Fatal motorcycle crash stalls southbound I-5 traffic in Mount Vernon, Dump truck crashes into ten parked cars off Hannegan Road, WCC Outgoing President honored by State, Widow of late Whatcom fishing magnate seeking to sell business empire, Department of Health to expedite sex change designations on birth certificates, FREE AND CHEAP: Bellingham Valentine’s Day events / free and cheap?, Grants to Ports of Bellingham and Anacortes hit by federal funding freeze, Remains of missing Marblemount man identified Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, February 14th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY 1: Fatal motorcycle crash stalls southbound I-5 traffic in Mount Vernon A motorcyclist died early yesterday on I-5 near Burlington while fleeing from law enforcement. State Patrol attempted to stop the 43-year-old Mount Vernon man for speeding near Bow Hill around 3 a.m. The rider exited I-5 at Bow Hill, then immediately reentered the interstate heading southbound. He continued south, exiting at College Way in Mount Vernon, where the trooper ended the pursuit. Another trooper spotted him in Mount Vernon and attempted another traffic stop. The cyclist fled a second time, reentering I-5 at College Way traveling north in the southbound lanes. As he neared the Skagit River, the motorcycle struck part of the bridge, and he was ejected then hit by an oncoming semi. EMT pronounced him dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The Skagit and Island County Multiple Agency Response Team is investigating. STORY 2: Dump truck crashes into ten parked cars off Hannegan Road First responders were summoned to Hannegan Road on Wednesday after reports that a dump truck crashed into multiple vehicles in the DeWaard and Bode (da-WARD and bow-DEE) parking lot. Bellingham Police Lieutenant Claudia Murphy told Whatcom News the driver had a medical emergency, causing the vehicle to veer off the road into the parking lot. The truck collided with 10 unoccupied parked vehicles. No injuries were reported, and investigators ruled out speed and alcohol as factors. Authorities issued the driver an infraction for failing to maintain control of the truck. STORY 3: WCC Outgoing President honored by State The state House of Representatives honored outgoing Whatcom Community College President, Dr. Kathi Hiyane-Brown (CATHY hee-YUN-nee BROWN) with a resolution recognizing her achievements. Representatives Joe Timmons and Alicia Rule introduced the resolution, highlighting WCC’s growth in academic programs, community engagement, and student success. Since becoming president in 2007, Hiyane-Brown led efforts to expand certificate and associate degree programs and launch applied baccalaureate degrees. Under her leadership, the college gained national recognition as a Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity Education and Training, among other awards. Hiyane-Brown thanked lawmakers for the honor and credited faculty, staff, and the community for their role in supporting students. She plans to retire in March. STORY 4: Widow of late Whatcom fishing magnate seeking to sell business empire Erin Vitaljic (vee-TAH-leech) is preparing to sell the Bellingham-based seafood empire built by her late husband Andy. The third-generation Croatian fisherman, who transformed Whatcom County’s seafood industry, died last September at the age of 91. Andy Vitaljic began his career as a teenager, working as a deckhand on his uncle’s boat. After his father died in a boating accident in the late 1950s, he left the water and founded multiple seafood businesses, including American Canadian Fisheries. According to Cascadia Daily News, Erin plans to sell American Canadian Fisheries, the transportation and logistics company Hannegan Express, the real estate firm Hannegan Properties, and the pet food company Fat-Cat Fish. Andy, who wished to help feed the hungry in his own community, first donated fish through Christ the King Community Church’s food pantry, then set aside land at Hannegan and Hemmi Road for the CTK Farm. The farm grows produce for local food banks and has expanded to include large greenhouses and hundreds of volunteers. Last year, CTK donated 121,000 pounds of produce to the Whatcom County Food Bank Network. According to Erin, Moles Farewell Tributes reported Andy’s funeral was among the most well-attended in its history. She also said people in the seafood industry often described him as a towering figure in the business. STORY 5: Department of Health to expedite sex change designations on birth certificates Washington state has significantly accelerated the process for residents who wish to change the sex designation on their birth certificates. The State Department of Health announced on Wednesday that it will now process all requests within three business days, a drastic reduction of the previous wait time of up to 10 months. State birth certificates offer three sex designation options: male, female, and X. According to the Department of Health, “X” represents a gender that is not exclusively male or female, including transgender, nonbinary, and genderfluid identities. Governor Ferguson praised the decision on social media, and noted that department staff worked through a weekend to clear a backlog of more than 500 pending requests. Although processing now takes just three days, certificate mailing and delivery can still take up to two weeks. The announcement follows several executive orders by President Trump that affect transgender people. FREE AND CHEAP: Bellingham Valentine’s Day events / free and cheap? If you forgot to make Valentine’s Day plans, here are a few options: The B’ham Bop is hosting a Valentine’s Day swing dance lesson and social dance at The Nest on North Forest St. The event starts at 7 p.m. tonight, and no experience required. Online registration is closed, but those interested can still register at the door. Tonight at 9:30 p.m., the Upfront Theatre on Prospect Street will present Fifty Shades of Velvet, a love-themed improv show. Tickets starting at $10 can be purchased at the Upfront’s website. Mammoth Mini Golf, inside Bellis Fair Mall, is offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal on rounds of mini golf both today and tomorrow. The venue is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Jay Irwin’s acoustic group will perform tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Stones Throw Brewery on Larrabee Avenue. The …
February 13, 2025 News Transcript
State Supreme Court Justices to hold public hearings on two cases in visit to WWU, Bellingham man sentenced to two years in prison for involvement in fatal overdose, Mount Vernon police searching for Bellingham teen suspected of fleeing in stolen car, Backcountry skier perishes in snow immersion accident, La Conner schools levy set to pass following special election, House Democrats sponsor bill to bar police from stopping drivers for non-moving violations, Bellingham Valentine’s Day events Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, February 13th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: State Supreme Court justices to hold public hearings on two cases in visit to WWU Washington’s Administrative Office of the Courts announced that State Supreme Court justices will hold court at Western Washington University for two days. During their visit, they will answer public questions and hear arguments in two appellate (uh-PEH-luht) cases. The justices will participate in a Q&A panel next Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in the Wilson Library Reading Room. WWU Associate Professor Ceci (SEH-see) Lopez will moderate the discussion. At 9 a.m. next Thursday, Chief Justice Stephens and eight associate justices will hear arguments in two cases: State v. Thompson—which questions whether a victim’s estate can intervene in an appeal— and State v. Abrams, which examines the requirements for vacating a conviction. Since 1985, State Supreme Court justices have traveled across Washington to hear cases in community settings and engage with the public. The Court first visited WWU in 1986. This year, members of the Court will also attend a reception hosted by the Whatcom County Bar Association. The public can attend both the Q&A panel and oral arguments. TVW will livestream the hearings, and attendees may bring cameras, provided they follow court guidelines. Those needing interpreters can contact Supreme Court Administrator Ashley Lipford. STORY: Bellingham man sentenced to two years in prison for involvement in fatal overdose 55-year-old Brian T. Christensen was sentenced to two years in prison on Tuesday for his role in the overdose death of 34-year-old Agustin Gallardo (ah-GUS-teen guy-YARD-o) in March 2023. Prosecutors initially charged Christensen with three felonies — including first-degree manslaughter — after he sold Gallardo what was supposed to be cocaine. The Whatcom County medical examiner later confirmed that Gallardo died from an accidental overdose involving fentanyl and methamphetamine. According to court records, a neighbor later stated that Christensen, who struggled with a fentanyl addiction at the time, admitted to accidentally giving Gallardo fentanyl instead of cocaine, and expressed deep remorse. Whatcom County Judge Evan Jones called the case “very difficult,” and sentenced Christensen to two years in prison and one year of community custody. Some of Gallardo’s loved ones reacted with anger, while the judge acknowledged the lasting impact of Christensen’s actions on the family. STORY: Mount Vernon police searching for Bellingham teen suspected of fleeing in stolen car Mount Vernon Police are on the lookout for a Bellingham teenager suspected of fleeing in a