Chris Carampot

Bellingham infant rescued from attempted kidnapping, Ferndale PD searching for Metal Works Skate Park vandal, Nooksack watershed adjudication claim forms to be mailed out this week, Whatcom severe weather shelter closes for season after over 2,000 guest stays, YWCA opens new shelter for women and children, Federal budget and educational funding take center stage at Ferndale town hall, Whatcom County aids Habitat for Humanity in purchasing land for future low-income housing site,   ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, March 18th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.   STORY: Bellingham infant rescued from attempted kidnapping Bellingham Police prevented the kidnapping of an 8-month-old baby by the child’s father yesterday. Officers responded to a 9-1-1 call about a burglary in progress just before 6 a.m. The suspect, who does not have custody rights, forcibly entered the mother’s home, took the sleeping infant, and fled in a vehicle with Nevada plates. According to police reports, officers from the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office and the State Patrol tracked the suspect down on Interstate 90 near Bellevue. He was taken into custody without incident, and the baby was safely reunited with the mother. Bellingham Police Chief Rebecca Mertzig praised the swift response. STORY: Ferndale PD searching for Metal Works Skate Park vandal Ferndale Police are asking for the public’s help in locating some suspected vandals. CCTV footage shows the suspects tagging the Metal Works Skate Park with racist and antisemitic graffiti in the early hours of March 6th. Police believe several people may have been involved in the incident. The suspected vandals’ vehicle is an early-to-mid 2000s Ford Super Duty with an extended cab and at least five cab-style lights. Anyone with information on the vandals is asked to contact Ferndale Police Officer Foeung (FONG) by email, or the dispatch center by phone. STORY: Nooksack watershed adjudication claim forms to be mailed out this week Residents in the Nooksack watershed should be on the lookout for important water adjudication (uh-joo-duh-KAY-shuhn) documents from the state Department of Ecology. Claim forms have been mailed to approximately thirty-thousand landowners as part of the legal process to determine water rights in the area. The forms are being sent via Certified Mail, and require an adult signature upon delivery. Ecology’s adjudication manager Robin McPherson says that, if no one is home, a sticky note will be left with instructions for pickup. Recipients will have 15 days to collect their documents from the post office if the initial delivery attempt is unsuccessful. McPherson urges property owners to take the process seriously, and notes that ignoring the forms will not exempt them from participation. An informational webinar on completing the forms is scheduled for April 16th at 5:30 p.m., with in-person seminars slated to take place in Ferndale and Lynden in May. STORY: Whatcom severe weather shelter closes for season after over 2,000 guest stays Whatcom County’s Severe Weather Shelter has officially closed for the season. The shelter was operated by the County Health and Community Services – or WCHCS – in partnership with Lutheran Community Services Northwest. According to a season recap provided by WCHCS, it provided emergency shelter to 315 individuals over 27 nights – for a total of 2,287 guest stays – and operated at full capacity for 24 nights. In addition, the shelter’s temperature threshold was raised from 28-to-32 degrees, which allowed it to open more frequently. This season also saw an increase in shelter support services, which included 4,570 meals served, medical care for 85 guests, and 126 transportation rides provided.  The county plans to transition shelter management to an agency partner for the next winter season, with a request for proposals set to open in the coming months. A full report on the program is expected to be presented to the County Council by May. STORY: YWCA opens new shelter for women and children The YWCA in Bellingham celebrated the opening of a new shelter on Monday, which will provide safe housing for local women and children experiencing homelessness.  The facility, located at 315 Lakeway Drive, features 19 secure, soundproof rooms, a shared kitchen, bathrooms, and event space. It will also support pregnant women before and after childbirth, offering intensive case management. At the ribbon cutting, YWCA CEO Alle Schene (SHEEN-ee) emphasized the shelter’s long-term support approach, which allows residents to stay as long as they need while they work toward stable housing. The shelter is already welcoming its first residents, including three women who recently gave birth. Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham contributed a combined $2.39 million to purchase the building. During the ceremony, Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund highlighted the project’s role in addressing generational poverty, and expressed hope for more such initiatives in the future. STORY: Federal budget and educational funding take center stage at Ferndale town hall Concerns over Washington state’s twelve billion dollar budget shortfall took center stage at a packed legislative town hall in Ferndale last Saturday. State Senator Sharon Shewmake and Representative Joe Timmons – both Democrats from Bellingham – and Representative Alicia Rule – a Democrat from Blaine – addressed the fiscal crisis and its potential impact on education and public services. The Mount Baker School District has been hit hard. The district has lost a little over seventeen million dollars in state funding since 2020, which has led to shortages in supplies, larger class sizes, and potential reductions in advanced coursework.  The crisis extends to higher education, with Governor Bob Ferguson proposing a three-percent cut to public universities, including a nearly seven-and-a-half million-dollar reduction at Western Washington University. The university has already announced job cuts in response. Lawmakers are pushing for increased per-student funding for Western to make it align with other state universities, while Shewmake is advocating for an additional 10-to-15 million dollars in the budget. Shewmake emphasized that tough decisions would lead to budget cuts and delayed program expansions, but lawmakers stressed their commitment to the preservation of funding for K-12 schools and WWU, both of which face financial difficulties. Finding …

