Health officials caution Washington residents after avian flu cases reported within state, Still time to vote, State awards over $2 million in funding for outdoor recreation facilities in Whatcom County, Whatcom County affirms food security as public health priority, outlines plan of action, Federal judge upholds WA ban on over-the-counter sexual assault kits, Free and Cheap, Washington tops list of most energy-efficient states, WWU enrollment rises Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, October 25th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Health officials caution Washington residents after avian flu cases reported within state Two people have tested positive in Washington for avian flu earlier this week, although this H5N1 strain does not easily infect humans. An outbreak of the virus affecting over 800,000 chickens was reported at a commercial poultry farm in Franklin County. According to the Washington State Department of Health, two workers had presumptive positive tests soon after. Whatcom County and Washington state officials now urge residents to take steps to prevent the spread of this virus, especially among backyard flocks. Precautions include: wearing protective gear when handling sick or dead birds, cover your coops to prevent contact with wild birds, use separate clothing and shoes while working with birds, and clean equipment regularly. Residents should report sick or dead domestic birds to the Washington State Department of Agriculture, and wild birds to the Department of Fish & Wildlife. STORY: Still time to vote Election Day is 11 days away, but there’s still time for Washingtonians to make their final voting decisions. Here’s more from reporter Eric Tegethoff. ELECTION Audio For more on how the local election process works, tune in today after the 5 o’clock news. STORY: State awards over $2 million in funding for outdoor recreation facilities in Whatcom County The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office awarded over $2 million for outdoor recreation in Eastern Whatcom County. The Nooksack School District will receive over $800,000 to install artificial turf on the high school campus. Meanwhile, nearly $1.2 million will go to the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center to build a multi-sport athletic court, along with a roof for year-round use, enabling both sports and community events. STORY: Whatcom County affirms food security as public health priority, outlines plan of action The Whatcom County Council unanimously passed a resolution this Tuesday affirming food security as a public health priority. Of the $2 million requested by the Whatcom County Food Bank Network in annual funding from the county, only $138,000 was actually allocated to the network. Council member Kaylee Galloway said that she and other council members have asked the executive’s office to see if the allocation can be increased, but it’s unlikely the county will accommodate the food bank’s full ask due to budget constraints. One step outlined by the resolution requires the county executive to work with state and federal officials, as well as the county’s lobbyists, to identify and advocate for additional food bank funding resources. According to the network, which consists of 13 food banks across the County, a quarter of county residents patronize our food banks. STORY: Federal judge upholds WA ban on over-the-counter sexual assault kits A federal judge upheld Washington’s 2023 law banning the sale and advertising of over-the-counter sexual assault evidence kits. The Attorney General’s office argued that the kits were inadequate compared to forensic exams carried out by medical professionals. The judge ruled that the ban is economic regulation, not a violation of free speech, while Attorney General Bob Ferguson emphasized that it protects survivors from misleading claims and promotes access to trained forensic care at no cost. Leda Health faces similar legal battles in other states over its products, and says the ban restricts survivors’ control over their recovery process. The company says it plans to appeal. 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. Three trick-or-treating events are taking place tomorrow. The First Congregational Church will host a free Trunk-or-Treat event from 2-to-4 p.m. Trick-or-treating in downtown Ferndale will also run from 2-to-4 p.m., while Birch Bay’s fourth annual Trick-or-Treat on the Berm will take place from 3-to-5 p.m. Tomorrow will also see the Pickford Film Center host Bleedingham, a horror short film festival featuring films from the area and all around the world. Tickets start at $11 and can be purchased online. Finally, in terms of live events, the Blue Room will host the Unique Technique Adult Dance Showcase tomorrow at 8 p.m. Audiences 18 and over will have an opportunity to see a mix of hip hop, pom, chair, heels, jazz, and more. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at the Blue Room’s website. WX: Cloud ‘n….. actually, no, just clouds And now weather: Cloudy skies are in the forecast for today, with daytime highs in the mid-upper 50s. Expect calm east-blowing winds throughout the day, with evening lows in the mid-upper 40s. Expect rain tonight, which is forecast to stay with us for the weekend. Hope you all picked out your pumpkins already, or do that Northwest thing and dress for rain. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman (COOL-mun), Tristan Trudell, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Brodey O’Brien, Paloma Ortiz, Anna Hedrick, and Miguel Garduño (MEE-gel gar-DOO-ño). Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p.m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by your donations. Check out our Patreon page or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _David Korb_______________thanks for listening. ## STORY: Washington tops list of most energy-efficient states A new WalletHub study ranked Washington as the most energy-efficient state in the contiguous U.S.. According to the consumer financial website, the study analyzed factors like low residential energy use and low average miles …
October 24, 2024 News Transcript
Maple Falls man who shot two Whatcom deputies sentenced to 40 years in prison, Everson man sentenced to prison on drug and sexual assault charges, Bellingham man assaulted after asking for directions, One of two WWU students found dead on campus identified, Whatcom County unemployment rate declined in September, still up from 2023, NWS forecasts colder, wetter winter weather for Western WA, DOT warns drivers of toll scam in Washington, WWU enrollment rises Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, October 24rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Maple Falls man who shot two Whatcom deputies sentenced to 40 years in prison On Tuesday, a Maple Falls man was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the shooting of two Whatcom County Sheriff’s deputies in 2022. According to court documents, the two deputies were called to the home of 63-year-old Joel Young, who was firing his shotgun into the air after an argument with his neighbor. The deputies asked Young to drop the gun – instead, he fired at them, striking both officers in the head. The court documents state that, despite surviving the shooting, both deputies lost their jobs, had significant vision loss and developed PTSD. At 63, Young is likely to spend the rest of his life in jail. His lawyer, public defender Kurt Parrish, has filed an appeal. As of today, Young remains imprisoned at the Whatcom County Jail, waiting for his transfer to the state Department of Corrections’ custody. Both deputies have filed a separate civil lawsuit against Young based on the harm and losses they suffered after they were shot. STORY: Everson man sentenced to prison on drug and sexual assault charges An Everson man has been sentenced to prison after he sexually assaulted a minor. 48-year-old Arturo Navarro approached the minor at a bus stop in March 2023, and asked her if she wanted to do drugs with him. Within the course of several hours, Navarro plied the girl with multiple drugs including fentanyl, and sexually assaulted her. In the following days, Navarro gave the minor more drugs in exchange for explicit images and electronics. Navarro will spend over 11 years in prison, followed by another 4 years of community custody. He will also be required to register as a sex offender following his sentence. STORY: Bellingham man assaulted after asking for directions A Bellingham man was assaulted while in his car in a parking lot earlier this month. One of the assailants, 43-year-old Coleman Knezek, knew the victim and instructed him to exit his vehicle while threatening to take his belongings and car. The driver locked his door, but Knezek tased and punched him through an open window, while another man stabbed the victim. The driver managed to escape and sought emergency surgery for his injuries. Knezek, arrested on October 16th, now faces charges of first-degree assault and robbery, with arraignment set for tomorrow. The second attacker remains at large. STORY: One of two WWU students found dead on campus identified One of two WWU students found dead on campus within less than 24 hours has been identified. Newsweek reports that the family of 18-year-old Micah Mazzuca identified him as the student who died from an apparent fall from Nash Hall on the night of October 9th. The body of the second student was found a day later in Alma Clark Glass Hall. According to Western, the deaths do not appear to be