stolen car. Officers pulled the 17-year-old over around 2 a.m. on Tuesday because the car lacked a rear license plate. The driver did not have a license on him, and gave officers a fake name. When asked to turn the engine off, he instead backed into a patrol car and fled the scene. Police declined to chase the driver, citing safety concerns after he sped away with his headlights off. Investigators later identified the suspect and determined the car had been stolen. According to Lieutenant Dave Shackleton, Mount Vernon Police has an active warrant for the teen’s arrest. STORY: Backcountry skier perishes in snow immersion accident A backcountry skier died at the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie (snow-KWAAL-mee) National Forest last week in a snow immersion accident. Whatcom County Search and Rescue were summoned to the scene of the accident around noon last Wednesday. According to County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Deb Slater, the rescue team had been informed that a skier had fallen head-first into deep snow. Despite resuscitation (ri-suh-si-TAY-shin) efforts by the skier’s partners, they died at the scene. This was the first backcountry death in the National Forest this year. The Northwest Avalanche Center says there is moderate avalanche danger for the northwest slopes; they also reminded backcountry skiers and snowboarders to keep their partners in sight at all times, and to stay close enough to help them if they get buried in a tree well or other deep snow hazard. STORY: La Conner schools levy set to pass following special election With more than 78% in favor and just 10 ballots left to count as of 12:57 p.m. yesterday, voters in the La Conner School District overwhelmingly approved Proposition No. 1. Voter turnout reached a little over 39%. The new levy replaces the current one, set to expire at the end of its term, and maintains the same tax rate of $1.11 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The four-year, $4.75 million levy will help bridge state and federal funding gaps. La Conner School District Superintendent David Cram said the levy will help to cover special education programs, materials and supplies, transportation, and food services. Election officials will certify the results on February 21st. STORY: House Democrats sponsor bill to bar police from stopping drivers for non-moving violations A Democratic-backed bill in the state Legislature seeks to ban police from stopping drivers solely for non-moving violations, such as expired tabs or a broken headlight. House Bill 1512 would require officers to mail warnings unless they have another legal reason to pull someone over. The bill, called the Traffic Safety for All Act, still allows officers to stop drivers for criminal offenses, missing license plates, seat belt violations, or registrations expired by more than a year. While police can still cite drivers for non-moving violations, they must first stop them for another infraction. Officers would be required to immediately state the reason for a stop, and limit their questions unless they have reasonable suspicion of another offense. Police would also need written consent to search a car unless the stop …
February 12, 2025 News Transcript
Cold weather advisory extended, WCSO deputy sustains injury following traffic incident, Bellingham man sentenced to one year in prison for possession of explosives, California teenager to serve four-year sentence for calling in bomb threat to Anacortes H.S. in 2022, Bellingham man sentenced to one year in prison for possession of explosives, Fourth round-trip flight to Seattle added to Bellingham Intl Airport, WWU fined over $18,000 for improperly storing hazardous waste, Ferndale announces new sculpture garden installation in Griffintown Park, Bellingham Valentine’s Day events Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, February 12th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Cold weather advisory extended Whatcom County is set to see the coldest time of the season so far. The National Weather Service has issued a cold weather advisory through 4 p.m. tomorrow. Clear skies and northern winds will drive wind chills down to 10 degrees in Bellingham and possibly near 0 in areas like Lynden. In response, the Bellingham Severe Weather Shelter on North Forest Street will open with check-in starting at 4 p.m. Lighthouse Mission Ministries at F Street will also open, with check-in at 7 p.m. The Lummi Nation Cold Weather Shelter will be open for tribal members. The Weather Service advises bringing pets indoors and checking frequently on older family members, friends, and neighbors. Use portable heaters safely, and avoid using generators or grills inside. Prevent frozen pipes by opening cabinet doors to warm pipes and setting your thermostat above 55 degrees. Finally, anyone planning to be outside should wear layers and take frequent indoor breaks to avoid hypothermia, which can develop quickly in such cold conditions. STORY: WCSO deputy sustains injury following traffic incident A Whatcom County Sheriff’s deputy sustained an injury yesterday after a suspect’s firearm accidentally discharged. Public Information Officer Deb Slater says that deputies from the Sheriff’s Office assisted Lynden Police around 1 p.m. after a suspect in the 8000 block of Guide Meridian displayed a gun and fled the scene. Deputies located and pulled over the suspect near the intersection of Guide Meridian and Axton Road, then took him into custody without incident. After the arrest, the recovered firearm discharged accidentally, injuring the deputy. The deputy remained conscious and was transported to St. Joseph Medical Center, where they received treatment and were later released. WSDOT (wash-DOT) temporarily closed Guide Meridian between Axton Road and Smith Road following the incident, but reopened it a few hours later. Authorities identified the suspect as a 52-year-old Blaine man. He will be booked into the Whatcom County Jail on probable cause for second-degree assault, third-degree malicious mischief, and third-degree theft. Sheriff Donnell (duh-NELL) Tanksley expressed gratitude that the deputy’s injuries weren’t more severe. The Sheriff’s Office requested the Bellingham Police Department investigate the accidental discharge. STORY: Bellingham man sentenced to one year in prison for possession of explosives 46-year-old Joshua Byram of Bellingham has been sentenced to one year in prison for possession of an explosive. Authorities dropped three drug dealing and possession charges, along with an additional explosives charge, as part of a plea deal. The Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force began investigating Byram for mid-level drug dealing last summer. A search warrant was obtained by investigators after undercover officers made several purchases from him. During the search, they found evidence of drug dealing, an improvised explosive device, and materials to make more explosives. Byram was transferred to Department of Corrections custody yesterday. STORY: California teenager to serve four-year sentence for calling in bomb threat to Anacortes H.S. in 2022 A California teenager was sentenced in federal court yesterday for making over 300 false threats around the country. The U.S. Department of Justice says that 18-year-old Alan Filion (FILL-ee-en) will serve four years in prison for making interstate threats to injure people. Filion made over 375 swatting and threat calls between August 2022 and January 2024; targets ranged from religious to educational institutions, as well as government officials and numerous individuals. One of these calls was made to Anacortes High School in October 2022. Filion threatened to carry out a mass shooting, and said he had planted bombs throughout the school. The investigation into the case was a multi-agency effort, with Anacortes Police and other law enforcement agencies across the country assisting both the FBI and U.S. Secret Service. Filion was finally arrested in January of last year after threatening a religious center in Florida. STORY: Fourth round-trip flight to Seattle added to Bellingham Intl Airport Travelers flying out of Bellingham International Airport now have a fourth round-trip flight option to Seattle, serviced by Alaska Airlines. The Port of Bellingham announced that the new flight departs Bellingham daily at 6:27 p.m., except on Saturdays, with return flights from Sea-Tac taking off at 7:57 p.m. Despite pilot and plane shortages affecting airlines like Alaska, the Port has introduced a new airline incentive package to address these challenges, and is working to expand flight options and destinations. Additionally, the Port says it is exploring the possibility of launching an international flight from Bellingham to Mexico. STORY: WWU fined over $18,000 for improperly storing hazardous waste The EPA has fined Western Washington University over $18,000 for hazardous waste violations. Inspectors found improperly stored batteries, lamps, and chemicals across campus, particularly in science and art buildings. Containers were not properly closed, labeled, or stored in designated areas. Additionally, WWU personnel lacked proper training for handling hazardous waste, and the university failed to conduct required weekly inspections. WWU paid the fine following an agreement last December, after routine inspections revealed improperly stored hazardous waste on campus. The EPA reported that WWU violated state and federal regulations four times. As part of the agreement, WWU will submit yearly self-audit reports to the EPA for the next three years. The university has not responded to requests for comment. STORY: Ferndale announces new sculpture garden installation in Griffintown Park A new sculpture was installed at Ferndale’s Griffintown Park today. The sculpture in question is Sense of Connection, created by Seattle-based …