March 18, 2025 News TranscriptRead More

Whatcom health dept head abruptly placed on leave,  WWU addresses recent antisemitic graffiti and threats to free speech, Reduced USDA funding deals blow to Whatcom food banks, Mount Baker School District selects former Othello administrator as incumbent superintendent,  Special election announced for Meridian SD’s bond measure, Whatcom County aids Habitat for Humanity in purchasing land for future low-income housing site, Ferndale PD searching for Metal Works Skate Park vandal, Federal budget and educational funding take center stage at Ferndale town hall ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, March 17th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.   STORY: Whatcom health dept head abruptly placed on leave Whatcom County Health Department Director Erika Lautenbach (laht-n-BACH) was placed on leave last Wednesday without official explanation. Her office has reportedly been cleared out, and county officials have remained tight-lipped about the situation. Senior Deputy Prosecutor George Roche (ROA-sh) informed county council members via email last Tuesday that Lautenbach was “on leave,” but provided no further details on her status or potential return. County Executive Satpal Sidhu (saht-POW see-DO) has yet to publicly address the matter, leaving some council members frustrated over the lack of transparency. Lautenbach, who was appointed in 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, has led one of the county’s most complex departments. Assistant Director Charlene Lamont (luh-MAWNT) is currently serving as acting director. STORY: WWU addresses recent antisemitic graffiti and threats to free speech WWU is responding to recent incidents of antisemitic vandalism on campus and broader concerns about free speech following the arrest of a pro-Palestine activist at Columbia University. In an email to students and staff, Chief Diversity Officer Jacqueline Hughes acknowledged reports of swastikas and Nazi slogans found in public areas on campus, and emphasized that quote “Western unequivocally condemns these expressions of antisemitism and all forms of hate” unquote. University police recorded three such incidents in February and March. Hughes also addressed concerns about free speech after the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil (muh-MOOD cuh-LEEL), a Columbia University graduate, Gaza war protester and U.S. permanent resident who now faces deportation. According to Hughes, campus police and state law enforcement agencies do not participate in immigration enforcement unless legally required. 60 universities are under federal investigation for alleged past incidents of antisemitism, with four of these being Washington schools; WWU, however, is not one of them. In her letter, Hughes called for unity, and urged students to engage thoughtfully and uphold the university’s commitment to safety and inclusion. STORY: Reduced USDA funding deals blow to Whatcom food banks Recent cuts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture are expected to significantly impact food banks in Whatcom County. The USDA has canceled this year’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement, which helped food banks buy from local growers. Whatcom County food banks were anticipating $180,000 from the program this year, but that funding will no longer materialize. Additionally, instability in the Emergency Food Assistance Program could lead to a loss of another $650,000 worth of food annually for local food banks. In a recent interview, the executive director of the Bellingham Food Bank, Mike Cohen, warned that the timing of these cuts is especially harmful, as food insecurity remains high. Local food banks recently requested $2 million in annual funding to meet rising demand, and were given just $750,000. Local advocates say that the loss of federal funding is a blow, and food banks will now need more assistance from state and local governments to prevent severe shortages. STORY: Mount Baker School District selects former Othello administrator as incumbent superintendent In a unanimous vote on Friday, the Mount Baker School Board selected Jessica Schenck (SHANK) to be the new superintendent of the district. Schenck currently serves as the Othello School District’s assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, and brings two decades of experience as a math and science teacher, director of STEM education and principal to the post. The Mount Baker School District faces significant challenges with financing and enrollment, and since the summer of 2023 has been in binding conditions with the state. As reported by the Cascadia Daily, Schenck expressed confidence that she and the leadership team will find the right creative solutions to existing challenges, and said that she had fallen quote “in love with…the staff and students” unquote. Schenk will assume her new role on July 1st, pending contract negotiations and a successful background check.   STORY: Special election announced for Meridian SD’s bond measure A date has been set for a special election on the Meridian School District’s bond measure. According to the county Auditor, the election will take place on April 22nd. Voters in the Meridian School District area will once again try to pass a $71 million bond measure that would fund a rebuilt Meridian Middle School; a similar bond failed to reach the necessary 60% threshold in the November election. Ballots will be sent out to a little over 8,000 registered voters on April 2nd. STORY: Reykdal Warns of Federal Education Cuts Impacting Washington Schools State Superintendent Chris Reykdal (RIKE-doll) has raised concerns that recent cuts to the U.S. Department of Education pose an immediate risk to Washington students. In a wide-ranging call with reporters on Thursday afternoon, Reykdal also addressed a series of other recent actions the federal government has taken on education. The federal Education Department is responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws in education, distributing student financial aid, and providing funding for low-income students and those with disabilities, among other responsibilities. On Tuesday, the department reduced its workforce by nearly 50% — a move the Trump administration argues increases efficiency, but that critics say will weaken oversight.  Earlier on Thursday, Washington Attorney General Nick Brown joined 20 states and the District of Columbia in a lawsuit against the Trump administration to challenge the department’s plans to dismiss half of its workforce. The lawsuit claims that the department has reduced its workforce so much that it will not be able to perform critical functions. It also argues that …

March 17, 2025 News TranscriptRead More

Judge orders rehiring of thousands of probationary federal employees,  WWU disputes wrongful termination lawsuit after former employee awarded over $3 million, Bellingham Cold Storage to be acquired by international corporation, 42nd District Lawmakers to Hold Town Hall in Ferndale, WSDOT to begin clearing snow from North Cascades Highway next week, Free and cheap and only 11.8% Irish but I’m gonna make it everybody’s problem, Reduced USDA funding deals blow to Whatcom food banks, New census report indicates steady population growth in Whatcom County, Reykdal Warns of Federal Education Cuts Impacting Washington Schools ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, March 14th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.   STORY: Judge orders rehiring of thousands of probationary federal employees A federal judge in California has ordered the Trump administration to immediately reinstate tens of thousands of probationary employees who were fired as part of Elon Musk’s push to reduce the federal workforce. Judge William Alsup ruled Thursday that the terminations—which affect workers in multiple agencies—were unlawful. The ruling expands a previous emergency order and prohibits the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) from advising agencies on employee dismissals. Agencies must now provide compliance documentation to the court. The Trump administration swiftly appealed, with the White House calling this ruling an unconstitutional overreach. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the administration would “immediately fight back”. Unions — including the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) — sued in February, arguing that OPM lacked the authority to carry out mass firings. AFGE President Everett Kelley praised the ruling, vowing to continue the fight for affected workers. STORY: WWU disputes wrongful termination lawsuit after former employee awarded over $3 million Western Washington University says it has contested a jury’s decision that awarded $3 million to a former internal auditor for wrongful termination. Antonia Allen was fired in 2019 after reporting that faculty in the university’s Woodring College of Education had granted false academic credentials to students. A jury ruled in her favor last year, awarding her nearly $3 million in damages and legal fees, concluding that she was a whistleblower subjected to retaliation. The state, representing Western, appealed the verdict, and claimed Allen was merely performing her official duties and did not meet the legal definition of a whistleblower. Her attorneys countered that the state’s interpretation of the law could allow agencies to suppress investigations. The state has until April 14th to file a reply brief.  STORY: Bellingham Cold Storage to be acquired by international corporation Bellingham Cold Storage is set to be acquired by Michigan-based cold storage giant Lineage Logistics. According to a letter sent to employees by BCS President and CEO Doug Thomas on March 4th, workers were assured that the acquisition would not alter the core values of BCS, and emphasized Lineage’s alignment with their company culture. Neither Cold Storage nor Lineage has commented on the pending sale. BCS, a key presence on the Bellingham waterfront since 1946, is one of the West Coast’s largest cold storage and frozen food processing facilities. The acquisition is expected to close this June, pending approval from the Port of Bellingham due to BCS’s long-term lease agreement.  Lineage, the world’s largest temperature-controlled warehouse operator, recently became a publicly traded company and has expanded aggressively, completing 79 acquisitions since 2020. The company reported over $5 billion in revenue last year. If finalized, this will be Lineage’s second public warehouse in Whatcom County, adding to its existing operations in Lynden and Ferndale. Port commissioners will discuss the deal at a public meeting on Tuesday. STORY: 42nd District Lawmakers to Hold Town Hall in Ferndale State Representatives Joe Timmons, Alicia Rule, and State Senator Sharon Shewmake will host an in-person town hall tomorrow at 11 a.m. at Ferndale High School. Residents from across the 42nd Legislative District—which includes Bellingham, Point Roberts, Lynden, Ferndale, and Blaine—are invited to attend. The event will provide updates from this year’s legislative session, along with an opportunity for community members to ask questions and discuss key issues affecting the district. STORY: WSDOT to begin clearing snow from North Cascades Highway next week The State Department of Transportation will begin clearing the North Cascades Highway on Monday. This marks the start of the annual effort to reopen the scenic mountain pass. Crews will begin at Silver Star Gate near milepost 171, and work west through avalanche-prone areas like Cutthroat and Liberty Bell chutes. On the west side, additional road repairs and maintenance will take place. The process typically takes 4-to-6 weeks but may be delayed due to weather or other hazards. The stretch between Silver Star Gate and Ross Lake will be an active work zone on weekdays but open for recreation on weekends, though the avalanche risk remains high. WSDOT also reminds snowmobilers to remove their vehicles from Silver Star Gate before work begins. STORY: Free and cheap and only 11.8% Irish but I’m gonna make it everybody’s problem It’s Friday – if you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s a bit of what’s going on around the county. The Bellingham Cruise and Ferry Terminal in Fairhaven will host the Whatcom Cultural Arts Festival tomorrow and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The annual event is presented by Allied Arts of Whatcom County and seeks to “celebrate the diverse cultures that make up our beautiful region”. Those performing include flautist Peter Ali, storyteller and performer Megan Markham, and belly dance performer and instructor Rachel Carter. More information is available at Allied Arts’ website. Tomorrow will also see Ferndale’s Pioneer Park host Whatcom Conservation’s annual plant sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is a  great opportunity for anyone who wants to add more natives to their garden, as well as shopping for garden art and mingling with various conservation organizations. Over 40 species will be up for sale; a full species lineup, as well as how best to care for them, can be found on Whatcom Conservation’s website.  Finally, the Mount Baker Theatre …