connected, and there was no evidence of foul play or ongoing danger to the community. A GoFundMe was set up by Mazzuca’s aunt, Vanessa Grimm, to raise money for the family, and has raised over $20,000 so far. Mazzuca lived in Olympia for most of his life, and after graduating from high school earlier this year, attended WWU on a music scholarship. According to his obituary, he double majored in music and education, and planned to become a high school choir, drama and English teacher. He leaves behind his mother, father, stepmother, two brothers and sister. STORY: Whatcom County unemployment rate declined in September, still up from 2023 Unemployment rates for Whatcom County and Bellingham decreased in September. According to the Washington State Employment Security Department, Whatcom County’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.1%, a significant decrease from 5% in August. However, the rate was higher compared to September of last year, when it was 3.7%. The City of Bellingham also saw the same amount of decline, also dropping to 4.1%. Statewide, Washington’s unemployment rate stayed steady at 4.8% from August to September, even though the number of unemployed decreased by almost 4,000 people. Washington’s unemployment rate of 4.8% is higher than last year’s 3.6%, and, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is the fifth-highest unemployment rate in the country, following Kentucky, California, Illinois and Nevada. STORY: NWS forecasts colder, wetter winter weather for Western WA The National Weather Service has a new three-month forecast that predicts a weak La Niña weather pattern for Western Washington. That means we can expect colder, wetter conditions from December through February. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center forecasts a 60% chance of La Niña developing by November and lasting through March. That means above-average precipitation for the Pacific Northwest and other northern U.S. regions. Meteorologists say that while La Niña increases the likelihood of cooler, wetter weather, snow in the Seattle lowlands remains a 50-50 chance. Historically, about half of weak La Niña patterns since 1950 have resulted in above-average snow. Mountain snowpack is expected to be strong, which should be good news for skiers. STORY: DOT warns drivers of toll scam in Washington Washington residents are being warned about a phishing scam that targets Good To Go! toll users. According to the state Department of Transportation, scammers are sending fake text messages or emails that claim users owe money for tolls and direct them to non-legitimate websites to pay. WSDOT (WASH-dot) wants the public to know that any message asking for payment through sites other than MyGoodToGo.com is a …
October 23, 2024 News Transcript
Update: report of assault near Deming leads to SWAT team response, Ferndale woman arrested following multiple accusations of child abuse by ex-partner, Bellingham pet-sitter accused of stealing and selling dog, Bellingham real estate vacancies up in downtown, declining in rest of city, Bellingham releases plans for updates to Civic Athletic Complex, Bellingham extends mature tree preservation ordinance for additional six months, Dept. of Commerce releases five-year plan to combat record-high homelessness, State awards over $2 million in funding for outdoor recreation facilities in Whatcom County Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, October 23rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. Yesterday, whilst talking about the budget proposal to the County Council, we referred to “banked capacity” as the difference between what the city could charge and what they are charging. In fact, the difference is between what the county could charge and what they are charging. We apologize for the error. STORY: Update: report of assault near Deming leads to SWAT team response More information has been released on a man arrested last week after a domestic dispute near Deming. During the incident, Whatcom County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 31-year-old Preston Torres after he allegedly shook an infant, slammed an adult against a wall, and assaulted them. The incident required a SWAT team response. The infant was unharmed, and Torres was arrested without incident. He now faces charges including third-degree assault of a child, two counts of second-degree assault domestic violence, and other related charges. Torres remains in custody on a $20,000 bond. STORY: Ferndale woman arrested following multiple accusations of child abuse by ex-partner A Ferndale woman was arrested for felony malicious prosecution following multiple accusations of child abuse by her ex-partner. An arrest warrant was issued for 25-year-old Merissa Saenz (SIGNS) of Ferndale on October 11th, after probable cause was developed to charge her with gross misdemeanor, felony malicious prosecution and perjury. The charges stem from accusations of child abuse Saenz made against her estranged husband, the father of her two children, starting in 2022. Despite repeated investigations, including trips to St. Joseph Medical Center and sexual assault examinations, no evidence of abuse was found. Authorities say they believe Saenz’s accusations were an attempt to wrongfully have her husband arrested. Saenz was arrested yesterday, and is being held without bail. STORY: Bellingham pet-sitter accused of stealing and selling dog Bellingham Police arrested a pet-sitter accused of stealing and selling a dog she had been pet-sitting in August. 20-year-old Katelyn McLean was dog-sitting for an individual who was out of town. According to BPD spokesperson Megan Peters, upon the owner’s return, McLean claimed she had lost the dog. McLean, who dyed the dog’s fur in an attempt to disguise it, allegedly sold it to a third party, who later learned the dog was stolen when they tried to register it. The purchaser and McLean took the dog to a police station to report the incident. At the station, McLean reportedly admitted to stealing the dog, saying she did so after suspecting the original owner had been neglecting the animal. McLean was arrested on multiple charges, including first-degree trafficking stolen property. She was booked into the Whatcom County Jail on October 14th and released later that same day. The dog has since been returned to its original owner. STORY: Bellingham real estate vacancies up in downtown, declining in rest of city A report from Pacific Continental Realty shows that Bellingham’s commercial real estate market showed a positive decline in vacancy rates in the third quarter of this year. Office space vacancies dropped slightly from 4.62% to 4.05%, industrial vacancies from almost half a point, and available retail space also dropped slightly. However, downtown Bellingham faced challenges, with office vacancies rising to 8.18% and retail vacancies increasing to 8.39%, well above the city’s average. Retail rental prices also increased slightly from the previous quarter, with an average increase of 46 cents per square foot. STORY: Bellingham releases plans for updates to Civic Athletic Complex The City of Bellingham has updated its master plan for the Civic Athletic Complex, which outlines a long-term vision for the community’s main recreational area. Two new ideas are being considered: one that would increase recreational opportunities and improve climate resiliency at the new Carl Cozier Elementary School, and another that would expand facilities for aquatic and indoor recreation, along with community gathering spaces within the complex. A public open house to discuss the updates will take place on November 6th, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bloedel Donovan Park’s community building. STORY: Bellingham extends mature tree preservation ordinance for additional six months Last night, the Bellingham City Council extended an ordinance that protects mature trees as city staff continue working with developers and the community to refine the regulation. The ordinance, enacted this past May, was a response to an increase in tree removals ahead of the new regulation. It established a ‘Landmark Tree Inventory’ to protect trees with a diameter of 36 inches or greater, and set guidelines for when large trees can be removed. While the ordinance has been effective in preserving trees, it has also caused challenges for developers, leading to construction delays and concerns about housing projects. During the City Council meeting last night, City staff and council members acknowledged the need for more time to review the ordinance in order to strike a balance between tree preservation, housing development, and other city priorities. The ordinance has been extended for six more months. STORY: Dept. of Commerce releases five-year plan to combat record-high homelessness A new report from the Washington State Department of Commerce reveals a marked increase in homelessness throughout the state, and outlined a new five year plan to ease the problem. According to the report, over 200,000 residents experienced homelessness or housing instability in July 2023— a 10% increase compared to five years ago, and a record high. The rise was more pronounced in rural areas, with Yakima, Whatcom, and Stevens counties seeing significant increases. The newly-released state’s …
October 22, 2024 New Transcript
