Part of Bellingham’s South Bay Trail set to close for 18 months of construction, Upgrades coming for Downtown Blaine, La Conner becomes first local school district to enact major cuts to budget following federal funding crisis, Whatcom County veteran’s program receives national award, Trump executive order striking down birthright citizenship blocked, Spike in critical injuries among Washington children in welfare system, PSE reports over 2,000 customers lose power in Ferndale Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, July 24rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Part of Bellingham’s South Bay Trail set to close for 18 months of construction Heads up, trail users: a popular south-side waterfront trail in Fairhaven is closing for nearly 18 months. The South Bay Trail between Taylor Dock and the Fairhaven Village Green will shut down this summer as construction begins on the Fairhaven Center development. The project includes housing, retail space, and public parking — and the trail runs straight through the construction zone. During the closure, trail users will be detoured around the site using nearby sidewalks along 11th Street and Finnegan Way. Signs and maps will be posted to guide pedestrians and cyclists through the temporary route. The city plans to restore the trail with a permanent public easement through the new development, along with a future public overlook of Bellingham Bay. Expect changes to street parking near Mill Avenue and 11th as work gets underway. More information is available on the City’s website. STORY: Upgrades coming for Downtown Blaine Big upgrades are coming to downtown Blaine — and it starts with a half-million dollar state grant. The City of Blaine has received funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce to begin revitalizing its downtown core. The first step: a detailed evaluation of Peace Portal Drive and the Martin Street parklet, led by the Cascade Engineering Group. Planned improvements include repairing and replacing sidewalks, removing damaged street trees, upgrading landscaping, and enhancing the Martin Street parklet — all aimed at improving safety, accessibility, and appearance. The project will create a design template for future phases as funding becomes available. The city says the goal is a more inviting, walkable downtown that supports both the community and local economy. Concept drawings and updates are available on the city’s website. STORY: La Conner becomes first local school district to enact major cuts to budget following federal funding crisis The La Conner School District is the first in either Skagit or Whatcom County to make substantial budget cuts in response to the ongoing uncertainty over federal education funding. The Trump administration announced on June 30th that it would withhold $6 billion in school funding while it reviewed allocations for alignment with the President’s priorities. No timeline for the process has been offered. According to the LaConner Community News, the withheld funds affect most of the La Conner district’s consolidated grants. As a result, Superintendent Dave Cram announced in a letter to the community last Friday that the district will close its Braves’ Hub afterschool program, cancel the new Braves Beginnings preschool meant to start this fall, and cut programming and staff aimed at assisting multilingual and migrant students. Cram held out the possibility that funding might be restored, and pledged that district officials would make any adjustments possible if and when that happens. In the meantime, however, he said the district was, quote, “incredibly sorry to lose so many of our staff who have provided incredible support and services for our students and the school community,” unquote. STORY: Whatcom County veteran’s program receives national award Whatcom County Health and Community Services’ Veterans Program earned an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties. The association said that the veterans’ program strives to improve health and wellness for veterans by providing access to benefits, along with medical, mental health and employment resources. The National Association of Counties looks for innovative policy, improved resources and services, and public understanding of county government. STORY: Former Whatcom health official takes on state administrative role And in more news related to Health and Community Services, a former Whatcom County health official has landed a new role at the state level. According to a recent release, Erika Lautenbach — who led Health and Community Services through the COVID-19 pandemic — is now chief administrative officer at Washington’s Department of Children, Youth and Families. Lautenbach will oversee operations for the 6,000-person agency — from finances and contracts to HR and data systems. She was fired by Whatcom County in March over what officials called a pattern of leadership concerns. Lautenbach has disputed the claims, and filed a wrongful termination demand. The county says it has had no further contact with her or her attorneys. Lautenbach says she’s now focused on supporting frontline staff working with vulnerable children and families. In the release, the state agency’s secretary praised her experience managing large organizations and tackling complex public health issues. No word yet on who will replace her in Whatcom County. STORY: Trump executive order striking down birthright citizenship blocked A federal appeals court has upheld a Seattle judge’s nationwide block on President Trump’s attempt to restrict birthright citizenship. In a 2-to-1 decision Wednesday, the 9th Circuit ruled Trump’s 2021 executive order violated the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born in the U.S. Writing for the majority, Judge Ronald Gould said the President was not granted the power to make any changes to the United States Constitution, be it by Article Two of the Constitution or, quote, “by any other source” unquote. The ruling comes despite a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision narrowing when nationwide injunctions can be issued. The lawsuit was brought by several states — including Washington — along with two pregnant noncitizen women. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown called the ruling a win for constitutional rights. However, the appeals court said a full block is necessary to prevent sweeping impacts on state-run services like Medicaid. STORY: Spike in critical injuries among Washington children in …
July 23, 2025 News Transcript
Kohberger sentenced to life without parole, Man arrested following standoff in Blaine, Bellingham City Council moves to strengthen anti-discrimination protections for queer residents, Bellingham joins lawsuit challenging Trump administration’s demands to change policies regarding protected classes, New tenant protections will be on November ballot for Bellingham voters, Primary election ballots have been mailed, La Conner becomes first local school district to enact major cuts to budget following federal funding crisis, Primary election ballots have been mailed, La Conner becomes first local school district to enact major cuts to budget following federal funding crisis, Whatcom County veteran’s program receives national award, Part of Bellingham’s South Bay Trail set to close for 18 months of construction, Free or Cheap, Spike in critical injuries among Washington children in welfare system Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, July 23rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Kohberger sentenced to life without parole Bryan Kohberger has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murders of four University of Idaho students. CNN reports that 30-year-old Kohberger did not address the court. Steve Goncalves (gohn-SAHL-ves), father of victim Kaylee Goncalves, said any details from Bryan Kohberger would have been useful in protecting survivors. He added that the plea deal negotiation wasn’t justice, but a shortcut. Scott Laramie, the stepfather of Madison Mogen (MOW-gan), said he hopes his family can start to move on now that Kohberger has been sentenced. Moscow Police Department Chief Anthony Dahlinger (DAH-lin-jur) thanked the victims’ families for their strength and resilience, and promised to make sure the lives of the students are not forgotten. Kohberger will likely be sent to the Idaho Maximum Security Institution, the state’s only maximum-security prison. STORY: Man arrested following standoff in Blaine A man is in custody after a tense standoff in Blaine on Sunday evening. In recent court records, police say the 42-year-old threatened to kill multiple people and chased one resident near Peace Portal Drive before locking himself in a room at the Bayside Motor Inn. Officers say he appeared intoxicated and refused to cooperate. The situation ended after Bellingham Police arrived with an armored vehicle, and the suspect was taken into custody without further incident. He’s being held in the Whatcom County Jail on a $25,000 bail. STORY: Bellingham City Council moves to strengthen anti-discrimination protections for queer residents The Bellingham City Council voted unanimously on Monday night to strengthen the city’s anti-discrimination laws to explicitly protect sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. The newly adopted ordinance creates a separate chapter in the city’s municipal code affirming equal access to city services for all residents. It follows months of public testimony, and takes effect in 15 days. Council members called the measure a bold stand against federal rollbacks under the Trump administration. Councilman Jace Cotton spoke emotionally about growing up as a closeted gay youth, saying he hopes the ordinance gives others a sense of hope and belonging. Although the ordinance does not include enforcement penalties or designate Bellingham as a “sanctuary city,” advocates praised the move as a significant step forward — and vowed to keep pushing for more protections. STORY: Bellingham joins lawsuit challenging Trump administration’s demands to change policies regarding protected classes And in more city-related news, the City of Bellingham will join a national lawsuit that challenges the Trump administration’s efforts to tie federal funding to changes on immigration, diversity, gender identity, and reproductive rights. Mayor Kim Lund announced on Monday night that Bellingham is now a plaintiff in King County v. Turner, a federal case with over 60 cities and counties signed on. Lund says the administration’s demands amount to executive overreach. In addition, the new requirements threaten critical services funded by nearly $50 million in federal aid each year. City leaders say the conditions are unconstitutional and put Bellingham in an impossible position — forcing it to either adopt harmful federal policies or lose vital funding. Council member Michael Lilliquist (LIL-ih-kwist) called the situation “Orwellian” (or-WEH-lee-uhn), warning that the people hurt most would be children, seniors and families relying on long-standing programs. STORY: New tenant protections will be on November ballot for Bellingham voters Bellingham voters are set to decide on a sweeping tenant protection initiative