March 14, 2025 News TranscriptRead More

Whatcom County seeks community input on homeless housing plan,  WWU student invention wins grand prize at Chicago design competition, WA lawmakers to host town hall in Mount Vernon this weekend, WA Attorney General joins coalition against two Trump executive orders, Governor Commits to Emergency Powers Limits in Absence of Legislative Action, Lummi Nation Blackhawks take home state basketball trophy, Blood moon tonight ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, March 13th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.   STORY: Whatcom County seeks community input on homeless housing plan Whatcom County wants community feedback on its next five-year homelessness housing plan. In the first phase, residents can help prioritize key objectives, such as balancing short-term emergency shelters with long-term affordable housing and ensuring equity in resource distribution. The county aims to shape the plan based on public input to maximize its impact. According to a recent release, the plan is being developed by the Housing Advisory Committee with support from the Health and Community Services Department. Opportunities to participate include public comment at Housing Advisory Committee meetings and in-person community events. Updates and event details are available through the county’s homelessness resources newsletter and plan website. The final plan will guide funding allocation from 2026 to 2030, and is expected to be implemented next year. STORY: WWU student invention wins grand prize at Chicago design competition For the second consecutive year, a WWU student has claimed top honors in the International Housewares Association’s Student Design Competition.  Junior industrial design student David Griffin won the competition with his invention, Helios (HEE-lee-ohs)—a food-storage and heating system that uses induction heating to quickly warm meals in the same container they were stored in. According to the Association’s website, Griffin’s design was selected from 368 entries nationwide, and earned him the grand prize of $3,500. Judges praised Helios for its market potential and energy efficiency, and noted that it uses less energy than conventional microwaves or stovetops. Griffin presented his invention at The Inspired Home Show in Chicago last week. Griffin’s roommate, Alex Orelind (OH-reh-lin), won last year’s competition with an ultrasonic meat-thawing device, SONA. STORY: WA lawmakers to host town hall in Mount Vernon this weekend Local residents will have a chance to engage with their lawmakers at a community town hall this Saturday in Mount Vernon.  Washington state Senator Liz Lovelett and 40th District Representatives Debra Lekanoff (luh-KAN-off) and Alex Ramel (RAM-ull) will provide updates on their work in Olympia and take questions from attendees. Among the key topics is a recently passed House bill that would cap rent increases at 7% over 12 months. The legislators have been active in a range of policy areas as the state’s legislative session heads toward its conclusion on April 27th. The town hall will be held from 11 a.m. to noon at the Mount Vernon Library Community Room. STORY: WA Attorney General joins coalition against two Trump executive orders Washington Attorney General Nick Brown is leading a coalition of 21 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief against President Trump’s executive order from last Thursday, which they argue seeks to silence certain lawyers and viewpoints. The order specifically targets Seattle-based law firm Perkins Coie (CO-ee) for representing clients and positions the president doesn’t like. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the brief warns that targeting a law firm for its legal work could discourage lawyers from representing certain clients due to fear of retaliation. Attorneys general from 20 other states and the District of Columbia joined Brown in the filing. In addition, Washington has joined 20 other states in a lawsuit opposing the Trump administration’s plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.  The administration announced plans on Tuesday to fire approximately half of the department’s workforce as part of a broader effort to shut it down. Attorney General Brown argued that the cuts would hit students from low-income families and those with disabilities the hardest, and would strip funding for special education, financial aid, and rural school support. The lawsuit, filed in Massachusetts, claims the firings lack justification and are part of a broader ideological push to eliminate the department. The coalition of states says it will seek a court order to halt the administration’s actions, and assert that dismantling the agency requires congressional approval. STORY: Governor Commits to Emergency Powers Limits in Absence of Legislative Action Governor Ferguson has committed to imposing limits on emergency powers during future crises. Ferguson announced Tuesday that if a state of emergency lasts more than 60 days, it could be terminated if three of the four legislative caucus leaders formally request it. Additionally, if an emergency extends beyond 120 days and the legislature is not in session, he will call a special session to allow lawmakers to decide whether to end the declaration. The governor affirmed that this policy will remain in place unless the Legislature enacts bipartisan reforms to the state’s emergency powers laws. STORY: Lummi Nation Blackhawks take home state basketball trophy The Lummi Nation School had a parade to celebrate its State Champion basketball team. Class 1B boys’ basketball state champions, the Blackhawks secured their second-ever state title— and first in a decade— with a 53-50 victory over top-seeded Almira (all-MY-rah)-Coulee-Hartline last Saturday. The Lady Blackhawks also had a strong tournament run, reaching the round of 12. Congratulations, Blackhawks! STORY: Blood moon tonight Skywatchers across the U.S. will have the chance to witness a total lunar eclipse tonight– the first visible nationwide since 2022. The moon will take on a striking red-orange hue, known as a Blood Moon, as it passes through Earth’s shadow.  For the best chance to see the eclipse, viewers should seek areas with minimal light pollution—though potentially cloudy skies tonight could make viewing difficult. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth, and moon align, casting the moon into the darkest part of Earth’s shadow. Unlike a solar eclipse, lunar eclipses last for several hours and occur more frequently. WX: Gray-dy Jane …