February 11, 2025 News Transcript
Protests against ICE raids continue in Bellingham, Burglary reported at Bellingham arts center, Bellingham Reentry Center identified as “underused facility,” by state, possibly targeted for closure, Local recycling business to construct new facility in Bellingham’s Irongate neighborhood, Local recycling business to construct new facility in Bellingham’s Irongate neighborhood, Speed cameras to be installed near WA roadside construction areas, Department of Licensing offices and online services set to close this weekend for system update, Legendary novelist Tom Robbins, a La Conner resident, dies at 92 Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, February 11th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Protests against ICE raids continue in Bellingham Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers from Seattle arrested five undocumented immigrants between January 29th and February 1st, including two in Ferndale. In response, more than a hundred people gathered at the Whatcom County Courthouse last Friday to protest ICE actions and show solidarity with undocumented community members facing deportation. Protesters marched through Bellingham carrying signs in support of immigrant rights and opposing federal immigration policies. While Bellingham Police observed, they did not intervene, and no arrests were made during the peaceful demonstration. The event marked Bellingham’s second protest last week; it aligned with nationwide demonstrations against Trump’s immigration policies and the conservative proposals known as Project 2025. STORY: Burglary reported at Bellingham arts center A burglar broke into the Firehouse Arts and Events Center in Bellingham’s Fairhaven neighborhood over the weekend, stealing $500 and causing about $9,000 in damage. According to the owners’ social media post, the incident follows a series of burglaries at local businesses in late December, which included Sandwich Odyssey, Soy House and the Dank of America dispensary on Guide Meridian. An attempted burglary at Stones Throw Brewery also caused damages. Police arrested a suspect in the Soy House case, but had not linked the incidents at the time. STORY: Bellingham Reentry Center identified as “underused facility,” by state, possibly targeted for closure The Bellingham Reentry Center faces permanent closure under the governor’s proposed biennial (bye-EH-nee-uhl) budget. Washington’s Office of Financial Management has identified the 50-year old center, which helps people transition back into society after incarceration, as quote-unquote “under-used,” and plans to close it. The work release center is the only one of its type north of Seattle, and can house up to 42 men and eight women. OFM said it operates 11 reentry centers, most of which are less than half-full due to recent sentencing reforms. It plans to close the one in Bellingham to adjust statewide capacity. Supporters oppose the closure, and stress the center’s role in providing jobs, housing, and life skills for former inmates. They warn that closing the facility would force people to relocate to Seattle, cutting them off from local job opportunities and support networks. STORY: Local recycling business to construct new facility in Bellingham’s Irongate neighborhood Lautenbach (law-tn-BOCK) Recycling plans to build a construction and demolition recycling center in Bellingham’s Irongate neighborhood. After running a similar facility in Mount Vernon for 15 years, Lautenbach plans to offer direct hauling services in Whatcom County. It says the move will help cut landfill waste and reduce emissions. The proposed center, which would be located on a 25-acre property purchased by the company last summer, would house scales, a sorting facility and material storage. Lautenbach says the new facility will recycle concrete, asphalt shingles, gypsum (JIP-sum), scrap metal and wood, providing a greener and more affordable alternative to landfilling. The company expects about 126 round trips per day from haulers and employees. The Northwest Clean Air Agency will regulate dust and emissions, and the City of Bellingham will require grinding operations to take place inside enclosures as part of the permit approval. Some neighbors in the Trickle Creek development worry about truck traffic, dust, odor, and noise. Despite those concerns, Lautenbach plans to move all its Whatcom County operations to the Irongate site. The company says that could include a cardboard baler and possibly a material recovery facility to sort commingled recyclables. In a recent interview with Cascadia Daily News, Lautenbach stressed its commitment to the community and worked to separate itself from past controversial projects, including ABC Recycling’s failed metal shredding operation. STORY: Speed cameras to be installed near WA roadside construction areas The state Department of Transportation will begin mounting speed cameras on trailers in construction zones state-wide. WSDOT (wash-DOT) reported almost 1,500 work zone crashes in the first 10 months of 2024, including 43 fatalities or serious injuries. Officials will deploy the first cameras this month, with six planned to be in place by summer. Drivers will receive a warning for their first offense, but face a $248 ticket for repeat violations. Tickets will only be issued when workers are present. Authorities stress that speeding remains a major cause of work zone accidents, and threatens both crews and motorists. STORY: Department of Licensing offices and online services set to close this weekend for system update The state Department of Licensing will close its offices and call center from Friday through Monday for a system upgrade. Online services for driver and vehicle licensing, as well as prorate and fuel tax, are already unavailable through Monday. The DOL anticipates long wait times when offices reopen, and suggests consumers schedule appointments in advance. However, business and professional licensing systems will remain unaffected. STORY: Legendary novelist Tom Robbins, a La Conner resident, dies at 92 Legendary novelist Tom Robbins is dead at the age of 92. Robbins’ wife, Alexa Robbins, shared the news of the author’s death in a Facebook post on Sunday. Robbins, known for writing Even Cowgirls Get the Blues and other novels, was a La Conner resident. Alexa said the author was quote “brave, funny and sweet” unquote, adding that he had an “eternally youthful spirit.” Robbins, described by Italy’s Corriere della Sera (coe-ree-EH-ray day-LUH SAIR-ah) as quote-unquote “the most dangerous writer in the world today,” was best known for works that blended comedy and drama. Born in North Carolina …
February 10, 2025 News Transcript
Section of Fraser Street bridge closed following car crash on Thursday, Cleanup to begin at Harris Avenue Shipyard, SPARK Museum to launch rotating exhibit, citing desire to honor Mindport legacy, Neighbors of Whatcom severe weather shelter say facility causes “disruptions”, Construction on new Whatcom County jail complex expected to begin this year, Lynden School Board to challenge five statewide bills, claiming violation of parental rights, Study indicates car thefts significantly decreasing across WA Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, February 10th. Good afternoon, I’m Theron Danielson. STORY: Section of Fraser Street bridge closed following car crash on Thursday A car crash significantly damaged the footbridge on Fraser Street in Bellingham last Thursday. A black sedan lost control on the snow-covered roads and struck the bridge, damaging a section of the walkway near Puget Street. No injuries were reported. The damaged section is currently closed. The city says it’s working on temporary detour options while it plans for permanent repairs, which will take time to be engineered and permitted. STORY: Cleanup to begin at Harris Avenue Shipyard Washington’s Department of Ecology seeks public comment on a legal agreement with the Port of Bellingham for the cleanup of the Harris Avenue Shipyard. The Shipyard is one of 12 cleanup sites around Bellingham Bay that have been contaminated by decades of municipal and industrial practices. The waterfront site in Fairhaven includes five acres of polluted soil, groundwater and contaminated marine sediment (SEH-duh-muhnt). The agreement – a consent decree – only covers the upland cleanup, estimated at six-and-a-half million dollars and scheduled for later this year. In-water cleanup is expected to cost 21-and-a-half million dollars, but likely won’t begin until 2027. Public comments are open until March 12th, and a meeting will be held if requested by at least 10 people. Local non-profit group RE Sources will host a public walking tour of the site on February 26th. STORY: SPARK Museum to launch rotating exhibit, citing desire to honor Mindport legacy The SPARK Museum in Bellingham will open a new rotating gallery in late spring. The gallery will debut with an exhibit which honors Mindport Exhibits, a renowned local museum that recently closed. The gallery is funded by state tourism grants, the Eleanor and Henry Jansen Foundation, and Mindport. SPARK’s Executive Director Abby Whatley says they hope the new exhibit will boost attendance and allow for regular updates to displays. After the Mindport exhibit, the interactive devices designed by local artist Kevin Jones will move to the museum’s upcoming Wonderlab space. STORY: Neighbors of Whatcom severe weather shelter say facility causes “disruptions” More than 30 people attended a