this fall. A proposed amendment to Bellingham’s municipal code would bolster tenants’ rights by explicitly protecting freedoms of speech, assembly, and association in rental housing. It would ban landlord retaliation for tenants who report unsafe conditions, join tenant unions, host meetings, or distribute flyers. Under the measure, landlords couldn’t refuse to renew leases, raise rents, or impose fees as punishment for tenants exercising those rights. Any retaliatory act within 210 days of a tenant complaint would be presumed illegal. The initiative also voids lease clauses that try to silence tenants or block organizing, and requires landlords to display a tenants’ rights poster in common areas or online. Violations could result in lawsuits, with penalties up to $2,000 plus attorney fees. The city could also fine landlords up to $1,000 per offense. Supporters say the initiative protects free speech and helps renters stand up for safe, fair housing. STORY: Primary election ballots have been mailed Primary election ballots have been mailed to most registered voters in Whatcom County as of last Wednesday. If you’re unsure whether a ballot was sent to you, visit VoteWA.gov to check your status. Voters who haven’t received their ballot should contact the Whatcom County Election Division for a replacement. The deadline to register or update your address online or by mail is Monday, July 28th. After that, you can still register in-person. Ballots can be returned by mail or placed in any of the 23 official drop boxes across the county. Ballots must be returned by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, August 5th, or postmarked by that date if mailed. For questions or assistance, call or email the Election Division. More election info is available at whatcomcounty.us/CurrentElection. WX: Sun-ce around again… And now for the weather: It should be another lovely …
July 22, 2025 News Transcript
Trial of Whatcom man indefinitely detained at McNeil Island pushed back to 2026, Dept. of Ecology issues water contact warning at Bay View State Park, Bellingham City Council to hold hearings on proposed development of Barkley Village, Port of Bellingham seeking community feedback on commission expansion ahead of election, WA joins multistate lawsuit over ACA restrictions, Dirty Dan Harris’ Steakhouse set to reopen this fall, Part of Bellingham’s South Bay Trail set to close for 18 months of construction, Primary election ballots have been mailed, Spike in critical injuries among Washington children in welfare system Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, July 22nd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Trial of Whatcom man indefinitely detained at McNeil Island pushed back to 2026 The trial of a Whatcom County man held at a special facility for sex offenders on McNeil Island has been delayed nearly a year. According to court documents, a Superior Court judge ruled on Thursday that Jake Unick (yoo-NICK) will now face trial next April, as the state seeks to civilly commit him indefinitely as a “sexually violent predator.” The 39-year-old Unick was convicted in 2014 for kidnapping and harassment charges involving multiple victims, including a 2-year-old girl. Though Unick has completed his prison sentence, the Attorney General’s Office argues he still poses a danger to the public. The trial, expected to last at least a month, will not re-examine Unick’s past crimes; instead, it will determine whether he meets the legal definition of a sexually violent predator. If the jury agrees, Unick could be committed to the island facility indefinitely. STORY: Dept. of Ecology issues water contact warning at Bay View State Park The Washington Department of Ecology has issued a water contact advisory for Bay View State Park in Skagit County, after high levels of fecal bacteria were detected. Swimming or touching the water is not recommended until further notice. Exposure could cause skin rashes, stomach flu or respiratory infections, with children and immunocompromised individuals especially at risk. The contaminated beach sits on the shore of Padilla (puh-DILL-uh) Bay. Officials urge all visitors to shower and wash hands after contact with the water or sand. Ecology’s BEACH program continues to test water at popular swim spots statewide. For the latest advisories, visit the BEACH program website. STORY: Bellingham City Council to hold hearings on proposed development of Barkley Village Bellingham’s Barkley neighborhood is set for a major transformation. The Bellingham City Council held a public hearing last night on a new plan outlining a 20-year vision to turn the 255-acre Barkley Village into a vibrant, mixed-use urban hub. The area — already home to over 2,000 jobs and nearly 500 housing units — will expand with walkable neighborhoods, affordable housing, and green infrastructure. Led by the Talbot Group in partnership with the city, the plan prioritizes sustainability, transit access and open spaces, while protecting wetlands and wildlife in the area known as the “North 40.” Key upgrades include bike lanes, trails, and redesigned streets to support buses and safer pedestrian access. The goal is a dense, livable district where people can live, work, and play without relying on a car. STORY: Port of Bellingham seeking community feedback on commission expansion ahead of election Whatcom County voters will decide this fall whether to expand the Port of Bellingham’s Board of Commissioners from three members to five. According to a recent release, the Port is now seeking residents to write the official “For” and “Against” statements for the November voters’ pamphlet. Applications are due by 4 p.m. tomorrow. Committee members are expected to be selected during the Port Commission’s meeting on Thursday morning. Port commissioners voted 2-to-1 earlier this week to place the proposal on the November general election ballot. STORY: Blaine City Council confirms new member to short-term sea The Blaine City Council has appointed Sarbie Bains to fill an interim at-large seat until after the November election. According to The Northern Light, Bains, who owns Blaine Bouquets, was approved in a 5-to-1 vote earlier this week. She’ll be sworn in at the council’s next meeting on August 11th. The seat was vacated by Mike Hill, who resigned in June. Both Hill and Bains are listed on the upcoming general election ballot, though Hill has endorsed Bains for the permanent position. STORY: Data shows WA-BC border crossings continuing to steadily increase across recent months After months of low border crossings between Canada and the United States, the numbers seem to be steadily improving. Fewer people began to cross the border after President Trump’s controversial comments about making Canada the 51st state. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics, which tracks border crossings, shows that about 374,000 personal vehicles crossed the Canada-U.S. border this March, compared to about 545,000 in March of 2024. May saw 35% fewer passengers crossing the Blaine border than last year. Data from Canada’s transportation statistics imply that significantly fewer Canadians are coming into the United States than before, as reported by the Bellingham Herald. About half of the British Columbians who crossed into the U.S. in April of 2024 crossed the border this year, compared to a roughly 2% drop in Americans visiting British Columbia. However, the discrepancy between this year and last is shrinking. The number of personal vehicles crossing the Washington-British Columbia border has increased for the third month in a row. However, though numbers are on the rise, it is unclear when they will return to normal levels. STORY: WA joins multistate lawsuit over ACA restrictions Washington has joined yet another multi-state lawsuit against the Trump administration — this time over a new rule regarding access to the Affordable Care Act. In a news release from last Thursday, State Attorney General Nick Brown said the new rule would, by the administration’s own admission, strip health coverage from nearly 2 million Washingtonians. According to Brown, the rule would also result in tens of thousands fewer people using the state’s Health Benefits Exchange, cutting up to $10 million in …
July 21, 2025 News Transcript
Whatcom man charged with 14 felonies related to child pornography and sexual abuse, Lummi Police name person of interest in case of missing elder, Bellingham medical and hygiene center for the unhoused far exceeds service projections over first six months, Bellingham community housing organization intent on purchasing old public school district office, Whatcom County, Sandy Point, and Lummi Island Stage 2 burn bans go into effect today, Dept of Health urges kids to get shots before school starts, Trial of Whatcom man indefinitely detained at McNeil Island pushed back to 2026, Part of Bellingham’s South Bay Trail set to close for 18 months of construction, Data shows WA-BC border crossings continuing to steadily increase across recent months, Blaine City Council confirms new member to short-term seat Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, July 21st. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom man charged with 14 felonies related to child pornography and sexual abuse A Nooksack teen faces child sex abuse charges after a months-long investigation. According to The Bellingham Herald, 18-year-old Salomon Perez-Villegas (vee-YEH-gus) pleaded not guilty on Friday at the Whatcom County Superior Court to 14 felony counts, including child rape and possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. His arrest came after a five-month investigation led by the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. It began when the social media platform X flagged a chat containing suspected child pornography. The report was forwarded to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, triggering a series of cyber tips. Investigators traced several online accounts back to Perez-Villegas, and searched his home earlier this month. Court documents say they found more than 50 explicit videos on his phone — some involving toddlers. He allegedly confessed to sharing and even creating child sexual abuse material, including footage involving a 4-year-old child. Perez-Villegas remains in jail on a $100,000 bail. The trial is scheduled for September 2nd. STORY: Lummi Police name person of interest in case of missing elder A person of interest has been named in the case of a missing Lummi Nation elder. Seattle’s KING 5 News reports that Lummi Nation Police have named Terry Bowman as a person of interest in the disappearance of his girlfriend, 62-year-old Besalynn James. James has been missing since January 21st of this year; Bowman says she left her home around 2 a.m. to go for a walk, but never returned. Four days passed before Bowman reported James’ disappearance. The Cascadia Daily News reports that the FBI — another agency investigating the case — said it could not discuss details of the case, and that Lummi Nation Police weren’t immediately available for comment. The Lummi Nation, however, released a poster on Facebook late last month which stated that James is, quote, “believed to be a victim of homicide” unquote. Anyone