March 13, 2025 News TranscriptRead More

Bellingham man sentenced to five years in prison for child molestation, Bellingham Woods Coffee suffers break-in, Former Zane Burger building demolished, City of Bellingham considering additional budget cutbacks, Whatcom County hires outside consultant after sexual harassment settlement, Mount Baker School Board narrows superintendent shortlist to three, final interviews to be concluded on Thursday, Government stipends to over 8,000 WA teachers under threat as budgets continue to tighten, Plans moving ahead for new park in Birchwood ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, March 12th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.   STORY: Bellingham man sentenced to five years in prison for child molestation 34-year-old Brian Matthew Drake was sentenced Tuesday to five years in prison and three years of community custody for sexually abusing and torturing two young girls in Bellingham about 20 years ago.  According to court records, Brian and his brother, Aaron Joseph Drake, abused the girls, both known to them, over seven years. Brian was arrested in September of 2023 after one of the victims came forward. Initially charged with 22 felonies, some charges were dropped due to statute of limitations concerns. Prosecutors and Drake’s attorney negotiated the sentence, considering his age at the time of the crimes and a desire to avoid a trial. Judge Lee Grochmal (GROCK-mall) acknowledged Drake’s remorse, but called the crimes “egregious.” He must undergo treatment, register as a sex offender, and abide by a no-contact order. His brother is incarcerated in Montana with no trial date set in Whatcom County. STORY: Bellingham Woods Coffee suffers break-in A break-in occurred at Woods’ Coffee’s Boulevard Park location on Sunday night, the latest in a string of burglaries affecting the Fairhaven area in the past few months. It is not yet clear whether anything was taken, but suspects shattered a window on the patio facing Bellingham Bay, leading the establishment to close temporarily on Monday morning. It has since reopened. Bellingham Police are asking anyone with any information about the break-in to contact them. STORY: Former Zane Burger building demolished The Zane Burger building was demolished yesterday. Better known as the Win’s Drive-In building to long-time Bellinghamsters, the retro-style diner was known for the 1964 Ford Falcon sedan on its roof. According to the Everett-based developer, Dykeman Architecture and Design, the building will be replaced with a 2-story People’s Bank.  STORY: City of Bellingham considering additional budget cutbacks The Bellingham City Council has reformed its Budget and Finance Committee to address a $1.5 million budget gap identified during last year’s year-end discussions. Despite already implementing a 6% cut in the 2025 budget to all departments but fire and police, officials remain uncertain about the city’s financial future. Finance Director Andy Asbjornsen (aahs-bee-ORN-sin) described the economic outlook as unpredictable, labeling the situation as quote “very, very cloudy” unquote. Mayor Kim Lund announced an additional 3% budget reduction exercise, now including police and fire, to prepare for potential shortfalls. Meanwhile, Council Member Michael Lilliquist clarified that the cuts affect only the general fund, not special revenue or utility funds. The cuts will only take effect if the city determines they are necessary to remain financially stable. STORY: Whatcom County hires outside consultant after sexual harassment settlement The fallout from a sexual harassment settlement has prompted Whatcom County to hire an outside consultant to evaluate its HR policies and procedures. A $76,500 contract with the Matrix Consulting Group was approved by the County Council at a meeting late last month. This comes after a Cascade PBS report from last year revealed that three women reported sexual harassment by Jon Hutchings during his time as the director of the Whatcom County Public Works. The county paid a $225,000 settlement to one of the alleged systems – a fact the council had not been informed of.  The council began an investigation into the handling of the allegations against Hutchings; the findings were presented last fall. Multiple county employees came forward and claimed the HR department was inaccessible and lacked humanity. Some interviewees labeled sexual harassment training as a joke, and said that leadership was not held to the same training standards as employees. The four-month evaluation by Matrix will include interviews with HR, anonymous feedback from employees and a review of policy, procedure and training. The contract is set to expire on August 31st.  STORY: Mount Baker School Board narrows superintendent shortlist to three, final interviews to be concluded on Thursday The Mount Baker School Board will interview three finalists for the superintendent position this week. Tim LaGrange (luh-GRAYNJ), Jessica Schenck (SHANK), and Jeff Hardesty (HAR-dis-tee) are set for interviews on today, tomorrow, and Thursday, respectively, from 6:15-to-7:15 p.m. at the district office in Deming. LaGrange is the current superintendent of Kittitas (KI-tuh-tass) School District, Schenck serves as assistant superintendent in Othello, and Hardesty has led Oroville School District since 2016. Community members can attend in person or via Zoom, with recordings available afterward. The board previously interviewed six semi-finalists, including interim superintendent Nick Perigo (PEAR-uh-go). STORY: Government stipends to over 8,000 WA teachers under threat as budgets continue to tighten State lawmakers say they will consider legislation that would suspend annual stipends for National Board Certified Teachers for over 8,000 educators. Certified Teachers currently receive about $6,300 annually, with an additional $5,000 for those who work in high-poverty schools. The proposed suspension, aimed at helping to address a $12 billion budget deficit, would save the state an estimated $239 million over four years. Opponents argue the cuts could drive experienced teachers away, particularly those who teach in low-income schools. Supporters acknowledge the hardship, but stress the need for difficult budget decisions. Twenty-nine states currently pay stipends to national board certified teachers; Washington and Texas are the only two states currently considering suspending the payments.  A public hearing on the bill is scheduled for Thursday at 4 p.m. STORY: Plans moving ahead for new park in Birchwood The Bellingham City Council has approved plans to build a new park in the Birchwood neighborhood. A contract worth nearly …