public meeting to discuss concerns about the Whatcom County severe weather shelter and its impact on nearby businesses and residences. The shelter is located at the former Central Lutheran Church at N. Forrest Street and Laurel Street in downtown Bellingham. At the meeting, neighbors reported issues such as open drug use, violence, camping, and trash. Organizer Adam Bellingar (BELL-in-gur) emphasized the need to balance support for unhoused individuals while minimizing neighborhood disruptions. Officials acknowledged the challenges, and cited the absence of a daytime warming center as a key gap. Temporary measures like added trash cans and transportation options are in place, but attendees called for better security and expanded services. The shelter may remain open long-term if partnerships continue. STORY: Construction on new Whatcom County jail complex expected to begin this year Whatcom County officials are weighing options for the new jail and behavioral health facility to be built in Ferndale. The complex is projected to be the county’s largest construction project to date. Approved by voters in 2023, the $174 million facility could house up to 440 inmates, and aims to incorporate trauma-informed design and rehabilitation-focused features. Officials say they are trying to balance design ideas, budget constraints, and operational costs as well as seek local community and labor involvement. Revenue from a 0.2% sales tax increase began in July of last year. Officials say financial planning discussions are set to begin in mid-February, and the earliest the facility could open is 2028. STORY: Lynden School Board to challenge five statewide bills, claiming violation of parental rights The Lynden School Board passed a resolution last week that opposes five state bills. In a public meeting held last Thursday, the board objected to changes in Senate Bill 5181, which removes parental notification for medical services and prevents referendums. The bill also restricts disclosure of students’ gender or sexual orientation without consent. Board members argued it undermines parental involvement. Other opposed bills include those that would establish new complaint processes for noncompliance with education laws and expand nondiscrimination protections, which the board says limit local flexibility. However, at the meeting the board also voiced support for Senate Bills 5192 and 5263, which would increase school and special education funding. STORY: Study indicates car thefts significantly decreasing across WA The Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority reports that car thefts in the state declined in 2024 for the first time since 2020. According to the report, thefts dropped by nearly a third compared to 2023. The decline began last February and has remained steady. Changes in pursuit laws and technology upgrades are attributed to the decline. Thefts dropped by nearly a third compared to 2023. However, Washington still ranks 7th in the nation for auto thefts per capita. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Paloma Ortiz, Stevie Sjogren (SHOW-gren), and Miguel Garduño (MEE-gel gar-DOO-ño). Our news director is Staci Baird. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p.m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by listener donations. Check out our Patreon page or go to kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m Theron Danielson, and thank you for listening. ##
February 7, 2025 News Transcript
Man accused of bringing Mount Vernon girl across state lines sentenced to 20 years in prison, Severe weather shelters across Whatcom extending operating hours, Bellingham credit union announces branch closure to make room for tiny home village, Meridian School District to ask for third bond to replace aging middle school, WA officials push back against trans-exclusionary executive order, Free. As well as cheap, Construction on new Whatcom County jail complex expected to begin this year, Cleanup to begin at Harris Avenue Shipyard Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, February 7th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Man accused of bringing Mount Vernon girl across state lines sentenced to 20 years in prison 31-year-old Keith Freerksen (FREHRK-sen) of Michigan was sentenced on Wednesday to 20 years in federal prison for transporting a teenage girl from Mount Vernon across state lines with intent to engage in a sexual act. Freerksen, a registered sex offender with a prior child pornography conviction, met the 14-year-old victim in the online chat service Omegle (oh-MAY-gull). Freerksen drove to Washington state, picked the victim up, then drove her back to Michigan. He was arrested on January 31st of last year, after law enforcement found the girl at his home. The victim had been missing for 30 days. According to court records, his federal sentence will run concurrently with a 15- to 70-year Michigan sentence. Upon release, he must register as a sex offender and serve 20 years of supervised release. STORY: Severe weather shelters across Whatcom extending operating hours Severe weather shelters in Whatcom County will extend their hours through the beginning of next week. The North Forest Street shelter will be open until Tuesday, with check-in from 4 to 9 p.m. and check-out by 9 a.m. The Lummi Nation shelter is open for tribal members through Wednesday. Ferndale’s shelter will operate through Sunday, but is no longer accepting referrals. The Lighthouse Mission remains open daily, with check-in at 7 p.m. and check-out at 8 a.m. STORY: Bellingham credit union announces branch closure to make room for tiny home village North Coast Credit Union will close its Northwest Avenue branch in Bellingham’s Birchwood neighborhood on February 28th. North Coast sold the property to the City last year to develop North Haven tiny home village. The development will replace two existing tiny home villages which face relocation. The credit union will maintain two branches in Whatcom County, one in Bellingham and one in Ferndale. Birchwood branch employees will be offered positions at other locations. STORY: Meridian School District to ask for third bond to replace aging middle school The Meridian School District will ask voters in April to approve a bond to replace its middle school. Originally built in 1938, it faces safety, accessibility, and structural issues. The $71 million proposal is a reduction from the $75 million bond that failed last November. That bond fell short of the required 60% supermajority. The revised bond will focus solely on the middle school. If passed, the tax rate would be $1.35 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Both Lynden and Blaine districts are also reconsidering bond measures after recent failures. STORY: WA officials push back against trans-exclusionary executive order Washington state officials say they will oppose President Trump’s executive order which bans transgender women from participating in girl’s and women’s sports and threatens to cut federal funding from non-compliant schools. The Washington Interscholastic Athletics Association currently allows trans students to participate according to their gender identity, which aligns with state anti-discrimination laws. The association says it will review the potential impact of the order but plans to maintain compliance with state law. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal (RAKE-doll) criticized the order as an overreach of federal authority and affirmed the state’s commitment to inclusion. Two amendments restricting trans athletes’ participation received support from several local school boards. These amendments will be considered by the association in April. Free. As well as 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. From 5-8 p.m. tonight, Bellingham’s Sunnyland neighborhood will host Heart of the Art, a pop-up event which will showcase the city’s art scene and its many creatives. Martini Metalcraft, the event’s organizers, describe Heart of the Art as a “sidewalk slide through the artistic soul of Bellingham”. Hela (HELLA) Provisions, a specialty grocery store in Sunnyland, will kick off the evening with a product tasting from 4-6 p.m. Tickets for the tasting can be purchased for $10 at Hela’s website, with all proceeds going to Ragfinery’s fire recovery efforts. Tomorrow evening will see the Mount Baker Theatre host its annual International Guitar Night at 7:30 p.m. The event will feature a special lineup for its 25th anniversary, featuring names such as Lulo (loo-LOW) Reinhardt, the grand-nephew of guitar legend Django Reinhardt. Tickets starting at $20.75 can be purchased at MBT’s website. The Happy Tails Happy Homes nonprofit will be holding a Puppy Bowl on Sunday at Menace Brewing on Meridian Street. The event, which is free to attend and runs from noon to 2 p.m., will feature two teams of dogs competing at their best impression of a football game. The participating dogs will all be up for adoption; organizers hope the event will help them find permanent homes. Finally, a handful of Bellingham bars and businesses will be hosting Super Bowl watch parties on Sunday. These include: WX: Hi! Welcome to Chilly! And now weather, A bright, sunny, and altogether chilly day is in the forecast today. Daytime highs are projected in the mid-30s, though we can expect a wind chill factor between 15 and 25 which should make that feel significantly colder. Some cloud cover may accumulate as the day wears on, which will lead to an overcast evening with lows in the mid-20s. Temperatures are expected to vary over the weekend, with highs expected in the 40s, with a chance for additional snow, though it’s …
February 6, 2025 News Transcript