with information on James’ disappearance is asked to either call Lummi Police or the FBI, or submit a tip at www.tips.fbi.gov. STORY: Bellingham medical and hygiene center for the unhoused far exceeds service projections over first six months A new hygiene and medical respite center in downtown Bellingham has seen far more use than expected in its first six months. The Way Station, which opened in late 2024 to support people experiencing homelessness, has already served over 1,000 individuals — far surpassing its first-year projection of 750. Operators say it’s a sign of a growing crisis. In a press release, Unity Care Northwest said the surge in demand highlights the urgent need for basic hygiene and healthcare access for unhoused residents. Run in partnership with the Opportunity Council, PeaceHealth, and Whatcom County Health and Community Services, The Way Station offers a range of services, including medical care, behavioral health, substance use treatment, showers, meals, and laundry. Unity Care Northwest CEO Jodi Joyce says the facility is “not a solution to homelessness,” but plays a critical role in stabilizing lives and restoring dignity. The Way Station is expected to expand services as demand remains high. STORY: Bellingham community housing organization intent on purchasing old public school district office Bellingham Public Schools have signed a letter of intent to sell the site of its former central offices at Dupont Street to 4th Corner Commons, a new collective hoping to establish the city’s second cohousing community. 4th Corner Commons’ website lays out their vision for a community of private residences built around shared community spaces, all designed, created, and managed collaboratively by the people living there. The building currently occupying the site opened in 1908 as Roeder Elementary School. It housed the District’s central offices from the 1970s until January of 2024, when freezing temperatures caused pipes to burst and the building to flood, forcing its closing. However, administrators had already enacted a plan to relocate to new offices on Barkley Boulevard by then. The potentially long process of negotiating a final purchase and sale agreement remains, but 4th Corner Commons already has the location posted on their website as the community’s future home. They’re inviting anyone interested to attend a scheduled Zoom meeting or to take a guided tour of the site later this week. STORY: Whatcom County, Sandy Point, and Lummi Island Stage 2 burn bans go into effect today A full burn ban goes into effect today across parts of Whatcom County, as fire danger reaches extreme levels. The Whatcom County Fire Marshal, along with Fire Districts 17 and 11, announced a Stage 2 outdoor burn ban, which prohibits all outdoor burning — including recreational campfires and beach fires. The ban started this past Saturday in unincorporated Whatcom County and today on both Lummi Island and Sandy Point. Propane fire pits and BBQs are still allowed, but officials warn to use caution — charcoal and ashes must be fully extinguished and stored safely for 72 hours. The Fire Marshal’s Office says the move aligns with statewide burn bans already in place on state-protected lands and in national forests. Violators could face a minimum $250 fine, and may be held liable …
July 18, 2025 News Transcript
Whatcom County child molestation case sees sentence issued after 11 years of court proceedings, Shellfish harvesting shut down between Sandy Point and Canadian border, Oak Harbor man arrested for suspected involvement in Whatcom County drug ring, Expansion of Bellingham Port Commission set to appear on November ballot, Bellingham climbing gym / apartment combo building receives design approval, Dirty Dan Harris’ Steakhouse set to reopen this fall, Free and cheap NEED MORE FREE AND CHEAP PLEASE, Dept of Health urges kids to get shots before school starts, Bellingham community housing organization intent on purchasing old public school district office, Trial of Whatcom man indefinitely detained at McNeil Island pushed back to 2026 Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, July 18th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Whatcom County child molestation case sees sentence issued after 11 years of court proceedings After more than a decade of court delays, a Clark County man has been sentenced in a Whatcom County child molestation case dating back to 2014. According to the Bellingham Herald, 46-year-old Kristopher Michael Martin used an Alford guilty plea on Wednesday to two counts of second-degree child molestation. This means he maintains his innocence but accepts the conviction. Martin’s original 2018 conviction and sentence to over eight years in prison was overturned by the state Court of Appeals, which found that a judge’s private communication with the jury violated Martin’s right to a fair trial. His retrial was delayed nearly 30 times over the next five years. Martin has now been sentenced to three years in prison and three years of community custody. However, with credit for time served and early release, he will not return to prison. The victim — a child at the time of the abuse — told investigators the experience has had long-term emotional effects. Prosecutors say she is frustrated by the length of the case, but relieved to see it closed. A six-year no-contact order is in place, and Martin will have to undergo sexual deviancy evaluation and treatment. Restitution will be decided later. STORY: Shellfish harvesting shut down between Sandy Point and Canadian border The Washington State Department of Health has announced the shutdown