March 12, 2025 News TranscriptRead More

Culvert project to reduce Malloy Avenue in Ferndale to one lane of traffic, Bellingham Community Meal Program set to close in June,  Bellingham farmer leads advocacy group for greater food access via mobile farmer’s markets, New Fairhaven “quiet zone” expected to heavily reduce noise from passing trains, UK tourist denied entry into Canada, detained by ICE in Blaine, WA House passes bill requiring permit and safety certification to purchase firearms ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, March 11th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.   STORY: Culvert project to reduce Malloy Avenue in Ferndale to one lane of traffic Expect lane reductions on Malloy Avenue in Ferndale, as crews work on the Whiskey Creek culvert project. According to Ferndale Public Works, traffic will be reduced to a single alternating lane north of Kona Court to allow for the installation of a pedestrian railing from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. through tomorrow. Traffic controllers will be present at the site to manage the flow of vehicles during construction. Drivers in the area should expect delays. The city of Ferndale advises motorists to use caution when traveling through the work zone, and to follow directions from traffic control personnel. STORY: Bellingham Community Meal Program set to close in June The Bellingham Community Meal Program will serve its final meal in June, which marks the end of nearly four decades of free monthly dinners at Assumption Church. The program, run by volunteers since the early 1980s, has faced challenges in attendance, volunteer support, and safety concerns in recent years. According to the Cascadia Daily News, the decision was made due to the difficulty of meeting the church’s expectations while maintaining the program. Attempts to transition the meal to another nonprofit or church were unsuccessful. At its peak, the program served 20,000 meals annually, but recent attendance has declined. Other community meal options remain available, including those hosted by the Lynden United Methodist Church, the United Church of Ferndale, the Maple Alley Inn, and the Recovery Café. According to Father Jeffrey Moore of Assumption Church, the program’s remaining $50,000 will likely be donated to a similar organization, pending donor consent. STORY: Bellingham farmer leads advocacy group for greater food access via mobile farmer’s markets A proposed state law could expand food benefits for mobile markets which serve rural communities in Whatcom County. State regulations currently prevent the markets from accepting federal programs like WIC (WICK) and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program because they don’t meet the traditional definition of a farmers market. Twin Sisters Market is one of four mobile markets in Washington and the only one in Whatcom County; it provides fresh, locally grown produce to areas with limited food access. According to organizers, despite its impact, the program faces ongoing funding challenges. Because the organization collects produce from multiple farms and brings it directly to underserved areas, it does not qualify because farmers are not physically present. However, a new bill proposed by Senator Sharon Shewmake would allow seniors and other community members to use their W-I-C dollars for fresh local produce. Senate Bill 5214 has already passed the state Senate, and is now in the House.  STORY: New Fairhaven “quiet zone” expected to heavily reduce noise from passing trains Residents near the Fairhaven train crossings in Bellingham will now experience significantly less train horn noise, thanks to a newly established “quiet zone”. After nearly two decades of planning and major safety upgrades at five rail crossings, train horns are no longer required to sound routinely, except in specific safety situations. According to the City of Bellingham, the project involved the upgrade of 1 and a quarter miles of track with enhanced safety measures; these include automated crossing control gates, pedestrian exit gates, flashing signals, and improved signage. The improvements allowed Fairhaven to meet federal quiet zone standards, which reduces noise pollution while maintaining public safety. Train horns will still sound in emergencies, whenever trains accelerate from a stop, or during track maintenance. This is the first of two planned quiet zones in Bellingham. Work is in progress on the Waterfront Quiet Zone, which will cover multiple crossings — including Pine Street, Cornwall Avenue, and C Street. So far, three crossings have already been upgraded, with further improvements pending design and funding. STORY: UK tourist denied entry into Canada, detained by ICE in Blaine A Welsh family is urgently seeking the release of their 28-year-old daughter who has been detained at an ICE facility in Tacoma since February 26th. According to a recent interview with the BBC, Becky Burke was on a backpack tour of North America, and was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Blaine after being denied entry into Canada. Unable to re-enter the U.S., Burke was handed over to ICE for repatriation. According to Facebook posts by her father, Paul Burke, while ICE has confirmed her detention due to a violation of her admission terms, there is no clear timeline for her release. The family has requested voluntary departure, but the process requires approval from a judge, and they have not been given guidance on how to proceed. The Canada Border Services Agency would neither confirm nor deny that it refused to allow Burke from entering. STORY: WA House passes bill requiring permit and safety certification to purchase firearms A proposal that would require Washington gun buyers to obtain a permit and a completed safety course is headed to the state Senate.  House Bill 1163, sponsored by Representative Liz Berry of Seattle, requires prospective gun buyers to apply for a five-year permit through the State Patrol. Fingerprints would be submitted with the application, as well as a certificate confirming the completion of a firearms safety course within the last five years. The State Patrol would then issue a permit within 30 days, or 60 days if the applicant doesn’t have a state ID or has not resided in Washington for the previous 90 consecutive days. The Democratic majority in the state House passed …

March 11, 2025 News TranscriptRead More

 Ferndale PD seeking assistance locating car prowlers, California man arrested for smuggling noncitizens across Canadian border, Ground broken on development promising to provide lasting affordable housing, Lynden school district hopeful new housing developments can offset bond costs, Postal Service to address Whatcom mail delays, Ferguson announces plans for WA ferry fleet ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, March 10th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.   STORY: Ferndale PD seeking assistance locating car prowlers Ferndale Police are asking for the public’s help in locating suspected car prowlers. According to a Facebook post, several vehicles were searched at Star Park last Wednesday, including a white Mercedes-Benz SUV with Washington plates. Surveillance photos show at least one suspect wearing a pink hoodie. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Lloyd with Ferndale Police by email or phone. STORY: California man arrested for smuggling noncitizens across Canadian border A resident of Santa Rosa, California was sentenced to six months in prison for his role in an illegal smuggling operation that transported noncitizens across the northern border. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, Sushil Kumar (soo-SHEEL koo-MAR), a 35-year-old citizen of India, was part of a Santa Rosa-based network that directed noncitizens to Peace Arch Park in Canada, where they were guided across the border before being transported to locations throughout Washington and beyond. Kumar was investigated after a motion-activated camera captured five people jumping a fence near Blaine’s Boundary Village Apartments in November of 2023. The individuals, all Indian citizens without documentation, entered a white minivan and were later stopped by the U.S. Border Patrol. Court records indicate that they each paid between $5-and-10,000 to be smuggled into the U.S. The minivan driver, 68-year-old Bobby Joe Green, admitted he was paid $500 per trip to transport individuals across the border. Prosecutors condemned the smuggling scheme for exploiting vulnerable individuals and posing potential security risks. Kumar was sentenced to six months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to transport noncitizens for profit. Two other Indian citizens, 26-year-old Rajat Rajat (RAW-jit RAW-jit) and 20-year-old Sneha (snay-HA) were later arrested for similar smuggling activities. Rajat and Green have pleaded guilty and await sentencing, while Sneha’s trial is set for May. STORY: Ground broken on development promising to provide lasting affordable housing A groundbreaking ceremony was held last Thursday for a new affordable housing development in Bellingham’s Birchwood neighborhood. LaFreniere (LAH-fruh-neer) Court will feature 18 permanently affordable homes, including: All homes will be energy efficient and solar-ready, with prices expected to be under $325,000 for larger units and under $275,000 for smaller units. The development utilizes KulshanCLT’s model, where home buyers purchase the homes below market rate while the nonprofit retains ownership of the land, ensuring permanent affordability. Homeowners build equity at a yearly rate of 1.5%. Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund, who attended the ceremony, emphasized the importance of expanding access to homeownership as a wealth-building tool. The development aligns with the mayor’s executive order last year addressing Bellingham’s housing crisis, where 56% of renters and 24% of homeowners are cost-burdened. According to Kulshan CLT, the homes will be available to households at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. The City Sprouts Farm, currently on the property, will remain operational after construction is complete. The development is expected to welcome its first residents by December. STORY: Lynden school district hopeful new housing developments can offset bond costs The Lynden School District says it will seek approval from the City of Lynden and Whatcom County to implement impact fees on new housing developments beginning next January. The fees would help fund needed expansions at Lynden High School and elementary schools without relying solely on bonds, which have failed twice recently — the August vote received roughly 46% approval, far short of the required 60%. The proposed fees would be nearly $7,000 for each new single-family dwelling with three or more bedrooms, or multi-family dwelling with two or more bedrooms. Smaller units would be exempt from these fees. According to School Superintendent David VanderYacht (VAN-dur YACHT), to avoid hampering local development, these rates represent a discount of 25% for single-family units and approximately 50% for multi-family units from the maximum allowable rates. The district estimates these fees could generate between $7-to-eight-and-a-half million dollars over 15 years within the City of Lynden alone. The funds would help expand capacity at multiple schools and potentially reduce the cost of future bond measures. With enrollment already exceeding permanent capacity and anticipated growth from developments like Pepin (PEH-pin) Creek, the district faces increasing space challenges. Several neighboring districts including Bellingham, Ferndale, and Mount Vernon already utilize similar impact fee structures. STORY: Postal Service to address Whatcom mail delays New mail carriers will soon take to the streets of Everson and Nooksack with the goal of alleviating ongoing complaints from local residents over mail delays.  According to Postal Service media spokesperson Zachary Laux (LO), short staffing and winter weather have contributed to delays. Laux encouraged residents to keep paths clear for carriers, and reassured the community that service improvements are underway.  Furthermore, Laux said that new carriers are nearing the end of training, and will soon be onboard to help alleviate the staffing shortages. Mail delays are not new to the county. In 2022, Washington congress members Suzan DelBene (DEL ben-NAY) and Rick Larsen urged the U.S. Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy (LEWIS THE JOY), to address the issues. Complaints from the community detailed mail carriers working extended hours to catch up on deliveries and residents not receiving timely items such as medication. An unnamed spokesperson said the delays were caused by COVID-19. Laux said the Postal Service encourages customers to report concerns through official channels, and complainers have been given similar advice. Complaints and comments can be submitted at usps.com by clicking Contact Us at the bottom of the homepage.  STORY: Ferguson announces plans for WA ferry fleet Governor Ferguson has outlined his plan for Washington’s ferry system. …