Update: high-speed Bellingham chase puts two in hospital, Bomb squad dispatched after sparkler bomb is found by Whatcom County authorities serving warrant, Whatcom nails down location for severe weather shelter, Average Bellingham coffee prices slightly below those of state, Whatcom County’s new budget proposal includes use of “banked capacity”, Pertussis outbreak leads to highest number of cases in WA since 2015, Dept. of Natural Resources seeking input on first statewide recreation plan, Bellingham releases plans for updates to Civic Athletic Complex Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, October 22st. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Update: high-speed Bellingham chase puts two in hospital The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office has updated information regarding an arrest made earlier this month. On October 5th, deputies responded to a report of a person passed out in a pickup truck on Olson Road in Ferndale. 37-year-old Randy Chandler was found slumped in the driver’s seat with the engine running. Chandler fled when deputies attempted to approach him, leading them on a high-speed chase before crashing into another vehicle. He was arrested nearby after fleeing on foot. The Sheriff’s office now says Chandler faces multiple charges, which includes two felonies for vehicular assault and eluding police, along with misdemeanors for DUI and drug possession. Chandler also faces a separate felony drug possession charge from an August 27th incident, when Bellingham police found him passed out in a vehicle surrounded by drug paraphernalia and illegal substances. He remains in custody as of today. STORY: Bomb squad dispatched after sparkler bomb is found by Whatcom County authorities serving warrant A search warrant conducted by Bellingham Police a week ago resulted in a bomb squad being dispatched after the discovery of a homemade explosive device. According to BPD spokeswoman Megan Peters, investigators determined the device to be a sparkler bomb. Sparkler bombs are homemade fireworks which consist of hundreds of sparkler-style fireworks taped together. The search also revealed a stolen handgun, equipment and paraphernalia commonly used to distribute drugs, as well as $3,000 in cash. After the search, 46-year-old Joshua Byram from Blaine was arrested on multiple charges, including delivery of a controlled substance. He remains in custody at Whatcom County Jail as of today. STORY: Whatcom nails down location for severe weather shelter As Whatcom County faces a potential cold, wet winter due to La Niña (luh KNEE-nyah), officials say they may have found a severe weather shelter solution for local people struggling with homelessness. After months of looking, the County was unable to find a private organization willing to operate the shelter, so the county’s Department of Health and Community Services says it will now lead the effort and hire and train staff. In addition, Lutheran Community Services at Central Lutheran Church says it will offer overnight space for up to 70 people. The county will contribute $450,000, with Bellingham expected to add $100,000. Although the newly opened Lighthouse Mission can currently offer only 20 to 40 beds, it hopes to provide up to 100 beds in the future during cold snaps. STORY: Average Bellingham coffee prices slightly below those of state According to a new study, Washington state has the third highest price for a cup of coffee in the country – but thankfully, Bellingham roasters brew more for less. According to Toast – a restaurant point of sale company – The average cup of coffee in the state costs $3.69, which comes behind California at $3.88 and Hawaii with the most expensive cup at $4.89. Bellingham charges 18 cents less than the state average, at $3.51 – with the cheapest cups coming in at less than 3 dollars before tax. STORY: Whatcom County’s new budget proposal includes use of “banked capacity” Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu submitted the biennial budget proposal to the county council, which includes a modest property tax increase for homeowners. Whatcom County has significant “banked capacity” of potential tax revenue compared to other cities our size. In 1986, the Washington State Legislature allowed local governments to levy less than the maximum increase in property taxes allowed under law without losing the ability to levy higher taxes later if necessary. The difference between what the city could charge and what they are charging is referred to as “banked capacity”. Sidhu says this is necessary due to budget pressures from new services and reduced federal funding. However, some council members oppose the move, citing concerns about burdening taxpayers. If the county doesn’t use banked capacity, it will need to make $7 million in cuts, which would affect public services like food banks, law enforcement, and road maintenance. The county says it is considering long-term strategies for financial sustainability. Budget deliberations begin at this evening’s Whatcom County Council meeting– the public is invited to attend and give their input with in person, or online. STORY: Pertussis outbreak leads to highest number of cases in WA since 2015 Whooping cough is spiking throughout the United States and Washington. Washington state has reported 873 cases through the first 40 weeks of the year, a dramatic increase from 2023 and the highest since 2015. Other Washington counties are also experiencing a sharp rise in reported cases of the disease, also known as pertussis, with Chelan County reporting the highest case rate relative to population. Children aged 1-to-9 are the most affected, with 45% of cases in this age group. The spike is largely attributed to the return of normal post-pandemic activities, increased exposure, and improved testing methods. Pertussis symptoms are similar to a cold, but with severe coughing fits. Health officials say the best prevention is vaccination, often included in the tetanus shot. Treatment is available with antibiotics, and severe cases may require hospitalization. STORY: Dept. of Natural Resources seeking input on first statewide recreation plan The Washington Department of Natural Resources is seeking public feedback on its first statewide outdoor access and recreation strategic plan. According to the Department, the plan responds to a 21% increase in recreational use of state lands …
October 21, 2024 News Transcript
WWU Dean of Libraries fired, Rite Aid robbery in Blaine leaves employee hospitalized, Bellingham’s final fugitive cow now safely in custody, Two people and their pet rescued from vehicle surrounded by rising water, List of closed roads in Whatcom, WCC debuts new Latine Studies course, Nooksack indigenous families fighting eviction among disenrollment dispute, Ecology fines Whatcom County berry farm for illegal use of water Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, October 21st. Good afternoon, I’m Theron Danielson. STORY: WWU Dean of Libraries fired In an update sent to the WWU campus community, University Provost Brad Johnson announced that the former Dean of Libraries, John Danneker, is no longer employed at the University. The announcement comes after Danneker’s arrest last Tuesday on charges of communicating with a minor for immoral purposes. The Bellingham Prosecuting Attorney did not file charges after it was discovered the victim was not a minor. Johnson’s message acknowledged the difficulty of the situation and encourages faculty, staff, and students to seek support through available resources. STORY: Rite Aid robbery in Blaine leaves employee hospitalized A robbery at the Rite Aid in Blaine on Thursday evening resulted in one arrest and a hospitalization. Blaine Police were alerted of a strong-arm robbery at the pharmacy at around 8pm. The suspect, 53-year-old David Brink, had already left the scene by the time officers arrived but was later identified by Whatcom County Sheriff’s deputies with the help of witnesses. Brink confessed to stealing a bottle of vodka from the store and attacking an employee, who had tried to stop him. Brink was booked at the Whatcom County Jail on charges of robbery, assault and theft, while the employee was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center to be treated for minor injuries. STORY: Bellingham’s final fugitive cow now safely in custody The saga of the fugitive cow is over. According to the Whatcom Humane Society, Mabel– the brown cow who had been on the run since August 10th– was rescued late Friday night. Mabel had been on the run for over two months, with reported sightings of her throughout the Barkley neighborhood. In a social media post, the Humane society said the rescue was made possible with the help of a quote-unquote “village of people.” More details on the rescue will be released soon. STORY: Two people and their pet rescued from vehicle surrounded by rising water Two people and their pet were rescued from a vehicle surrounded by rising water on Saturday night. Emergency services were called to the 4600 block of State Route 9 at around 8:00 p.m. In a statement issued by Whatcom County Fire District 1, they noted that, with the assistance of Fire District 16 and mutual aid partners, they responded to the area under a bridge spanning the North Fork of the Nooksack River. Both individuals and the dog were stranded on top of a pickup truck. A rescue from Fire District 1 eventually retrieved both people and their dog. No injuries were reported. STORY: List of closed roads in Whatcom Whatcom County released a list of roads impacted by the weekend rain and wind. Travelers are warned to avoid: For updates, please check the county’s Public Works website. STORY: WCC debuts new Latine Studies course A new study area at Whatcom Community