of recreational shellfish harvesting from Sandy Point to the Canadian border, after unsafe levels of biotoxin were detected. Paralytic shellfish poisoning, or PSP, can cause severe illness or death. Note that it cannot be destroyed by cooking or freezing. The closure affects all species of shellfish like clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops. Crab meat remains safe, but internal organs should be discarded. The closure includes all of Drayton Harbor and Point Roberts. Harvest within Lummi Nation tidelands is closed to non-tribal visitors. Shellfish sold in stores and restaurants is safe, as it is tested before sale. Officials warn toxin levels can rise quickly and are not visible. Before digging, check the Washington Shellfish Safety Map or call the state biotoxin hotline at 1-800-562-5632. STORY: Oak Harbor man arrested for suspected involvement in Whatcom County drug ring A major drug bust has landed a 57-year-old man in Whatcom County Jail. According to Deb Slater, public information officer for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, the arrest of Andres Venegas (veh-NEH-gahs) Hernandez follows a months-long investigation by the Whatcom Regional Drug Task Force. Officers executed a search warrant at the suspect’s home earlier this week. In coordination with federal and state agencies, they recovered more than 5,000 fentanyl pills, over 1,200 grams of cocaine, and nearly 500 grams of heroin. Additionally, they found over $5,000 in cash — some of it hidden inside a Bible. Authorities believe the man coordinated with others to distribute drugs throughout Whatcom County and acted as a central figure in collecting profits from the trafficking network. Hernandez now faces multiple charges, including leading organized crime, money laundering, and possession with intent to deliver fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. STORY: Expansion of Bellingham Port Commission set to appear on November ballot Whatcom County voters will weigh in this November on whether to expand the Port of Bellingham Commission from three to five members. Cascadia Daily News reports the resolution was approved Tuesday in a 2-1 vote after months of public discussion. It’s the first time since 2012 — when the measure narrowly failed — that the issue is back on the ballot. Supporters say the move would increase representation and improve communication among commissioners. Opponents, like Commissioner Bobby Briscoe, raised concerns about cost and timing, with the port facing budget pressures. If approved, the port would begin redistricting in early 2026 and likely align with the five Whatcom County Council districts. Two new commissioners would be elected later that year. The added seats would cost an estimated $126,000 annually. STORY: Bellingham climbing gym / apartment combo building receives design approval A long-anticipated residential and recreational development in downtown Bellingham has cleared a major hurdle. According to Cascadia Daily News, The Arête (uh-RETT) Lofts — a six-story, 36-unit building featuring a public climbing gym — has received land use permit approvals from the City of Bellingham. The project has been in the works for nearly six years and is now moving into the building permit phase. Located on West Holly Street across from Old Town Cafe, the site has been empty since a fire destroyed the original structure — a 1904 building known as the White House — nearly a century ago. Developer Gabe Rogel (ROE-gull) originally envisioned a large climbing gym but expanded the plan to include housing to help secure financing. The building will feature dramatic 55-foot climbing walls, rooftop bouldering, a yoga studio, and sauna — all open to the public through memberships or day passes. The climbing gym will be operated by Vital, a well-known name in the climbing community, which recently finalized a lease for the space. STORY: Dirty Dan Harris’ Steakhouse set to reopen this fall Bellingham’s Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse is set to reopen this fall. The restaurant has been closed since the historic Terminal building fire in …
July 17, 2025 News Transcript
NWS reports Alaskan tsunami warning should prove no threat to U.S. and Canadian western coasts, Bellingham woman arrested after alleged attempted double arson, Bellingham retail and office vacancies on the rise, PeaceHealth’s three-year outlook projects rising demand and falling financial stability for most needy, WSDOT seeking community feedback on repaving of Guide Meridian, Washington sues Trump administration over disaster preparedness cuts, WA joins multistate lawsuit over $7 billion in withheld formula grants, Free and Cheap, Dept of Health urges kids to get shots before school starts, Shellfish shut down Sandy Point to Canadian border, Bellingham community housing organization intent on purchasing old public school district office, Dirty Dan Harris’ Steakhouse set to reopen this fall, Expansion of Bellingham Port Commission set to appear on November ballot, Bellingham climbing gym / apartment combo building receives design approval Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, July 17th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: NWS reports Alaskan tsunami warning should prove no threat to U.S. and Canadian western coasts A powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off the coast of Alaska yesterday afternoon. According to the National Weather Service’s Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer, Alaska, the quake shook the region around 1:40 p.m. Pacific Time, and triggered a tsunami warning for parts of