March 10, 2025 News TranscriptsRead More

School districts push back against threats to cut federal funding, Gas prices continue to rise in Bellingham, Whatcom, and WA at large, Experts weigh in on how to be prepared following string of WA earthquakes, Tariffs on certain Mexican and Canadian imports delayed until April, Free and Cheap, Ferguson announces plans for WA ferry fleet, California man arrested for smuggling noncitizens across Canadian border, Postal Service to address Whatcom mail delays ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, March 7th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.   STORY: School districts push back against threats to cut federal funding Bellingham Public Schools reaffirmed their commitment to following state guidance, while keeping an eye on federal actions. In a statement released last month, Superintendent Greg Baker said the district will continue to monitor developments affecting education funding. Bellingham schools rely on about $10 million in federal funding, which makes up nearly 5% of the district’s budget. Almost half of those funds support special education and the USDA food program. The rest covers staffing for mental health and multilingual learner support, Title I schools, professional development, as well as, career and technical education. Our state’s K through 12 system depends heavily on federal dollars. The state’s 2024-25 education budget includes approximately one-and-a-half billion dollars in federal funding. In the 2021-22 school year, federal funds made up 12.4% of Washington public school funding — slightly below the national average of 13.7%. For now, Washington school districts are standing firm, following state laws and guidance from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Community members can voice their concerns by contacting legislators or submitting comments to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights website.  STORY: Gas prices continue to rise in Bellingham, Whatcom, and WA at large Gas prices in Whatcom County and Bellingham have increased this month, following a statewide trend. According to AAA, the average cost of gas in Washington is now $4.12 per gallon, up 16-cents from February. Washington ranks as the third most expensive state for gas, trailing only California at $4.77 and Hawaii at $4.54 per gallon. For budget-conscious drivers, the most affordable public gas in Whatcom County, as of Tuesday, was at the Mobil station on Meridian and Laurel Road, where a gallon was priced at $3.59.  STORY: Experts weigh in on how to be prepared following string of WA earthquakes A 4.5 magnitude earthquake struck Orcas Island early Monday morning, marking it the largest quake we’ve seen in Washington since 2020. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the tremor is part of a recent string of seismic activity in the Pacific Northwest, including a 4.8 magnitude quake in southern British Columbia and three other quakes of magnitude 3.0 or higher in Washington since mid-February. While western Washington faces the highest earthquake risks due to its proximity to major fault lines, even small tremors can trigger landslides or structural damage, particularly to older homes. Experts advise checking for signs of instability in landscapes and ensuring homes are properly secured to their foundations. Officials also recommend using the ShakeAlert system for real-time earthquake warnings. With Washington’s location along the Cascadia Subduction Zone and several active fault lines, the state experiences over 1,000 earthquakes annually, though most are minor. The last major earthquake in the region was the 6.8 magnitude Nisqually quake in 2001. STORY: Tariffs on certain Mexican and Canadian imports delayed until April President Trump has announced another pause on the recently re-implemented 25% tariff on imported goods. Trump announced via social media Thursday that tariffs on most imports from Mexico and some from Canada would be paused until early April as part of a temporary agreement with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Counter measures have been implemented by other nations in response to the tariffs. China has issued retaliatory tariffs, while Canada plans to impose tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods over the next three weeks. President Sheinbaum is expected to announce Mexico’s counter-tariff plan soon. The stock market has experienced fluctuations since the tariffs were enforced, with declines intensifying after Mr. Trump’s announcement of the temporary tariff pause. Economists warn that the ongoing trade war could have lasting impacts on multiple industries across the U.S. economy. Washington state, which relies heavily on trade, is particularly vulnerable to these developments. Canada and Mexico are among our top trade partners, with Canada being the largest. With counter-tariffs now looming, Washington businesses and industries may face economic challenges in the coming months. STORY: Free and Cheap It’s Friday – if you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s a bit of what’s going on around the county. In honor of Gene Hackman, the Pickford Film Center will host two screenings of the 1974 classic The Conversation. The movie, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, stars Hackman as a wiretapping expert who faces a moral dilemma when he suspects the people he’s spying on may come to harm. The two screenings, featuring a new introduction by Coppola, will take place tomorrow at 7:15 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets, starting at $11 for either screening, are available on the Pickford’s website. Fairhaven’s Village Books are hosting a conversation with authors and Western professors Laurie Trautman and Edward Alden tomorrow at 5 p.m. Dr. Trautman and Mr. Alden are the minds behind When the World Closed Its Doors: The COVID-19 Tragedy and the Future of Borders, a book that “explores the re-bordering of the world during and after 2020, which created ongoing shocks to the international system of travel and migration”. Those interested in attending can reserve seats at the Village Books’ website for $5 (plus tax). Finally, Blaine High School is continuing its production of Hadestown this weekend and the next. The 2019 Broadway show is a musical retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, reimagined in a post-apocalyptic version of New Orleans. Shows on Thursday through Saturday begin at 7 p.m., while Sunday shows start at …