College aims to address equity gaps. According to a news release from last month, the college has introduced a Latine (luh-TEE-nay) Studies area, the first of its kind among two-year colleges in Washington state. Latine Studies aims to quote “bridge lived experiences with interdisciplinary course curricula, and encourages treating students as extended family” unquote, as well as including resources such as professional opportunities and free course materials. The goals for Latine Studies’ grant team, which will receive $45,000 in funding from a three-year College Spark Washington grant, include having 15-to-25 courses that highlight the Latine Studies area, recruiting 15-to-20 faculty members, and hosting student activities once per academic year. STORY: Nooksack indigenous families fighting eviction among disenrollment dispute More than twenty disenrolled Nooksack people are once again facing eviction from their homes on tribal land in Deming. The eviction notice comes after a long-lasting legal battle regarding the families’ enrollment in the Nooksack Indian Tribe. They had been participating in a federal program that allows tribal renters to purchase their homes after 15 years. However, the disenrollment of over 300 people from the tribe in 2016 now prevents the families from qualifying for the purchase, and Nooksack authorities now say they will evict the families. Tribal leaders say the families have not provided adequate proof of their lineage, a requirement for families to live in Nooksack tribal housing. However, Michelle Roberts, one of the disenrolled tribal members, told the Bellingham Herald the families have documentation which has been ignored by the Tribal Council. The Tribe says it intends to reallocate the homes to enrolled Tribal families on the waiting list for low-income housing. The Tribe also said if certain conditions are met and if they agree to leave voluntarily, they will be allowed to stay in their homes through the end of the year. STORY: Ecology fines Whatcom County berry farm for illegal use of water The operators of a blueberry farm between Lynden and Sumas were fined $20,000 by the state Department of Ecology for unpermitted water use. RAN General Partnership and its owner Rick Alamwala (alum-WUH-luh) were fined for irrigating about 40 acres of crops despite having no water rights associated with the property. Ecology spokesman Jimmy Norris told the Bellingham Herald that it’s unclear where the water used by Alamwala originates, and underscored the importance of all users applying for water rights. It’s the second time in two years that Alamwala has been fined for this violation, including a $12,000 fine from last year. WX: Hey, ‘least the wind stopped Scattered sun and showers are expected to continue throughout today, with highs in the mid-50s. Expect calm westward winds, and evening lows in the …
October 18, 2024 News Transcript
Details released regarding arrest of Bellingham man accused of possession of child pornography, Former NWYS CEO under state investigation for alleged “inappropriate relationships” with youth, Projects to impact traffic on Guide Meridian, Atmospheric river event set to hit Western Washington midday today, Healthy Children’s Fund decision appealed to state Supreme Court, Free or cheap, Average Bellingham coffee prices slightly below those of state, Pertussis outbreak leads to highest number of cases in WA since 2015 Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, October 18th. Good afternoon, I’m David Korb______. STORY: Details released regarding arrest of Bellingham man accused of possession of child pornography More details have been released about the man arrested on October 10th for possession of child pornography. Bellingham Police were alerted on September 28th by a woman who found the pornography on 38-year-old Christopher McCullough’s phone. When officers attempted to serve a warrant at McCullough’s lakeside residence, he initially attempted to evade them by hiding in a crawlspace but was eventually apprehended. During the search, police found a partially buried phone, a computer hard drive, and containers of a substance that tested positive for cocaine. During McCullough’s initial court appearance last Friday, bail was set at a million dollars, which he posted the next day. He was released with conditions, including no contact with minors. McCullough’s arraignment is scheduled for today in Whatcom County Superior Court. STORY: Former NWYS CEO under state investigation for alleged “inappropriate relationships” with youth Former Northwest Youth Services CEO Jason McGill is under a state investigation for alleged inappropriate relationships with current and past clients of the Bellingham nonprofit. The probe, confirmed by Bellingham Police, is being conducted by the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The Department’s investigation is running in tandem with an independent investigation by the board of directors. According to recent reporting by the Cascadia Daily News, McGill created “a situation ripe for exploitation, coercion and harm by housing at-risk youth in his own home, and discussing sexual experiences and desires”. The Youth Services board was alerted in August of a 20-year-old former client living with McGill, a situation widely considered to be not only in violation of ethical codes for social services, but also a probable breach of organizational policies. In a letter to the board, a concerned community member said McGill allegedly shared his sexual interest with the youth – something that tracks with concerns voiced by current and former Youth Service employees. According to Cascadia Daily, McGill declined to answer questions about accusations that he housed multiple current or former clients and made sexual advances on people within the organization’s service age range. STORY: Projects to impact traffic on Guide Meridian Two more construction projects are scheduled to begin on Meridian Street on Tuesday. According to the city, left turns will be permanently prohibited onto the I-5 northbound onramp from Meridian Street due to safety concerns related to frequent collisions. Drivers that need access northbound will now need to use the Bakerview or Northwest onramps. Additionally, the city will launch a two-year project to replace over two miles of aging sewer lines along Meridian Street, from Orchard Drive to Van Wyck Road. Construction will primarily occur at night, but some daytime work may cause delays. Access to businesses and emergency vehicles will be maintained throughout the project. STORY: Atmospheric river event set to hit Western Washington midday today Another atmospheric river is here. According to the Department of Energy, atmospheric rivers are large weather fronts that carry moisture from the tropics to the poles and significantly increase rainfall in areas that they hit. Forecasters at the National Weather Service caution that this weekend’s rain system will also carry winds gusting up to 45 miles per hour. The advisory lasts from 2 p.m. today through Saturday. This atmospheric river is expected to bring 2-to-4 inches of rain to the lowlands of Whatcom County, and up to 6 inches of rain in the mountains. Rivers and streams will rise sharply, and the Nooksack River is expected to rise dramatically through Monday, but none are expected to flood. The atmospheric river is predicted to affect Western Whatcom County, San Juan County, Everett, and other nearby areas. STORY: Healthy Children’s Fund decision appealed to state Supreme Court The group seeking to repeal the Healthy Children’s Fund in Whatcom County has appealed a September ruling that kept their initiative off the November ballot. Proposition 5 passed narrowly in 2022 and increased property taxes to fund childcare, early learning programs, and support for vulnerable children. The fund is projected to raise $100 million by 2032. Washingtonians for a Sound Economy (WFASE)– a political action committee formed in 2019 and made up of primarily individuals and businesses from Lynden and greater Whatcom County– sought to repeal the tax in order to lower their property taxes. In August, Protect Whatcom Kids, a group supporting the fund, filed an injunction to block the repeal initiative, claiming it was invalid. Judge Lee Grochmal (GROCK-mal) ruled the initiative substantively invalid, citing that it would disrupt county plans and contracts, which are administrative, not legislative. Yesterday, Washingtonians for a Sound Economy appealed to the Washington Supreme Court, arguing that the original suit wasn’t filed within the proper timeframe. If the appeal succeeds, the initiative may appear on a future ballot. STORY: Free or cheap It’s Friday – if you’re looking for something free or cheap this weekend, here’s a little of what’s going on around the county. Tonight at 7:30, the Mount Baker Theatre will host a showing of The Land Has Spoken, a radio-style drama with an all-Indigenous cast. Tickets for the event, which features haunting stories about menacing monsters, treacherous shapeshifters and cunning tricksters, start at $20.75 and can be purchased at MBT’s website. Tomorrow, local author Rustan Robertson will be at Village Books in Fairhaven to present his new book, The Wages of Sin, which tells the story of a bank robbery in Sedro-Woolley in 1914 and …
October 17, 2024 News Transcript
