the hospital from the scene. Vermaat was booked into Whatcom County Jail yesterday morning, and charged with suspicion of attempted eluding and escape. He remains in custody. STORY: Port of Bellingham receives $17.9 million for rail connection project The Port of Bellingham will receive nearly $18 million in federal funding for a project connecting a railway spur from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe mainline to the shipping terminal site. U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen announced the grant last Monday as part of nearly $90 million in funding across the state. The Port says the project will connect them to over 32,000 miles of track in 28 states and three Canadian provinces, helping to reduce congestion in Vancouver and the greater Puget Sound area. Port Executive Director Rob Fix said on Wednesday that the rail connection project will result in more jobs during and after the completion of the project. The rail connection project is just one aspect of the Port of Bellingham’s plans to renovate its shipping terminal. The Port says that $45 million will be invested in the renovations over the next two years to help strengthen the main dock in an effort to support a wider range of heavy cargo and equipment. The modernization project is expected to finish next year. STORY: Affordable housing and childcare project planned for Bellis Fair area The Opportunity Council, in partnership with the city, is taking the first steps in an affordable housing development with the purchase of a 2.7 acre property by Bellis Fair Mall. The $60 million project will include 130 units of housing and a childcare center. The City says the expansion of permanently affordable housing and childcare options is a step towards addressing the high demand for housing and childcare in the Bellingham community. According to plans presented earlier this month, the development will include up to 130 affordable housing units for households whose incomes range from $25,000 – $60,000. The first phase will focus on families with the construction of the childcare center and housing units for families. The second phase, which supports seniors, is expected to begin construction in late 2025. The project is funded by a variety of sources including the Opportunity Council, the city, Whatcom County, state agencies, a congressional allocation supported by U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, and individual community donors. Construction is expected to begin in October. STORY: Skagit farmworker union argues case in court after filing wage protection lawsuit A Skagit County farmworkers union, Familias Unidas por la Justicia (fah-MEE-lee-us oo-NEE-dus POR LA yoo-STEE-cee-uh) also known as FUJ, has requested a judge enforce wage protections in a lawsuit against the Department of Labor. This move comes as nearly 40,000 workers on H-2A temporary agriculture visas arrive in Washington for the fruit harvest season. The H-2A program, which has grown by 1,000% since 2008, allows employers to hire foreign seasonal workers. Local workers often struggle to compete with the visitors who often accept lower wages. Columbia Legal Services attorney Andrea Schmitt and FUJ’s policy director Edgar Franks argue that growers use the H-2A program to reduce wages and deter local workers. The prevailing wage system, which determines H-2A wages, is based on surveys conducted by the Washington State Employment Security Department. Court documents reveal that ESD stopped listing 2020 prevailing wage rates applicable for May 2023, leaving Washington workers without wage protections for nearly a year. FUJ seeks a temporary injunction to enforce prevailing wage laws and possibly adjust growers’ rates. U.S. District Court Judge John H. Chun is expected to issue an order within the next week. STORY: Health care company sues WA over ban on at-home sexual assault evidence kits A Pennsylvania-based company …