Cold and winter weather advisories extended, school delays continue, Three arrested following pair of drug busts in Kendall, Crowds gather in downtown Bellingham to protest Trump administration’s immigration action, Port Commission approves lease of space to gravel stockpiling company, Gas prices trending up in Whatcom County, Parental “bill of rights,” proposed in Olympia draws controversy, WA sees first whooping cough death in over a decade, Free, as well as Cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, February 6th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Cold and winter weather advisories extended, school delays continue Parts of Whatcom County saw up to four inches of snow overnight, with even more accumulation at higher elevations. For the fourth consecutive day, the Blaine and Ferndale school districts were closed again this Thursday. The Meridian, Lynden and Mount Baker school districts, as well as the Lummi Nation School and Early Learning, were on a two-hour delay. Nooksack Valley and Bellingham Public Schools operated on a normal schedule. Western Washington University and Northwest Indian College were also on a two hour delay, while Whatcom Community College and Bellingham Technical College were on normal schedules. A cold weather advisory is extended until 10 a.m. tomorrow, with more snow likely over the weekend. STORY: Three arrested following pair of drug busts in Kendall Three people were arrested in Kendall following two separate drug busts conducted by the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. According to police reports, deputies recovered over 300 grams of fentanyl, along with smaller amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine. Authorities also seized nearly $6,000 in cash, two illegal firearms, and other prohibited weapons, including metal knuckles and a butterfly knife. The suspects face charges of possession with intent to deliver and other related offenses. STORY: Crowds gather in downtown Bellingham to protest Trump administration’s immigration action Around 150 demonstrators gathered in downtown Bellingham yesterday as part of a national protest against the Trump administration. Braving freezing temperatures, demonstrators marched to the Whatcom County Courthouse to protest President Trump’s executive orders, which have led to immigrant deportations, federal payment stoppages, and the dismantling of government watchdogs. The protest was organized locally but without a permit, and remained peaceful and orderly. Participants expressed opposition to the president’s actions; others voiced concerns about their grandchildren’s future and economic inequality. The rally coincided with nationwide protests, including one in Olympia, which targeted Trump’s executive orders and the conservative Project 2025 movement. STORY: Port Commission approves lease of space to gravel stockpiling company Port of Bellingham commissioners unanimously approved a lease with Granite Construction on Tuesday to use part of the Bellingham Shipping Terminal to import, export and stockpile gravel. The lease starts March 1st, and includes five acres at the log pond area as well as 4,600 square feet of warehouse space. Granite will supply washed crushed granite, limestone and other rock fragments for civil construction projects. Granite plans to build a conveyor system, hopper, truck scale, and scale house at the terminal, but will not crush or wash gravel on-site. The operation is expected to generate up to $500,000 annually and create 192 union job shifts per year, plus 13 full-time employees for Granite. The company says it will offload at least six barges in the first year, increasing to 12 barges by year three. Granite emphasizes its commitment to environmental safeguards, saying it holds multiple state permits and has agreed to follow stormwater management regulations. No public opposition was voiced during the meeting, and commissioners highlighted the benefits of reduced highway truck traffic and the increased support to local construction needs. STORY: Gas prices trending up in Whatcom County Gas prices in Bellingham and Whatcom County have increased this month. According to AAA (TRIPLE A), the average cost of gas in both Bellingham and Whatcom County is $3.93 a gallon, a 13-cent increase when compared to January. On average, Washington charges $3.96 per gallon, a 6-cent increase from January’s average. AAA states that Washington has the third-highest gas prices in the country, losing only to Hawaii and California. On average, the price of a gallon of gas across the United States was $3.10 as of Tuesday. STORY: Parental “bill of rights,” proposed in Olympia draws controversy Democrats are proposing amendments to the Washington Parental Rights Initiative that would alter timelines for parental notification about criminal incidents. Washington’s Parental Rights Initiative passed with bipartisan support in 2023 and outlines 15 rights for parents of public school students. They include parental notifications on safety issues, academics, medical issues, and law enforcement matters. A lawsuit challenging the initiative’s constitutionality was dismissed in January 2024, which allowed the law to take full effect. Proponents now say the changes would align notification requirements with Washington state’s 48-hour rule to avoid interfering with police investigations and to comply with federal privacy laws. Republicans argue these changes undermine parental rights, and accuse Democrats of trying to reverse the law. Democrats, supported by the Association of Washington School Principals, insist the modifications are to ensure legal clarity and protect students’ privacy. The debate gained national attention after President Trump and Senator Ted Cruz amplified false claims that suggested Democrats voted to withhold information from parents about school-related sexual abuse. Supporters argue that Republicans are spreading misinformation for political gain. Despite initial concerns over potential conflicts with federal laws and vague language, the Democratic-controlled Legislature adopted the initiative to avoid a statewide vote. The bills have passed along party lines, with Republicans pushing for amendments that were ultimately rejected. STORY: WA sees first whooping cough death in over a decade A child under five in Spokane County died of whooping cough in November, marking Washington’s first fatality from the disease in over a decade.` The CDC confirmed the cause of death, and noted the child had received some DTaP (dee-TAP) vaccine doses but hadn’t completed the full series. The CDC recommends five DTaP doses for children, with boosters for adolescents and adults. Washington saw a surge in whooping cough cases last year, with …
February 5, 2025 News Transcript
Weather-related school delays and closures this Wednesday, Mount Vernon middle schooler arrested after bringing gun to school, One dead, one rescued from disabled sailboat near San Juan Islands, Whatcom inmate dies following suicide attempt, Bellingham cafe employees walk off the job, protesting unfair policies and intimidation, Whatcom severe weather shelters continue to house hundreds as winter storm persists, Bill to decrease Amtrak Cascades travel time to be read by House Transportation committee, WA exports set to be impacted by tariff war with Mexico, Free. As well as cheap. Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, February 5th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Weather-related school delays and closures this Wednesday Snow and ice continue to disrupt life in Whatcom County. Many school districts operated on a two-hour delay today, namely Lynden, Meridian and Nooksack Valley. Nooksack Valley did, however, operate normal bus routes, except for students at Minaker (meh-nuh-KERR), Deeter and North Pass. Meanwhile, both Ferndale and Blaine school districts closed today, as did the Lummi Nation School and Early Learning. On their end, Bellingham Public Schools operated on time with snow bus routes in effect. The Mount Baker School District also operated on time; their usual Wednesday schedule already includes a 90-minute late arrival schedule. Buses there followed snow routes, and there was no morning preschool. Many high school sports games scheduled for today were cancelled, including a Bellingham vs. Blaine girls’ basketball game, both Blaine vs. Mount Vernon games for boys and girls’ basketball, and a Lynden Christian girls’ basketball game against Lakewood. WWU, WCC and BTC are all operating on a normal schedule today. According to a WTA post, several bus routes are detoured today, including Route 50, which is detouring on Ferndale Road, and Route 72, which is missing stops on Deming Road and the Santa Fe Trail. A paratransit bus with snow chains will serve neighborhoods in Kendall. Just like yesterday, however, no zone or flex service will be running today. Forecasts show a chance of snow showers at Bellingham Airport today and tomorrow. STORY: Mount Vernon middle schooler arrested after bringing gun to school A student at LaVenture Middle School in Mount Vernon was arrested for bringing a gun to school. Classmates reported seeing the weapon, which prompted staff to intervene and safely recover it. The student was taken to Skagit County Juvenile Detention. No threats were made, and police say they are still investigating. STORY: One dead, one rescued from disabled sailboat near San Juan Islands A 56-year-old man was rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard from a disabled and grounded sailboat near the San Juan Islands Monday night. The Coast Guard received a mayday call from the captain of the sailboat around 7 p.m. that night. In response, a 