Man arrested near Deming following SWAT team response, Whatcom County man arrested for crashing a semi truck through gate, Bellingham police raid on suspected fentanyl dealer recovers possible IED, The Great Shakeout, Bellingham residents report series of campaign sign thefts, Amazon accused of violating WA ban on noncompete agreements Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, October 17. Good afternoon, I’m Theron Danielson. STORY: Man arrested near Deming following SWAT team response On Monday, Whatcom County Sheriff’s deputies with the help of a SWAT team, arrested Preston Scott Torres, 31, after a domestic dispute near Deming. During an argument with another adult, Torres allegedly shook an infant, slammed the adult against a wall, punched, and attempted to strangle them. The other adult escaped and called 911. A SWAT team entered the home, safely removed the baby, and later found Torres nearby. Torres faces charges that include third-degree assault of a child, second-degree assault-domestic violence, and other related offenses. He remains in jail on a $20,000 bond. STORY: Whatcom County man arrested for crashing a semi truck through gate Simon Frederick Destaffany, 37, was arrested on Saturday in connection with a June 6th incident where he allegedly crashed a semi-truck through a closed gate and into a vehicle belonging to someone he knew. The incident occurred on Squalicum Lake Road. Authorities had been searching for Destaffany since then, but the semi-truck involved has not been found. He was arrested after deputies responded to a disabled vehicle incident and discovered he had outstanding warrants. Destaffany faces charges of first-degree malicious mischief and hit-and-run of an unattended vehicle. STORY: Bellingham police raid on suspected fentanyl dealer recovers possible IED During a police raid on Tuesday targeting a suspected fentanyl dealer, officers say they discovered a possible explosive device. According to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, the search, conducted by Sheriff’s deputies and Bellingham Police, found small amounts of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine, a stolen handgun, around $3,000 in suspected drug proceeds, and a possible bomb. The suspect, 46-year-old Joshua Byram, was arrested and remains in the Whatcom County Jail without bail. The explosive device is still being investigated. STORY: The Great Shakeout Today is the Great Shakeout. The annual series of earthquake drills began in Southern California in 2008, and has since spread to other states and countries. The event allows people in homes, schools, and other organizations to practice earthquake safety and preparedness based on scenario earthquakes that could affect their area. In Whatcom County, drills have been organized in collaboration with federal and local agencies, with almost 44,000 people participating. Washington has two earthquake warning systems in place, but according to state officials, a new option could provide a quicker solution. The MyShake app, first launched in 2019, was created by seismologists and engineers in California and funded by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. It sends alerts in California and Oregon, and as of yesterday, it’s now available in Washington. MyShake can be downloaded for free through the Apple or Google Play app stores. Bellingham Dept of Emergency Management says, there are four key steps to prepare for an earthquake: 1) identify and secure hazards in your home, 2) create a disaster plan and decide on how you will get in touch with friends and family when cell phones go down, 3) organize disaster supplies in accessible locations, and 4) minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents. For more information on drills happening locally, go to shakeout-dot-org backslash washington. STORY: Bellingham residents report series of campaign sign thefts Over the past month, numerous political signs supporting both Democratic and Republican candidates have been reported stolen across Whatcom County, despite the act being a misdemeanor. Megan Peters, the Bellingham Police Department public information officer, said there have been eight reports of political signs being taken since Oct. 1st. On social media sites such as NextDoor, dozens of posts from people in neighborhoods from the Puget, Samish Hill, and Columbia neighborhoods have been warning about stolen political signs. According to the program coordinator for the Whatcom County Democrats, Gwen Groden (GROW-den), around 200 signs featuring Democratic candidates like Vice President Kamala (COMM-uh-luh) Harris, her running mate Tim Walz (WALLS), and gubernatorial candidate Bob Ferguson have been taken. According to recent reporting by the Cascadia Daily, signs for Republican candidates, including Kamal Bhachu (BAH-choo) and Raymond Pelletti, have also been stolen or vandalized. The rise in sign thefts has led to frustration from candidates and supporters, as the thefts increase tension in the community. STORY: Amazon accused of violating WA ban on noncompete agreements Two Amazon employees have filed a class action lawsuit that accuses the company of violating Washington state’s ban on noncompete agreements for lower-wage workers. The lawsuit claims Amazon required employees in its warehouses and retail stores to sign job offer letters that included hidden noncompete agreements. The agreements restricted employees from soliciting business from Amazon customers and required them to disclose any work done with those customers for 18 months after leaving. In 2020, Washington banned noncompete agreements for workers earning less than $100,000 dollars, and in 2023 raised the threshold to $120,000 dollars. Amazon disputes the claims, and asserts that its policies comply with the law. However, critics argue that Amazon simply changed the language from a ‘noncompete clause’ to a ‘nonsolicitation clause’ in order to skirt the ban. The lawsuit is part of broader legal actions against Amazon, that include cases involving meal breaks and salary transparency. Noncompetes have faced increased scrutiny nationally, with the Federal Trade Commission attempting to ban the practice earlier this year, though the effort is currently blocked by a Texas court. WX: The sun has returned Expect mostly sunny weather this afternoon, with highs in the mid-50s and calm southwestern winds. Evening lows should be around the mid-40s. The rain is expected to return late tonight, and it should be with us for most of tomorrow. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), …
October 16, 2024 News Transcript
Sting operation results in arrest of Bellingham man in connection to string of local thefts, WWU dean arrested on campus released from jail, will not be charged, Port of Bellingham reaches agreement in legal battle with Irish land developer, Bellingham port commission restructures airport advisory committee, Port of Bellingham reaches agreement in legal battle with Irish land developer, Road to Artist Point closes for winter, New Skagit tulip farm set to open in spring 2025, Washington looks to resolve conflicts blocking housing for the homeless Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, October 16th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Sting operation results in arrest of Bellingham man in connection to string of local thefts A Bellingham man, 42-year old Gregory Keefe, is in custody after an investigation linked him to a series of retail thefts in the city. Police initially encountered Keefe on October 5th when they responded to a report of drug activity in a parked car. Keefe falsely identified himself as a deceased family member, but officers recognized him due to his outstanding warrants. Keefe was connected to a September burglary at Black Noise Records and had been seen in surveillance footage from thefts at other stores including Barnes & Noble and Target. Investigators say they believe Keefe used a dead relative’s passport to sell stolen items at pawn shops, and his fingerprints were found on a pawn slip for a stolen guitar. Keefe is implicated in 28 thefts from six businesses over 180 days and is currently being held without bail. STORY: WWU dean arrested on campus released from jail, will not be charged The dean of libraries at Western Washington University who was arrested on Monday afternoon has since been released without charges. WWU police responded to a call involving John Danneker and another man who claimed he had been texting Danneker on the Grindr app. The man alleged Danneker continued to pursue a sexual encounter after being told the man was 16, though the man had initially said he was 18. Danneker was arrested on suspicion of communication with a minor for immoral purposes. Yesterday, Whatcom County prosecutor Erik Richey determined there were no legal grounds for charges, as the individual involved was not actually underage. Danneker remains on administrative leave while the university investigates. STORY: Port of Bellingham reaches agreement in legal battle with Irish land developer The legal conflict between the Port of Bellingham and Harcourt Developments over a waterfront luxury condo project may soon be resolved. On Tuesday, Port commissioners voted 2-1 to approve an agreement regarding the removal of contaminated soil from the former Georgia-Pacific pulp mill site that was dug up through the construction process. The agreement gives Harcourt access to port property that they need in order to continue construction in exchange for the removal of 250 tons of polluted materials weekly for a year. Both parties have been in court since March, with Harcourt appealing a September ruling which allowed the port to restrict its access. The appeal will now be dropped, and further litigation