March 7, 2025 News TranscriptRead More

BTC receives $600,000 donation from local family to promote financial literacy and stability among students, Man arrested following Bellingham road rage incident, Anacortes woman reported missing last June found dead in Oregon, Whatcom labor agreements under scrutiny as county prepares for several large construction projects, AG’s office announces WA will join lawsuit over Trump administration’s mass federal firings ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, March 6th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.   STORY: BTC receives $600,000 donation from local family to promote financial literacy and stability among students Bellingham Technical College has been awarded a $600,000 donation from the Whatcom Community Foundation, thanks to the Follis (FALL-is) Knight family. The donation aims to enhance financial literacy and stability for BTC students, which aligns with the late Christopher Knight and Kelly Follis’ values of education, access, and financial empowerment. In a recent announcement, BTC officials say the funds will be used to create a financial wellness hub, expand BTC’s food pantry, provide essential supplies, and bolster student support services. BTC President James Lemerond (leh-meh-RAHND) emphasized that financial security is key to student success, stating that the initiative will help students take full advantage of available financial resources. The investment is expected to serve as a model for other higher education institutions and benefit the Whatcom County community for years to come. STORY: Man arrested following Bellingham road rage incident A 21-year-old man was arrested in Bellingham after he allegedly threatened another driver with what appeared to be a firearm during a road rage incident on Tuesday. According to Bellingham Police Lieutenant Claudia Murphy, the confrontation began on Samish Way when the suspect nearly cut off the victim’s vehicle. The suspect repeatedly pulled alongside the victim’s car and yelled at them, before he stopped at a traffic light on North State Street and brandished what appeared to be a gun. Officers later contacted the suspect and searched his vehicle, and discovered that the supposed firearm was actually a foam cutout shaped like a gun. The suspect was taken into custody and may face harassment and brandishing charges. STORY: Bellingham man convicted of stalking and assaulting ex-coworker sentenced to nearly four years in prison A 36-year-old man was sentenced to 47 months in prison after assaulting a former coworker with a crowbar in Bellingham last July. Jeff Orlando Enriquez pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including first-degree burglary and felony stalking, in the Whatcom County Superior Court. Enriquez had been fired from a local security company after harassing a coworker, but he continued to contact and follow her. On July 23rd, he broke into the workplace using a crowbar, struck the victim’s hand, and trapped her inside by tying the door shut. Police had to break down the door and use a taser to subdue him. At sentencing, Enriquez expressed remorse and cited mental health struggles, but Judge Jennifer Slattery (SLAT-uh-ree) emphasized that his actions were inexcusable. In addition to his prison term, Enriquez must undergo a mental health evaluation and comply with a 20-year no-contact order with the victim. STORY: Anacortes woman reported missing last June found dead in Oregon A 77-year-old Anacortes woman who was reported missing last June has been found dead in Oregon. Evelyn Smith was last seen at her home on June 23rd, and was later spotted at the Peace Arch border crossing in Blaine attempting to enter Canada. A Silver Alert was issued a week after her disappearance. Oregon State Police discovered Smith’s car on February 27th — a blue Saturn Aura — down an embankment off Highway 30 in Columbia County. Her body was found inside. Authorities say there are no signs of foul play, but it is unclear how long the vehicle had been there. Anacortes Police have been notified, and Smith’s family has been contacted. The investigation remains ongoing.  STORY: Whatcom labor agreements under scrutiny as county prepares for several large construction projects Whatcom County officials say they are exploring ways to prioritize local labor in upcoming large-scale construction projects, but the proposal has sparked debate over potential costs and impacts on businesses. County council members will consider implementing Community Benefit Agreements (CBAs) and Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) for projects like the new jail and crisis stabilization center. The ordinance is still being drafted, but an early version is based on an existing Snohomish County policy. Supporters argue these agreements would keep jobs local, ensure fair wages, and support minority- and veteran-owned businesses. However, critics, including the Associated General Contractors of Washington and local business leaders, warn that PLAs could increase project costs and disadvantage non-unionized companies. Concerns have also been raised by Whatcom County’s small city mayors. In addition, Lummi Nation Chairman Anthony Hillaire (HILLER) wrote in a letter to the County Council that many tribal-owned businesses would be disproportionately impacted by the PLA language. Despite opposition, labor advocates emphasize that similar agreements have successfully managed project timelines and budgets in other counties. Council discussions will continue in the coming months, with draft ordinance language expected by June and a vote anticipated in September. STORY: AG’s office announces WA will join lawsuit over Trump administration’s mass federal firings Attorney General Nick Brown announced yesterday that Washington state will join a lawsuit against the U.S. Office of Personnel Management over the mass federal firings conducted by the Trump administration. A press release from Brown’s office asserts that the President engaged in quote “in all-out assault on public service since taking office, arbitrarily firing thousands of workers providing critical services to American communities” unquote. The release notes that many of these workers have excellent performance records, and some of them, including those newly promoted to supervisory or management positions, have years or even decades of federal service. Washington is home to roughly 76,000 federal employees; at least a thousand of them are believed to have lost their jobs due to the federal firing spree. The release states that over 12 million acres of federal land across the state are managed by agencies …

March 6, 2025 News TranscriptRead More

Sedro-Woolley man sentenced for role in 2022 Bellingham shooting, Blaine PD searching for street sign thief, New Bellingham park opens as first stages of construction wrap up,  Mount Baker School District to begin interviewing semi-finalists for school superintendent position, BLI gets air traffic controller after temporary tower closure, Trump tariffs likely to impact key imports and exports for WA, State rep calls for federal audit of WA voter registration practices Independent, nonprofit community radio.  KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, March 5th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: Sedro-Woolley man sentenced for role in 2022 Bellingham shooting  A Sedro-Woolley man was sentenced to nearly a year in jail for his role in a 2022 drive-by shooting in downtown Bellingham.  24-year-old Emanuel Martinez-Lucero was arrested last March, five months after allegedly shooting a man in the stomach outside the former Underground Nightclub. The incident followed an altercation between Martinez-Lucero and the victim’s friend.  Initially charged with first-degree assault and drive-by shooting, Martinez-Lucero pleaded guilty to amended charges of fourth-degree assault. The victim declined to pursue a trial, and wished Martinez-Lucero well.  Whatcom County Superior Court Judge Lee Grochmal (GROCK-mall) sentenced Martinez-Lucero to 364 days in jail, with the option to apply for jail alternatives after 89 days. A no-contact order with the victim was issued, and he must also complete a course on parenting, conflict resolution, or anger management. STORY: Blaine PD searching for street sign thief  Blaine Police are asking for assistance in identifying a thief responsible for stealing multiple street signs in Blaine and Birch Bay.  Stop signs and pedestrian crosswalk markers were taken. Authorities note that each sign costs taxpayers around $250 to replace — and that missing signs are a hazard for drivers.  Anyone with information about the thefts or potential suspects is urged to call 9-1-1.  STORY: New Bellingham park opens as first stages of construction wrap up  Bellingham’s newest park is set to open its first phase with a public ceremony today.  The City of Bellingham says that North Lights Park covers nearly two acres. The new park is located in a narrow courtyard between townhomes, and will feature innovative play structures designed for all ages.  The park includes climbing rocks, a scrambling net and a bamboo jungle, with equipment designed to promote active lifestyles. The second phase will introduce complementary play structures to serve a broader range of users.  The budget for the project was $719,000, and was funded by the developer in exchange for a fee credit. STORY: Mount Baker School District to begin interviewing semi-finalists for school superintendent position  The Mount Baker School Board will hold public interviews for superintendent candidates over the next week, starting with six semi-finalists on Saturday.  Candidates include five educational leaders from Washington and one from Alaska. Included in the list of contenders is Mount Baker’s Interim Superintendent Nick Perigo (PEAR-eh-go).  The district has been without a permanent superintendent since December of 2023. The interviews will begin at 8 a.m. at the district office, with a webinar link available for community members.  Three finalists will be selected for community forums on March 11th, 12th, and 13th at 6:15 p.m. at the Mount Baker School District office in Deming. Community members can submit questions for the finalists online before 5 p.m. on Monday.  STORY: BLI gets air traffic controller after temporary tower closure The control tower at Bellingham Airport has gained a temporary air traffic controller, and two more are on the way.  The tower at BLI, which is staffed by Serco under an FAA contract, has had to limit its operations since February, when the number of air traffic controllers dropped from three to two. The staff shortage has forced the tower to close on Tuesdays and every fourth Wednesday of the month. On these days, pilots flying into Bellingham have had to use the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency to announce their intentions – something that Lyle Jansma (JANS-muh), a local pilot and the founder of Six Pack Aero, has described to the Cascadia Daily News as complicating situations.  According to Matt Rodriguez, the airport operations manager, the temporary air traffic controller started at BLI on Monday and is currently going through certification at the airport. The tower will continue to run on limited operations until they are fully certified.  The two other air traffic controllers, one temporary and one permanent, are due to start next month.  STORY: Trump tariffs likely to impact key imports and exports for WA President Trump has enacted a series of tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, fulfilling a key campaign promise.  The 25% tariffs, initially delayed, took effect Tuesday, with a 10% tariff applied to Canadian energy products. In response, Canada has imposed tariffs on $155 billion of U.S. goods, while Mexico is expected to announce its counter tariffs soon.  Trade is a major economic driver in Washington state, and businesses across the state are expected to feel the impact. Referred to as the “lifeblood of Washington state’s economy” in a fact sheet from Senator Cantwell’s office, Canada is Washington’s number one trade partner. According to the state Department of Commerce, Washington did nearly $20 billion in imports and $9.4 billion in exports in 2023 alone. Mexico ranks fifth, with over $3.48 billion in exports. Key industries affected include fuel, vehicles, aircraft, and agriculture.  STORY: State rep calls for federal audit of WA voter registration practices  A Republican lawmaker from Aberdeen has called for a federal audit of Washington’s voter registration practices.  Representative Jim Walsh introduced House Joint Memorial 4007 at the state House of Representatives on Monday morning. The document calls for a federal review of the state DOL’s implementation of the Motor Voter Act, signed in 1993 by then-President Clinton and which allows U.S. citizens to register to vote at the DMV.  HJM 4007 cites concerns that ineligible voters are being added to the voter registration database, an assertion that echoes the GOP’s claims of widespread election fraud in recent years. Representative Walsh’s petition to President Trump and …