45-foot boat from Station Bellingham and a helicopter from the Air Station in Port Angeles were dispatched to locate the vessel. After the man was brought aboard the rescue boat, the helicopter located the other passenger – a woman, who was in the water and unconscious. She was flown to St. Joseph Medical Center, but was later pronounced dead. The captain was taken to Station Bellingham before being transferred to the hospital. A Coast Guard member was also injured during the rescue and taken to the hospital, but was released later that night. STORY: Whatcom inmate dies following suicide attempt A 37-year-old man incarcerated at the Whatcom County Jail died on January 22nd after a suicide attempt in his cell three days before. Corrections deputies found him during a routine check and performed CPR before he was transported to a hospital. He had been in custody since last September on charges including DUI and attempting to elude police. His court case was dismissed after he was declared brain dead. The incident is under investigation by Bellingham Police, and the medical examiner has not yet released a cause of death. STORY: Bellingham cafe employees walk off the job, protesting unfair policies and intimidation Several employees at Evolve Chocolate + Cafe in Bellingham walked out in January to protest alleged unfair labor practices and the firing of a coworker. The fired employee told the Bellingham Herald he was dismissed over an unwritten policy, which prompted nine colleagues to leave in solidarity. Former employees picketed on January 25th and 30th, citing a hostile work environment, intimidation, and understaffing. Cafe owners Christy and Shannon Fox stated they are still working to understand the concerns. In a statement, the owners of Village Books— which leases space to Evolve, but operates separately — underscored that the two businesses are not related and said that they quote “are not in a place to explain, support, or defend their workplace environment” unquote. Owners Paul Hanson, Kelly Evert and Sarah Hutton expressed hopes for a swift resolution, as the dispute has impacted their business. STORY: Whatcom severe weather shelters continue to house hundreds as winter storm persists The February cold spell has facilities and organizations across Bellingham and Whatcom County scrambling to provide shelter for unhoused individuals. The Bellingham and Ferndale severe weather shelters say they have been at capacity on open nights, with efforts to extend operations if temperatures remain at or below 32 degrees. However, no daytime shelter is available due to staffing and logistical challenges. Lighthouse Mission Ministries is offering food, shelter, and emergency beds, allowing guests to stay during the day. The Bellingham Public Library also serves as a daytime refuge for those seeking warmth. Whatcom County Health and Community Services Communications Specialist Marie Duckworth says the Bellingham shelter is scheduled to be open through Thursday night and will likely continue to operate into the weekend. STORY: Bill to decrease Amtrak Cascades travel time to be read by House Transportation committee A bill introduced in Olympia would significantly speed up Amtrak Cascades travel in the Pacific Northwest, if approved. House Bill 1837 sets goals for faster trips, reducing Seattle-to-Vancouver travel time to 2 hours and 45 minutes and Seattle-to-Portland to two-and-a-half hours. It also …
February 4, 2025 News Transcript
Today’s school closures and delays; prep games canceled, Bellingham’s Lighthouse Mission nearing capacity, Demand for office space continues to trend upwards in Bellingham, vacancies decline, AG’s office warns federal employees of misleading worker buyout offer, State lawmakers weighing bill capping number of people who can be sent to state psychiatric hospitals, Ridership on Amtrak’s Cascades route increases Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, February 4th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Today’s school closures and delays; prep games canceled The snow and ice continue to have a major effect across Whatcom and Skagit counties. In Whatcom County, the school districts from Ferndale, Blaine, Lynden, Meridian, Nooksack Valley, and Mount Baker remained closed today; both Lummi Nation School and Early Learning were also closed. Bellingham Public Schools operated on a two-hour delay and used snow bus routes for the morning and afternoon. Meanwhile, in Skagit County, the Burlington-Edison, Sedro-Woolley, Concrete, Conway, and La Conner school districts all had delayed starts. Anacortes operated on time, but with quote-unquote “adverse weather routes.” Several high schools sports games scheduled for tonight were cancelled, including Lynden boys and girls’ basketball at Anacortes, Lynden Christian boys and girls’ basketball at Lakewood, and Meridian boys and girls’ basketball at Sedro-Woolley. Western Washington University began classes at 10 a.m. again today; all classes scheduled before 10 a.m. were cancelled. Whatcom Community College and Bellingham Technical College also delayed opening until 10 a.m.; online classes at WCC ran as scheduled. Skagit Valley College delayed opening until 9:30 a.m. due to hazardous road conditions; however Northwest Indian College was closed for the day. WTA buses are running today with detours and potential delays due to road conditions. Route 50 is detouring on Ferndale Road and missing Mackenzie Road, while Route 72X is missing several stops along Deming Road and the Santa Fe Trail. According to a Facebook post by WTA, no zone or flex service is being provided today. A cold weather advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. tomorrow for western Whatcom County. Wind chills as low as 5 to 15 degrees are expected, as well as slick and icy roads. Whatcom’s severe weather shelter at Forest Street in Bellingham will remain open through Thursday. STORY: Bellingham’s Lighthouse Mission nearing capacity In other weather-related news, Bellingham’s Lighthouse Mission Ministries shelter is nearly full with more cold temperatures forecasted. The newly-remodeled facility on F Street has 234 regular beds, 60 emergency beds, and can add up to 20 more in severe conditions. However, behavioral health dorms remain closed due to staff shortages, which means the facility isn’t able to meet its 300-bed capacity. Residents stay on-site during the day, but new daytime-only guests cannot be accommodated. Financially, the shelter still owes nearly $2 million on its new facility, with hopes of additional funding from the sale of the Willows Inn – a property on Lummi Island that was donated to the Mission in 2022. STORY: Demand for office space continues to trend upwards in Bellingham, vacancies decline Demand for office space in Bellingham increased in late 2024, reversing a previous decline. A new report on commercial real estate from Pacific Continental Realty co-owner Ryan Martin shows major office buildings, including the Bellingham Herald and Bellingham National Bank buildings, are attracting new tenants. In contrast, retail space saw higher vacancies and lower demand, with downtown retail vacancies reaching nearly 10%. According to the report, potential Canadian business relocations due to tariffs may further tighten the market. STORY: AG’s office warns federal employees of misleading worker buyout offer Washington Attorney General Nick Brown is warning federal employees about a potentially misleading buyout offer from the Office of Personnel Management. The offer, sent via email, promises pay and benefits through September 2025 for those who resign by Thursday, but also warns that jobs are not guaranteed if employees stay. Brown urges employees to consult their unions, and called the offer a quote-unquote “shameless attack” on federal workers. Major federal employee unions have also cautioned members, and reiterated the promised benefits may not be guaranteed. STORY: State lawmakers weighing bill capping number of people who can be sent to state psychiatric hospitalsA Washington state representative introduced a bill to improve mental health treatment for criminal defendants. State law requires short-term mental health treatment for defendants found incompetent to stand trial. Once stabilized, they return to jail and later to court. This process, called competency restoration, has become the primary way people with severe mental illness receive care, leading to long wait times and lawsuits against the state. Representative Darya Farivar of Seattle proposed House Bill 1218, which would cap the number of competency restoration patients each county can send to state hospitals. It would also encourage investment in community mental health services. Counties that exceed their cap would face fines; the money from the fines would then fund diversion programs like housing assistance. Supporters argue that competency restoration only provides temporary stabilization, and that resources should go toward long-term treatment and housing. Opponents worry the cap could deny people necessary care, and financially burden local governments. With demand for competency restoration rising, and new state hospital beds unlikely to meet future needs, lawmakers are grappling with how to balance legal obligations, patient care, and systemic reform. STORY: Ridership on Amtrak’s Cascades route increases Ridership on Amtrak’s service through Bellingham has increased. Amtrak says 940,000 passengers traveled the Cascades route between Vancouver, B.C., and Portland in 2024, a more than 40% increase from the previous year. This follows the addition of two more roundtrip trains between Seattle and Portland in late 2023, along with a new policy allowing children 18 and under to ride the Cascades route for free. In total, Amtrak saw a nearly 15% increase in passengers nationally between 2023 and 2024. WX: A large fluffy blanket And now for your Whatcom County weather, Chances of intermittent snow showers continue today, primarily in the evening, though it’s not expected to stick. The bulk of the day looks to …