is paused as arbitration begins. Commissioner Michael Shepard voted against the agreement, expressing frustration over ongoing lawsuits and delays. The first of the waterfront condos is expected to open this month, after delays since 2019. STORY: Bellingham port commission restructures airport advisory committee In other Port news, the Bellingham International Airport Advisory Committee is adjusting its quorum requirements to improve its effectiveness. Aaron Collins, the airport operations manager at BLI, noted that the committee’s lack of a quorum in recent years has rendered it ineffective. The new rule lowers the quorum to five members. BIAAC has 24 positions, with eight currently vacant, including three community seats. The group, established in 1992, helps the Port Commission gather feedback on airport issues from community members and aviation experts. Collins says the change aims to increase participation and make the committee more functional, especially after recent challenges at the airport, including the departure of Southwest Airlines in April, the firing of Aviation Director Kip Turner in July, and the departure of the deputy aviation director in August. The terms of nine current Advisory Committee members were extended for three years due to a lack of new applications. STORY: Road to Artist Point closes for winter The final 2.7 miles of State Route 542/Mount Baker Highway, closed today. While the highway remains open up to milepost 54, winter travelers should monitor conditions. Real-time updates are available on the WSDOT website and social media. STORY: New Skagit tulip farm set to open in spring 2025 A new tulip farm, Skagit Acres, will open in Skagit Valley for its first bloom during the 2025 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Located on a 3-acre field, the farm will feature tulip displays, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, live music, a greenhouse, and a nursery. Skagit Acres is owned by Spinach Bus Ventures, a group of former Mount Vernon High School classmates who also own Tulip Town. The 41st annual Tulip Festival will take place throughout April 2025. STORY: Washington looks to resolve conflicts blocking housing for the homeless Washington State has launched a new dispute resolution process for housing developers if cities deny permits for emergency and temporary housing for the homeless. According to the Department of Commerce, the program was introduced earlier this month to encourage more shelter, transitional housing, and supportive housing projects. Commerce estimates that Washington needs over 1.1 million homes by 2044, including 220,000 emergency units. While some local governments are cooperating, others are resistant due to concerns about these housing types. In response, the Legislature provided $600,000 to establish the resolution system, though a previous bill that proposed penalties for non-compliant cities failed to pass. The current process allows parties to resolve disputes through mediation, which would potentially lead to changes in land use or project designs to meet local regulations. WX: Running out of ways to say rain Rain is in the forecast once more today, with a chance …
October 15, 2024 News Transcript
Whatcom County to be hit by third storm this week, Coalition of Whatcom and Skagit letter carriers join nationwide strike, WWU Dean of Libraries arrested, Dept. of Agriculture reports investigation into unconfirmed sighting of giant hornets in western WA, Dept. of Agriculture reports investigation into unconfirmed sighting of giant hornets in western WA, Growing coalition opposes natural gas rollback, Boeing announces layoffs amid machinist strike, Washington, Oregon AGs urge FDA to lift restrictions on mifepristone Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, October 15th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom County to be hit by third storm this week A series of storms, known as atmospheric rivers, are expected to hit Whatcom County and Western Washington this week, bringing heavy rain and potential flooding. Meteorologist Harrison Rademacher (RAD-uh-mah-ker) from the National Weather Service in Seattle said the wind and rain aren’t over yet. After a brief pause today, stronger storms are on the way tonight through Thursday, followed by another over the weekend. A Pineapple Express from the South Pacific is expected to bring the most rain on Saturday and parts of Sunday. While widespread flooding is not forecast, localized flooding and rising river levels could occur, with rivers like the Nooksack set to rise but remain below flood stage. STORY: Coalition of Whatcom and Skagit letter carriers join nationwide strike Postal Service letter carriers held a rally in downtown Bellingham yesterday to demand a fair contract. Members of the National Association of Letter Carriers rallied outside Bellingham City Hall and picketed at the Federal Building Post Office. The protest follows 500 days of working without a contract, with workers calling for better treatment and compensation. Kevin Ernest, President of NALC Branch 450, emphasized the need to end unfair labor practices and recognize the sacrifices made by letter carriers. Branch 450 represents United States Postal Service workers in Bellingham and surrounding areas. STORY: WWU Dean of Libraries arrested This morning, Western Washington University announced that its Dean of Libraries, John Danneker, was arrested following an investigation into suspicious activity near Haggard Hall. According to the release, Danneker faces charges of quote “communication with a minor for immoral purposes” unquote. He has been removed from his role and placed on administrative leave while the university and local law enforcement conduct an investigation. The second individual involved, who reported the incident, is not affiliated with WWU. STORY: Dept. of Agriculture reports investigation into unconfirmed sighting of giant hornets in western WA The state Department of Agriculture issued a press release investigating a report of a potential northern giant hornet sighting near Port Orchard last Thursday. While Agriculture officials have received the report, they emphasize that they cannot confirm the presence of the hornet until they obtain a physical specimen. In light of the possible sighting, Agriculture urges residents in the area to remain vigilant and report any further sightings. Residents can report their observations by visiting the WSDA’s website. If the investigation does not yield any confirmed sightings, this would mark three consecutive years without reports of the northern giant hornet in Washington State. STORY: Growing coalition opposes natural gas rollback Initiative 2066 would repeal Washington state’s efforts to transition buildings away from natural gas. A growing and diverse coalition of groups is speaking out against the measure. Reporter Eric Tegethoff has more. INITIATIVE Audio STORY: Boeing announces layoffs amid machinist strike Boeing has announced plans to terminate around 17,000 positions. This decision comes amid a protracted strike by union machinists that has severely impacted production of the company’s best-selling aircraft. In a memo to staff last Friday, new CEO Kelly Ortberg detailed that the layoffs will affect executives, managers, and employees as the strike enters its fourth week. Negotiations between Boeing and the union have recently stalled, with both sides accusing each other of bad-faith bargaining, leading to competing complaints filed with the National Labor Relations Board. Boeing has announced significant delays in its production schedule, pushing the rollout of the much-anticipated 777X model to 2026. The company also revealed plans to cease production of the cargo version of its 767 jet in 2027, once current orders are fulfilled. Previously, Boeing had implemented rolling temporary furloughs (FUR-lowz) for some workers. Ortberg stated that these furloughs would be suspended in light of the impending layoffs. Boeing has reportedly lost more than $25 billion since the start of 2019. STORY: Washington, Oregon AGs urge FDA to lift restrictions on mifepristone Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, along with Oregon’s Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, is urging a federal judge to lift FDA restrictions on the medical abortion drug mifepristone. The legal battle follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling overturning nationwide abortion rights, with anti-abortion activists now targeting abortion pills. The lawsuit, filed in February 2023 by eleven Democratic state attorneys general, aims to expand access to the drug, which is used in early abortions and for treating pregnancy complications. Ferguson argues that mifepristone is safer than many common medications and should not be limited to certain medical providers. A preliminary injunction in April 2023 ensured continued access to the drug while the case proceeds. The push for summary judgment could resolve the case without a trial. WX: Il pleut plus We’re looking at more clouds and rain in the forecast today, with a smattering of light fog in the early morning. Calm southwestern winds are expected, alongside daytime highs dropping into the high 50s. Nighttime lows are projected in the upper 40s. More rain and mild temperatures to come tomorrow, with a slight chance of thunderstorms at night. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman (COOL-mun), Tristan Trudell, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Brodey O’Brien, Paloma Ortiz, Anna Hedrick, and Miguel Garduño (MEE-gel gar-DOO-ño). 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 …