southern Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula. A tsunami wave was later confirmed — by 2:13 p.m., however, officials said there was no threat to other U.S. or Canadian Pacific coasts. The quake hit at a depth of about 12 miles beneath the ocean floor. Tsunami activity was expected to begin shortly after in places like Sand Point, Cold Bay, and Kodiak. Officials say they will continue to monitor the situation. STORY: Bellingham woman arrested after alleged attempted double arson A Bellingham woman was arrested in connection with two fires set in the early morning hours of July 12th. Fifty-four-year-old Nicole Ann Bimrose has been charged with first-degree arson, burglary, and manufacturing incendiary devices. Police say she used Molotov cocktails — made from liquor bottles and napkins — to ignite a fire inside the 7-Eleven on Lakeway Drive. Officers had first encountered Bimrose at the store just before 12:30 a.m., where she was reportedly drinking from a liquor bottle and acting erratically. Two hours later, first responders were called to a burning trailer home just blocks away on Lincoln Street. The man who lived there had left the night before, and told investigators that Bimrose — who shared the residence with him — had made a remark just before he left along the lines of, quote, “I’ll get you later.” Fire crews say the blaze had been burning for some time, suggesting it was likely set before the 7-Eleven incident. Bimrose is being held in the Whatcom County Jail, and has been ordered to undergo a mental competency evaluation. A hearing to determine her fitness to stand trial is set for July 31st. STORY: Bellingham retail and office vacancies on the rise Sunset Square’s getting hammered — and Bellingham’s retail market is showing the bruises. A new report from Pacific Continental Realty shows Bellingham’s retail vacancy rate jumped to 4.5% last quarter, thanks to major closures like Joann Fabrics and Rite Aid in Sunset Square. Broker Ryan Martin tells KMRE News that nearly 90,000 square feet of retail space went dark — and more is coming. At Home, a massive 119,000-square-foot store, is shutting down by fall. Office space is not doing much better. Vacancy rose to 5.2% — the highest in two years — after Dealer Information Systems cleared out its downtown HQ. However, there are some hopeful signs. After Bed Bath & Beyond’s collapse, part of its former location reopened as a new Trader Joe’s in May — and City of Bellingham permits are in for a proposed Old Navy right next door. Industrial space held steady at 2.2%, and Bellis Fair Mall is holding the line — for now. STORY: PeaceHealth’s three-year outlook projects rising demand and falling financial stability for most needy Local hospital wait times may get even longer in the coming years. Whatcom County’s only hospital, PeaceHealth’s St. Joseph Medical Center, anticipates an increase in demand due to local financial insecurity and nationwide cuts to health services. In its Community Health Need Assessment, a report conducted every three years, the hospital outlined trends such as food and housing insecurity in Whatcom County. Rachel Lucy, PeaceHealth’s director of community health, told the Cascadia Daily News that the hospital’s community was already concerned for PeaceHealth’s future before President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law, which cut the budget of programs like Medicaid. Now, services that many Whatcom County residents rely on, such as SNAP, are on the chopping block. This may exacerbate existing issues in the area, and lead to an increased need for health services. In the future, the hospital plans to release an implementation strategy to describe its plan to help improve Whatcom County’s well-being. STORY: WSDOT seeking community feedback on repaving of Guide Meridian Guide Meridian is set to be repaved in 2027. The Washington State Department of Transportation announced that the project will span from the I-5 intersection to Kellogg Road. They encourage people who use the road to fill out an online survey on their website to gather the needs of all users. The questionnaire will be open until August 7th. WSDOT says that 35-to-52,000 vehicles use this highway every day. STORY: Washington sues Trump administration over disaster preparedness cuts Washington Attorney General Nick Brown announced yesterday that he will lead a 20-state coalition suing the Trump administration for halting FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, or BRIC, program. For decades, BRIC has funded levees, floodwalls, evacuation shelters, and other vital projects that protect communities before natural disasters strike. In Washington alone, 27 projects totaling $182 million are now at risk — many in small towns like Aberdeen and Hoquiam (HOH-kwee-um), as well as Klickitat (KLIK-i-tat) County. In a recent announcement, Brown said ending the …
July 16, 2025 News Transcript