February 3, 2025 News Transcript
Bellingham man arrested on suspicion of DUI, “The Bellingham Plan,” to be adopted into legislation next year, Bellingham man detained without counsel files motion to have charges dropped, Port of Bellingham moves forward with proposed upgrades to airport and waterfront properties, Whatcom Museum exhibit on French masterworks to open to the public on Valentine’s Day, Blaine Border Patrol adds additional vehicle barrier at border crossing, WA ranked among worst states for retirees Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, February 3rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham man arrested on suspicion of DUI Police announced the arrest of a 24-year-old Bellingham man after a high-speed chase through downtown on January 25th. According to a statement issued by Bellingham Police last Tuesday, Sando I. Cosovic (SAN-dough I. koh-sow-VICH) attempted to evade officers, crashed into multiple vehicles, and continued to flee even after his car lost both front tires. The chase ended when he crashed into railroad tracks. His passenger fled, but was later caught. Cosovic was booked into the Whatcom County Jail on multiple charges, including attempting to elude police, DUI, reckless driving, and hit-and-run. Cosovic was released after posting bail of $2,500 following a preliminary hearing last Monday. STORY: “The Bellingham Plan,” to be adopted into legislation next year A City of Bellingham development strategy with chapters on climate, civic engagement, and community well-being is on track to be adopted by June 2026. The Planning Commission says it will review the project— called The Bellingham Plan— on Thursday as it enters Phase 4. The plan aims to enhance community connections, housing options, sustainable growth, and climate resilience. City officials say public input has played a key role, and they’re planning more opportunities for residents to weigh in. The community can provide feedback between February 20th and March 26th on engagebellingham.org. STORY: Bellingham man detained without counsel files motion to have charges dropped A 48-year-old Bellingham man facing more than 50 felony charges is asking a judge to dismiss his case. The man claims his rights to counsel, due process, and a speedy trial have been violated. Richard Kirkham was held in Whatcom County Jail without access to an attorney for over a month due to court-ordered restrictions on his communication. Despite requesting phone privileges to find legal representation, his access was only partially restored. Kirkham was left without an attorney for a month and a half. His current lawyer, Adrian Madrone (muh-DRONE), argued last Tuesday that this reflects a broader systemic issue and called for County Superior Court Judge Evan Jones to recuse himself due to his prior involvement. The state acknowledged the delay, but argued they made a good-faith effort to find qualified representation. Kirkham, who could face life in prison under Washington’s “three strikes” law, criticized the court for detaining him without immediate legal counsel. Around 30 supporters attended the hearing to advocate for his rights. STORY: Port of Bellingham moves forward with proposed upgrades to airport and waterfront properties The Port of Bellingham says it will advance multiple projects in 2025 with a $36.7 million budget, including $12.4 million in grants. According to an update from Public Affairs Administrator Michael Hogan, the Port is currently working on 200 capital projects. Key initiatives include modernization of the Bellingham Shipping Terminal. In December, contaminated soil was dredged in front of the shipping terminal. This increased navigation depth in the water, allowing larger vessels to use the terminal after years of being unable to do so. Another major effort is the clean up of the I&J Waterway to protect marine life and public health. The Port says additional Bellingham Bay cleanup projects set to begin later this year will help pave the way for Salish Landing, the city’s largest waterfront park. STORY: Whatcom Museum exhibit on French masterworks to open to the public on Valentine’s Day Whatcom Museum will showcase work from renowned French artists starting in February. Three masterworks from Paul Cézanne (say-ZAHN), Henri Matisse (ahn-REE muh-TEES) and Auguste Renoir (uh-GOOST ruhn-WAAR) will come to the museum on loan from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. The exhibit is part of the Across the Nation program, which seeks to share iconic artworks with 10 regional museums nationwide. Whatcom Museum will offer free admission to K-12 school trips to the exhibit, which is titled Verdant (VUHR-din). Whatcom Museum members will be able to see the works beginning on February 13th; the exhibit will open to the public the day after. STORY: Blaine Border Patrol adds additional vehicle barrier at border crossing Additional security has arrived at the Peace Arch border crossing in Blaine. Blaine Border Patrol announced in a social media post last Friday that it installed a new vehicle barrier. The barrier is designed to stop cars from illegally driving through the border. The installation comes days after a truck with four Romanian nationals illegally crossed into Canada, with Blaine Border Patrol saying it has seen over 85 illegal drive-throughs since 2023. STORY: WA ranked among worst states for retirees A new study has ranked Washington among the five worst U.S. states for retirement. The study, conducted by Wallethub, compared and ranked all 50 states based on 46 key metrics including taxes and access to quality medical care. Washington ranked 47th on the list. Wallethub analyst Chip Lupo (loop-OH) says high housing costs and taxes make affordability a challenge, despite the state’s natural beauty, quality public transportation, volunteer opportunities, and access to cultural activities. Washington also ranked low in adult day health care, in-home services, property-crime rate and tax-friendliness. According to the study, the best state for retirees is Florida, followed by Minnesota, Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota. WX: Coldest blood runs through mah veins, you know maaah name And now for your Whatcom County weather, A cold weather advisory is in effect until 10 AM this Wednesday, with chances of intermittent snow showers throughout. Today is expected to be partly sunny, with daytime highs in the low 30s. Be ready for …
January 31, 2025 News Transcript
Winter storm warning in Whatcom County, avalanche warning in Cascades, Suspected drug dealer arrested in Bellingham following months-long investigation, Bellingham School District to face $15 million funding gap, likely reductions to programs and staffing, Alton Brown to perform in Bellingham at the end of March, Whatcom unemployment rate rose slightly in December, down from previous year, Construction projects statewide under threat of pause as lawmakers deal with $1 billion transportation shortfall, Free and Cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, January 31st. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY 1: Winter storm warning in Whatcom County, avalanche warning in Cascades Western Whatcom County can expect to see at least two inches of snow by Sunday, with another two inches possible through Tuesday. The National Weather Service in Seattle says rain will transition to snow as temperatures drop. The Cascades will experience moderate snowfall over the weekend. A Fraser Outflow may also bring windy conditions through Tuesday. For those who live at higher elevations, the Northwest Avalanche Center warns of dangerous conditions due to temperature fluctuations. STORY 2: Suspected drug dealer arrested in Bellingham following months-long investigation A 32-year-old Bellingham man was arrested on Tuesday after a months-long drug investigation. The Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force say they made controlled purchases from him last fall as part of a sting operation. Deputies witnessed a suspected drug deal before they arrested him. A search of his home revealed fentanyl, fentanyl-laced pills, meth, a handgun, and a stolen bike. He was released on bail the next day. STORY 3: Bellingham School District to face $15 million funding gap, likely reductions to programs and staffing Bellingham Public Schools says it expects a $15 million budget shortfall this school year because of a drop in state funding. This news comes after $16 million in cuts in the 2023-24 school year. Whatcom County School Superintendent Greg Baker warns of potential program and staff reductions unless state funding improves. Washington’s education budget has shrunk as a percentage of total state spending, and inflation-adjusted funding per student has also declined since 2019. Baker said rising costs, capped local levies, and funding restrictions add to financial strain. Possible solutions include a reduction in the total number of school days, creating four-day school weeks with longer days, and increasing state funding. The legislature’s budget decisions, expected by mid-2025, will determine the district’s next steps. STORY 4: Alton Brown to perform in Bellingham at the end of March Celebrity chef Alton Brown will visit Bellingham on March 30th as part of his “Alton Brown Live: Last Bite” tour. The event at the Mount Baker Theatre coincides