October 14, 2024 News Transcript
Jury finds Maple Falls man guilty of shooting two sheriff’s deputies, Cordata Elementary to construct “security vestibule,” at front entrance, Former Bellingham dairy building demolished to make way for six-story housing development, WWU reorganization announced, Sumas group wants out of Nooksack water-rights lawsuit, Fish and Wildlife to begin deploying drones to monitor seal and sea lion populations, Helene impacts hospital supply chain in WA, WA hospital operations company receives federal grant for training nurses in caring for victims of sexual assault Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, October 14th. Good afternoon, I’m Theron Danielson. STORY: Jury finds Maple Falls man guilty of shooting two sheriff’s deputies A Maple Falls man has been found guilty of shooting two Whatcom County Sheriff’s deputies. 63-year-old Joel Young was involved in the non-fatal shooting of the deputies in February 2022. They had responded to a report of an allegedly intoxicated Young shooting a gun into the air. Young, angry at a neighbor burning a fire in their backyard, shot both deputies after they arrived at the scene. Young was convicted of two counts of attempted murder on September 19th. The court denied the defense’s request for a new trial and confirmed that Young’s sentencing is set for October 22nd. STORY: Cordata Elementary to construct “security vestibule,” at front entrance Bellingham Public Schools plans to enhance security at Cordata Elementary by constructing a quote-unquote “security vestibule” at its main entrance. According to recent permit applications and an email from BPS, the feature will improve safety by channeling all visitors through the main office and enhancing entrance and exit visibility. The construction permit for the project was issued on September 30th, and the estimated cost is about $34,000. The vestibule is part of a district-wide effort to retrofit older buildings with security measures already implemented in newer schools, like both Options and Sehome high schools. The project timeline is still in the planning phase. STORY: Former Bellingham dairy building demolished to make way for six-story housing development A former dairy building, built in 1949, was demolished last week to make way for a new mixed use development at State Street. According to permit documents, the new State Street Creamery Project, named for the site’s former use, will provide over a hundred market rate rental units, as well as a small commercial space. There are also a hundred parking spaces, including 10 or more EV stations, plus 68 long-term and 10 short-term bike parking spaces planned for the site. STORY: WWU reorganization announced WWU President Sahba Randawha announced today the university will reorganize to address a long-term structural budget deficit. Despite a recovery in enrollment post-pandemic, the university says it will restructure its administration to streamline operations, reduce costs, and better serve students. Changes include a move of various departments to different reporting chains, and the elimination of the University Relations and Marketing division. Additional cost-cutting measures were announced as part of the plan, with an 8% reduction in WWU’s annual budget– amounting to a savings of $18 million dollars annually—phased in through 2027. The university says it aims to minimize personnel impacts by eliminating vacant positions and restructuring academic programs with low enrollment. WWU says it is also working with the state for increased funding to support faculty and staff cost-of-living adjustments. STORY: Sumas group wants out of Nooksack water-rights lawsuit A group consisting of Sumas (SOO-mass)) residents is seeking to be removed from the Nooksack River adjudication process. Calling themselves Sumas Out, the residents argue their land should not be counted as part of the Nooksack Watershed, as their water generally flows downhill towards the Fraser River in British Columbia. According to a statement by Sumas Out’s Jerry DeBruin, the residents should not be required to go through the adjudication process of quote “an issue that has nothing to do with us” unquote. Ecology spokesman Jimmy Norris countered by telling The Bellingham Herald that the area makes up the lands identified by both Lummi (LUH-mee) Nation and the Nooksack Tribe as subject to their water claims. Sumas Out has not formally made a request to be excluded from the adjudication. STORY: Atmospheric rivers bound for western WA, increasing likelihood of flooding[6] Two atmospheric river storms are heading toward Western Washington, bringing heavy rain and snow down to 4,000 feet in the North Cascades. Experts say the storms will cause the Nooksack River to rise, potentially setting the stage for future flooding. The first storm today will bring light rain and breezy conditions, while a stronger storm on Tuesday will bring more rain, gusty winds, and snow. While no weather advisories have been issued, these systems could lead to future flood risks. STORY: Fish and Wildlife to begin deploying drones to monitor seal and sea lion populations Starting this fall, Washington’s Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will use drones to monitor local seal and sea lion populations along the coast and certain rivers. The goal is to obtain accurate counts of marine mammals, especially harbor seals, to study their impact on salmon and steelhead populations. The drones will fly over river estuaries like Nisqually (nuh-SKWAL-ee), Dosewallips (dose-WALL-ups), and Duckabush until October 2025, counting seals on shore “haulouts.” Fish and Wildlife says the data will help estimate seal predation on salmon, and aid in salmon conservation efforts. Harbor seals and sea lions have seen significant population growth since the 1970s due to protections under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. While this growth is not the primary cause of salmon declines, scientists say it does hinder recovery efforts, as seals consume a large number of juvenile salmon, particularly Chinook, during peak months. WDFW aims to compare seal predation impacts with other mortality factors to prioritize conservation strategies. Washington and Oregon have explored population control methods, including non-lethal deterrents and euthanasia, in efforts to support salmon recovery, with approval from NOAA. STORY: Helene impacts hospital supply chain in WA The effects of Hurricane Helene are being felt in hospitals across Washington …
October 11, 2024 News Transcript
Pepper spray assault leads to arrest in Bellingham, Bellingham man charged with multiple counts of possession of child pornography, Whatcom County approves sale of timber on 89 acres of land, Whatcom EMS to offer free emergency response training, Let’s Go Washington fined $20K for alleged campaign finance violations, Free and cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, October 11th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Pepper spray assault leads to arrest in Bellingham A woman was arrested last Friday after she allegedly pepper-sprayed another driver in a parking lot on McLeod Road before hitting him with her car. 48-year-old Nyiesha (NIE-ee-sha) Walker told the victim, who was backing into a parking spot, that she was in a hurry and needed to leave quickly. According to Walker, she gave the other driver one warning before pepper-spraying him in the face. When the victim exited his car and tried to get Walker’s license plate information, she allegedly hit him with her car about two to three times. The man showed injuries from the pepper-spraying, but allegedly received no injuries from being struck by Walker’s car. Walker drove away from the scene and was later arrested by Sheriff deputies on suspicion of second-degree assault and resisting arrest. She was released from the Whatcom County Jail on Monday after posting $20,000 bond. STORY: Bellingham man charged with multiple counts of possession of child pornography A man was arrested yesterday by Bellingham Police on multiple counts of possession of child pornography. Bellingham Police were contacted in late September by a woman who reported finding child porn on the man’s phone. According to an affidavit filed in County Superior Court, the man mentioned having child porn on his phone during a recent encounter with the woman. She was later able to access files on the phone and found the images and videos, after which she called 911. Investigators served a search warrant on the phone and located multiple videos depicting child porn. 38-year-old Christopher McCullough was arrested and booked into the Whatcom County Jail on four counts of first-degree possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. He is being held without bail. STORY: Whatcom County approves sale of timber on 89 acres of land The Washington Board of Natural Resources has approved the sale of timber on 89 acres of Whatcom County forestland. The Little Lilly auction, named after four stands of trees on the Van Zandt Dike plateau, is set to start on November 20th, with the minimum bid value set at over a million-and-a-half dollars. According to recent reporting by Cascadia Daily News, at that price, nearly $300,000 would go to the Mount Baker School District; however, since timber sale bids have averaged 37% over the minimum so far this fiscal year, Little Lilly will likely bring in more. The sale has been opposed by conservation