March 5, 2025 News TranscriptRead More

 Bellingham employees terminated over vaccine mandate appeal judge’s dismissal of lawsuit, Whatcom County District Court announces warrant quash day on Wednesday, Center for Biological Diversity sues for local species of moth to be federally recognized as endangered,  Relatives of those who have died in state custody speak in support of oversight bill, WA considering reformation of high school graduation requirements ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, March 4th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.   STORY: Bellingham employees terminated over vaccine mandate appeal judge’s dismissal of lawsuit Eighteen former employees who sued the City of Bellingham and former mayor Seth Fleetwood say they will appeal their case in federal court. The plaintiffs, including former police officers, firefighters, mechanics and Public Works employees, filed the original lawsuit in U.S. Western District Court in Seattle last June. They argue that a vaccine mandate issued by Fleetwood in late 2021 deprived them of equal protection rights, right to privacy and the option to refuse. The plaintiffs sought a jury trial, as well as damages to cover alleged harms such as emotional distress and loss of income. Attorneys for Fleetwood and the city submitted a motion to dismiss the lawsuit last August, arguing that the plaintiffs’ claims quote “suffer from inherent legal and factual deficiencies” unquote. District Court Judge Barbara Rothstein (ROTH-steen) granted the motion to dismiss the case on January 21st; she disagreed with the plaintiffs’ claim that constitutional and state law were violated, as well as their claim that the Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19 was a quote-unquote “investigational drug.” The plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal on February 18th; the case will now be heard at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit starting on April 2nd. STORY: Whatcom County District Court announces warrant quash day on Wednesday The Whatcom County District Court is holding a Warrant Quash Day from 10 a.m. to noon tomorrow. The occasion will present an opportunity for defendants with a warrant to avoid jail time. A judge will quash their warrant and set a new court date without taking the defendants into custody or increasing their bail.  The event aims to get cases back on track and prevent unnecessary incarcerations. According to recent reporting by MyBellinghamNow, District Court Judge Jonathan Rands says the services of prosecutors and the public defender’s office will also be available, which will present defendants an opportunity to potentially solve cases completely. Quash Day will be held at the District Court Clerk’s Office, located on the fourth floor of the county courthouse. Anyone who can’t make it may also schedule a hearing to address their warrant any Tuesday through Friday. STORY: Center for Biological Diversity sues for local species of moth to be federally recognized as endangered The Center for Biological Diversity has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to seek Endangered Species Act protections for a rare moth. The lawsuit, which was announced last Wednesday, argues the sand-verbena (vur-BEE-nah) moth, a rare species found only on select beaches on Whidbey and Vancouver islands, is at risk of extinction due to habitat loss and rising sea levels caused by climate change. The moth depends entirely on the sand-verbena (vur-BEE-nah) plant, which itself is threatened by invasive species. The lawsuit aims to push federal agencies to base decisions on scientific research rather than political considerations. The Trump administration previously denied the moth protection under the Endangered Species Act in 2019.  STORY: Relatives of those who have died in state custody speak in support of oversight bill Relatives of individuals who have died in local jails say that more oversight is needed to prevent future tragedies, and are urging lawmakers to do just that. Proponents of Senate Bill 5005 — which would establish an oversight board to monitor jails, investigate complaints, and promote best practices — spoke in favor of the bill in Olympia this past week. The bill, sponsored by Senator Rebecca Saldaña (sol-DUN-nyah) of Seattle, has garnered support from the ACLU, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the League of Women Voters, and major labor unions. However, it faces opposition from groups such as the Washington Association of Counties and the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. Currently, Washington lacks a statewide jail oversight body, despite having one for state prisons. Advocates highlight the need for accountability, and cite the state’s historically high jail mortality rate and costly wrongful death lawsuits. The oversight board would include various stakeholders, including formerly incarcerated individuals and jail staff, aiming to ensure humane treatment and transparency. While opponents question the feasibility of a statewide board overseeing diverse local jail standards, supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step toward meaningful reform. A companion bill is being introduced in the House, and lawmakers continue to debate the proposal amid budget concerns. STORY: WA considering reformation of high school graduation requirements The state Board of Education says it will reassess high school graduation requirements through the FutureReady initiative. The effort aims to create a reformed set of standards that better prepare students for college and careers, with a final proposal expected in 2027. Concerns about current requirements, such as the 24-credit mandate, have been raised by students, educators, and employers. Critics argue that the standards are either too rigid or not relevant enough to postsecondary success, while logistical challenges make implementation difficult in some districts. According to the Board, the initiative is estimated to cost $440,000, with funding from the state Legislature and The Gates Foundation. A task force, launched in January, is gathering research and community input. A key part of the plan is aligning education with workforce needs, as 70% of jobs in Washington are expected to require postsecondary credentials.  The High School and Beyond Plan, a graduation requirement since 2009, is also under review. An online version of the program was launched last month; it aims to standardize the plan across districts and address concerns that students often complete the requirement without meaningful engagement due to limited counselor …

March 4, 2025 News TranscriptRead More