with the release of his 10th book, Food for Thought, and will feature stories from his career along with cooking tips. Brown, best known for Good Eats and Iron Chef America, said he plans to take a step back after the tour before deciding his next move. Tickets are available on the Mount Baker Theater’s website. STORY 5: Whatcom unemployment rate rose slightly in December, down from previous year Whatcom County and Bellingham saw slight increases in unemployment rates in December. Whatcom County’s rate rose to 4.7%, up from 4.6% in November. Bellingham’s rate also climbed to 4.7% from 4.5% the previous month. Despite the monthly rise, both rates improved from December 2023. Meanwhile, Washington’s unemployment rate decreased slightly to 4.5% in December from 4.6% in November, but remained the 11th-highest in the U.S. STORY 6: Construction projects statewide under threat of pause as lawmakers deal with $1 billion transportation shortfall Washington state faces a billion-dollar transportation budget shortfall due to rising construction costs and a decline in gas tax revenue. The budget gap is driven by a $1.3 billion cost increase for major projects that includes highway expansions and ferry electrification. The Washington Office of Financial Management says a drop in gas tax revenue—worsened by more fuel-efficient cars and electric vehicle use—has made the crisis worse. State Senate Transportation Committee Chair Marko Liias (LYE-us) says lawmakers are just starting work on the budget, but the early outlook could have devastating effects on some planned projects. Now, legislators are considering delaying or pausing infrastructure projects and looking at alternatives like road usage charges, tolls, and fees to replace the gas tax. They say they’ll work to stabilize funding and keep critical projects on track. STORY: Free and cheap It’s Friday – if you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s a little of what’s going on around the county. This evening, the Skagit Riverwalk Plaza in Mount Vernon will host the 11th annual Illuminight Winter Walk. Community members of all ages are invited to grab a luminary (or make one ahead of time), then follow the procession through downtown Mount Vernon. Music from various groups, including the Skagit Youth Symphony, will start at 5 p.m., while the procession itself is slated to begin at 5:50. Attendance is free! Also this evening, Home, I’m Darling! will begin its run at the Bellingham Theatre Guild at 7:30. The play is a dark comedy centered around Judy and Johnny, a married couple who idolize the 1950s lifestyle by quote “living, dressing, eating, and breathing like it’s the post-war boom” unquote. The truth that some traditions are left behind, however, makes itself evident, and Home, I’m Darling! sets to question the quote “rose-tinted view of the past and what is learned (and lost) when we move forward.” Performances will run through February 16th, and tickets starting at $8 can be purchased at BTG’s website. It’s Family Dinner Night tonight from 6-till-8 pm at Old World Deli in downtown Bellingham. For $15, you can enjoy lasagna, garlic bread, and salad along with live flamenco jazz by the group Cuarto Sueño (QWAR-toe SOO-eh-nyo). Finally, CascadeCon 2025 will continue through Sunday at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. Gamers are invited to bring their favorite board, card or tabletop games; people can also sign up for pre-scheduled games online using a spreadsheet. Those looking to …
January 30, 2025 News Transcript
Bellingham consignment store robbed and vandalized, Former Whatcom caregiver convicted of raping disabled adult sentenced to lifetime in community custody, BPD to increase DUI patrols in wake of recent surge of arrests, County Exec. Sidhu announces timeline for development of new jail, Port of Bellingham seeking to add flights to Mexico from BLI, Lummi Island Ferry will be out of service for two weeks this spring, Guemes Ferry prices to significantly increase at the end of February, Canada ends border crossing permits for hikers on WA stretch of PCT, Bellingham man arrested for posting explicit content involving minors to social media Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, January 30th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY 1: Bellingham consignment store robbed and vandalized A thief broke into the Labels consignment store on James Street early Tuesday morning. Surveillance footage shows a suspect with a dark face covering and green jacket break a window, steal the cashbox, and flee on a bicycle. The store announced the break-in on Instagram and said no merchandise was stolen. The store reopened for business today. Anyone with information should contact the store via their email address. STORY 2: Former Whatcom caregiver convicted of raping disabled adult sentenced to lifetime in community custody A judge sentenced former caretaker Nathaniel Matthew Miller to at least 80 months in prison, followed by lifetime community custody, for raping a developmentally disabled resident under his care at Holly Community Services in Bellingham. Miller, a 47-year-old Ferndale resident, pleaded guilty to second-degree rape a year after being charged. According to court records, Miller was a caretaker at a Bellingham home that housed four disabled adults who required 24/7 care. The assault occurred in July 2023 and was witnessed by another resident. Miller’s nursing license was suspended indefinitely. Judge Robert Olson from the Whatcom County Superior Court acknowledged that Miller took immediate responsibility for his actions, but called the assault one of the worst he had seen, and emphasized the severe betrayal of trust. STORY 3: BPD to increase DUI patrols in wake of recent surge of arrests Bellingham police are warning the public about a rise in impaired drivers after making 40 DUI arrests in the first 28 days of the year. In a series of Facebook posts, police highlighted the troubling trend. One case involved a 24-year-old man who led officers on a chase through downtown last Saturday. He crashed into a parked car and a traffic barrier before his vehicle got stuck on the railroad tracks. Officers arrested him on multiple charges, including DUI. Police say they plan to increase DUI patrols for the Super Bowl weekend. STORY 4: County Exec. Sidhu announces timeline for development of new jail A construction timeline for the new county jail has been announced. County Executive Satpal Sidhu (saht-POW see-DO) announced the updates during a county council meeting Tuesday night. In a memo sent to the council earlier this week, Sidhu said the effort to develop a budget and financing for the jail will be in quote-unquote “high gear” this spring. Discussions are slated to begin with a meeting between bond consultants, the county council and the Finance Advisory Board in mid-February. The Whatcom County Council will decide on the jail’s construction budget based on its capacity. Meanwhile, Sidhu’s office will keep the council informed about the budget, and the Sheriff’s Office will focus on design and construction. STORY 5: Port of Bellingham seeking to add flights to Mexico from BLI Officials with the Port of Bellingham are seeking to add commercial flights to Mexico from Bellingham Airport. Before that happens, however, the Port will need to make safety improvements that will enter their first phase of construction this year. These improvements include a $30 million runway repaving project and a $100 million traffic control tower replacement; both will be federally funded. The Port also said it’s supporting efforts by airlines to recruit more pilots and acquire more planes in an effort to add new flights and destinations. STORY 6: Lummi Island Ferry will be out of service for two weeks this spring The Lummi Island Ferry will be out of service for two weeks this spring. In a news release from earlier today, Whatcom County Public Works announced that the Whatcom Chief will undergo a two-week dry dock outage between April 18th and May 16th. During the outage, Public Works will offer pedestrian-only ferry service. The specific dates for the outage are currently unknown as the county searches for shipyards to submit bids. The dates are expected to be announced in early March after the county decides on a bidder. STORY 7: Guemes Ferry prices to significantly increase at the end of February Skagit County has decided to increase fares for the Guemes (GWEE-mess) Island Ferry starting on February 26th to help cover operating costs. The price hikes vary, with a peak-season adult passenger fare rising from $5.50 to $6.75 and a vehicle fare from $16.75 to $21. Multi-trip pass holders will see even steeper increases. Officials cite the need to reduce reliance on county road funds, which subsidized ferry operations by $1.7 million in 2023 — a number that could rise to $3.2 million in 2025. Many island residents oppose the increases, calling them unfair and excessive. STORY 8: Canada ends border crossing permits for hikers on WA stretch of PCT Canada Border Services Agency announced it will no longer issue permits for Pacific Crest Trail hikers to cross into British Columbia. The 2,650-mile trail, which runs from Mexico to the U.S.-Canada border, has an 8-mile extension into Canada leading to the nearest road. Hikers without permits must now backtrack 30 miles to Hart’s Pass or use an official border crossing, the nearest being Chopaka (cho-PAH-kuh), 50 miles east. Canadian Border Security cited security concerns and alignment with U.S. border policies as reasons for the change. Many hikers, especially Canadians, will need to adjust their travel plans accordingly. WX: So-lar long And now for your Whatcom County …