groups, which have asked the county government to delay individual sales and focus on a holistic forest management plan. According to these groups, logging would impact water filtration, flood regulation, summer water supply, and climate resilience. However, Chris Hankey, the manager for the DNR’s Baker District, stated that the department has strict management practices in place to protect streams and wildlife habitat. STORY: Whatcom EMS to offer free emergency response training Whatcom EMS is offering a free two-hour class to teach people how to respond quickly in an emergency. The class, which will be held on October 22nd at the Whatcom County Public Works building, will cover the use of Narcan and hands-only CPR. No prior experience is required. Those interested in the class are asked to register ahead of time online. STORY: Let’s Go Washington fined $20K for alleged campaign finance violations Let’s Go Washington, a political action committee founded by millionaire Brian Heywood, was fined $20,000 by the state Public Disclosure Commission for reporting failures. The case stems from their successful signature-gathering for six initiatives, three of which will be on the November ballot, including proposals to repeal the capital gains tax and cap-and-trade system. The commission found that the group violated campaign finance law by not obtaining information on payments made to sub-vendors, which are subcontractors used by petition-gathering companies. Additionally, Let’s Go delayed providing 9,000 pages of financial records, only submitting them after they received a subpoena. The political action committee argued it was unaware of any sub-vendors, but the commission cited evidence suggesting they didn’t try hard enough to get this information. Half of the $20,000 fine was suspended on the condition that Let’s Go Washington pays $10,000 within 30 days and confirms whether sub-vendors were used by their contractors. STORY: Free and cheap Here are some spooky fun and affordable activities to enjoy this weekend: This Saturday, Ferndale is celebrating their second annual free Zombie-themed fun run! You can still sign up to volunteer as a zombie or a survivor by visiting city-of-ferndale.org by the end of today. If you prefer running, be sure to arrive at pioneer pavilion at 9 a.m. and sign up before the free event begins at 10. If you need a break from running or simply prefer dancing, look no further than the 15th annual Lynden Music Festival, which continues tonight through Sunday. Headined by The Four Freshmen, the event features an eclectic group of musicians from around the world – performing anything from jazz to 80s and 90s pop. To get tickets, visit lyndenmusicfestival.com. If you can’t get enough music, and also love art – be sure to stop by Bellingham’s own music festival, Bellingham Exit. The event is designed by local artists and musicians to create a fantastical atmosphere out of the city’s beloved venues. It is featured in The Mount Baker Theater, The Shakedown, The Blue Room, and The Wild Buffalo. There are also free pop-up concerts at ritual records, Mallards ice cream, and several local breweries! To get the schedule, visit bellinghamexit.com. STORY: WX The birds are shining, the sun is chirping And …
October 10, 2024 News Transcript
Bystander hospitalized in high-speed chase between drug suspect and Whatcom authorities, Convicted felon arrested following discovering of firearms, Bellingham School District settles lawsuit over failure to report sexual assault of student, Health center for the unhoused to open in downtown Bellingham, Whatcom County Council to vote on affirming food security as an official priority, WA among states suing TikTok over effects on youth mental health, Pepper spray assault leads to arrest in Bellingham Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, October 9th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bystander hospitalized in high-speed chase between drug suspect and Whatcom authorities A man was arrested on Saturday after leading police deputies in a high-speed chase around Whatcom County. 37-year-old Randy Chandler Jr. was asleep in a pickup truck on Olson Road when sheriff’s deputies arrived to conduct a welfare check on him, at which point he woke up and drove off at 80 mph. While heading south, Chandler crossed the center line and struck an oncoming car, sending the driver to the hospital with a possible neck injury. A search of Chandler’s car revealed the presence of meth and drug paraphernalia. He was booked into Whatcom County Jail on multiple charges, and remains in custody. STORY: Convicted felon arrested following discovering of firearms and drugs in car An elderly man was arrested on Sunday after a traffic stop search revealed guns, ammunition and drugs. 71-year-old Leroy Guillen (gee-YEN) ran a stop sign at the intersection of Northwest Drive and West Axton Road, at which point he was pulled over by a sheriff’s deputy. After the deputy noticed that Guillen had a rifle on the floor of the back seat, he asked to search the vehicle. Multiple items were uncovered, including a 12-gauge shotgun and a 22-caliber rifle–both loaded with a round in the chamber–as well as ammunition and nearly two grams of fentanyl. Guillen is a convicted felon, and is unable to legally possess firearms. Guillen was booked into Whatcom County Jail on multiple charges, and is also currently in custody. STORY: Bellingham School District settles lawsuit over failure to report sexual assault of student Bellingham schools announced they have resolved a lawsuit filed by a former Squalicum High School student who claimed that three district administrators did not protect her from repeated sexual assaults. Dana Smith, a spokeswoman for Bellingham Public Schools, told the Bellingham Herald via email that BPS and the plaintiff agreed to an amicable settlement that dismisses all claims alleged against the district in the lawsuit. In 2022, a 16-year old girl who had experienced ongoing sexual harassment from a fellow student brought her complaint to Bellingham Police. In the complaint, the student alleged that she had reported the harassment multiple times to school administrators, but that they had taken no official action. The complaint resulted in criminal charges against three school administrators for failure to report the alleged crimes. Jeremy Louzao (loo-ZOW), Maude Hackney, and Meghan Dunham were each criminally cited in December 2022 at the County District Court with one count of failure to report – a gross misdemeanor. The three administrators resolved the criminal charges through an agreed resolution between the prosecution and defense attorneys last year. According to the school district website, all three remain employed by the district. No details have been released regarding the new settlement. STORY: Health center for the unhoused to open in downtown Bellingham Officials from county, state, and federal levels gathered on Tuesday to celebrate the completion of the Way Station. The new health and hygiene center for homeless people in Whatcom County is located at State Street. It includes a medical respite (REH-spit) facility run by the Opportunity Council, with support from St. Joseph Medical Center, and a health and hygiene center operated by Unity Care NW. The facility also offers showers, laundry services, restrooms, and medical care for unhoused people. Patients experiencing homelessness will be able to stay at the medical center for around three weeks, with PeaceHealth facilitating direct hospital discharges to the center. The health and hygiene section will provide services for up to 26 people at a time, including four showers and laundry facilities, open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Medical support, case management, and substance use specialists will also be available. Funding for the Way Station was secured by State Sen. Sharon Shewmake and Congressman Rick Larsen and came from various sources, including $4 million from the state and $2 million from the federal government. The center aims to bridge a gap for individuals who are not well enough to return to the community but don’t require hospitalization. County Executive Satpal Sidhu and local health leaders praised the collaborative effort behind the project, and highlighted its potential to bring dignity and essential care to those in need. STORY: Whatcom County Council to vote on affirming food security as an official priority Hunger is top of mind at the Whatcom County Council. The council is set to vote in November on a resolution that would make food security a public health priority. At the same time, the council is being asked to review a $2 million funding request from local food banks. The resolution urges County Executive Sidhu to address food insecurity and request federal and state support. In an email to County Council members, Sidhu said he supports the resolution’s aims and notes that local resources alone cannot meet the quote “humongous gap” in basic food needs. The food bank network, which now serves 9,000 households weekly, previously received $1.5 million in federal pandemic relief, but faces funding shortfalls as demand continues to grow. The food bank also requested $1 million from the City of Bellingham. Mayor Kim Lund has proposed $250,000 for the food bank in the city’s 2025 budget, up from the traditional $30-to-50,000 in pre-COVID years. The council now seeks community feedback before they officially vote on the resolution in a few weeks. STORY: WA among states suing TikTok over effects on youth mental …