Federal judge grants mother of four detained at Peace Arch Park opportunity to contact immigration attorney, Man who assaulted Bellingham middle schooler last year convicted of hate crime, WCSO arrests second suspect in fraud case, Stretch of Hampton Road in Everson closed in response to barn fire, Bellingham receives $1.5 million to improve fish passageways in Padden Creek, L&I Reminds Employers: Protect Outdoor Workers from Heat and Smoke Hazards, AG’s office bans sale of machine gun converters in WA, Free and cheap, WA joins multistate lawsuit over $7 billion in withheld formula grants, Dept of Health urges kids to get shots before school starts, Bellingham climbing gym – apartment combo building receives design approval, WSDOT seeking community feedback on repaving of Guide Meridian Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, July 16th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Federal judge grants mother of four detained at Peace Arch Park opportunity to contact immigration attorney A federal judge in Seattle has ordered immigration officials to allow a Portland woman to contact her attorney. Jackeline Merlos, who has lived in the U.S. for over 20 years, was detained with her four U.S.-born children and her mother at Peace Arch Park on June 28th. According to the Cascadia Daily News, Merlos was allegedly pressured into signing a voluntary return to Honduras — without speaking to her lawyer. Merlos’s attorney filed a motion for a temporary restraining order on Monday, after learning she could be deported within days. Merlos has a pending U-visa application and valid work authorization through 2029. She and her husband, who was later arrested by ICE in Portland, own a construction business. Customs and Border Protection claims Merlos attempted to smuggle people into the U.S., which her supporters strongly dispute. U.S. Representatives Maxine Dexter and Rick Larsen are now demanding answers, along with a dozen other lawmakers. The case is set for a court hearing Friday. STORY: Man who assaulted Bellingham middle schooler last year convicted of hate crime A California man who punched a Black middle schooler during a field trip in Bellingham has been sentenced for an allegedly racially-motivated hate crime. According to court documents, 43-year-old Paul Jonathan Bittner pleaded guilty yesterday to an unprovoked assault on an 11-year-old boy in June of 2024. The boy told police Bittner attacked him because he was talking to a white friend. Records show Bittner made racist remarks during and after the assault. He was later diagnosed with schizoaffective (skit-sow-uh-FEK-tuhv) disorder, and spent five months at Western State Hospital before being found competent to stand trial. Judge Evan Jones imposed a 10-year no-contact order, as well as 18 months of post-release supervision. STORY: WCSO arrests second suspect in fraud case Whatcom County authorities have made a second arrest in a nationwide fraud conspiracy that may have scammed victims out of millions. According to the Bellingham Herald, 55-year-old Xiaobin Zhou (zee-ow-BEEN SHOW) of California was arrested in May for allegedly impersonating a federal agent and stealing $100,000 in cash and gold from a Whatcom County resident. He now faces seven felony charges. While jailed, Yang Zhou, Xiaobin’s younger brother, visited him; during a recorded conversation, the two discussed gold bars, cash, and efforts to cover their tracks. Court documents say the 30-year-old Yang admitted to checking Xiaobin’s residence and recovering cash suspected to be tied to the original scam. Investigators believe Yang is also involved in the larger conspiracy. He now faces charges of trafficking stolen property and tampering with evidence. Both brothers have since posted bond. STORY: Stretch of Hampton Road in Everson closed in response to barn fire A stretch of Hampton Road in Everson was temporarily closed due to a barn fire yesterday afternoon. First responders were dispatched to the barn around 2:25 p.m. Hampton Road was momentarily closed between Northwood and Trapline, as several fire crews responded to the incident. Whatcom County Public Works later said that the scene was cleared, no one was injured, and Hampton Road is open for use again. STORY: Bellingham receives $1.5 million to improve fish passageways in Padden Creek Over four-and-a-half million dollars are coming to Whatcom and Skagit Counties to help salmon swim freely again. Yesterday, the Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Board announced the recipients of funding for projects that remove fish-blocking culverts across Washington. Bellingham will get one-and-a-half million dollars to design improvements where Padden Creek meets Harris Avenue and the McKenzie Trail. Upstream, the city began fixing barriers at 12th, 14th, and 30th Streets last month, which has prompted trail detours in Fairhaven. In Skagit County, the Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group will receive over three million dollars to replace a culvert under East Hickox (HIK-oks) Road. STORY: L&I Reminds Employers: Protect Outdoor Workers from Heat and Smoke Hazards Hot weather and wildfire smoke are creating dangerous conditions for outdoor workers across Washington. The Department of Labor & Industries reminds employers that state rules kick in at 80 degrees. That means employers must provide access to water, shade or cooling areas, and paid rest breaks. Once temperatures hit 90 or higher, breaks must be longer and more frequent. Wildfire smoke rules also require employers to have a safety plan in place, train workers to recognize symptoms like dizziness or chest pain, and provide medical care without penalty. More information is available on L&I’s website. STORY: AG’s office bans sale of machine gun converters in WA The Trump administration has agreed in court filings to omit Washington and select other states from its plans to allow distribution of machine gun conversion devices. In a related court submission, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms has confirmed that forced reset triggers, a type of conversion device, will not be sold in those states. Rare Breed Triggers, the United States’ largest supplier of forced reset triggers, also confirmed that it will not offer the specified devices in the affected areas. The commitments come in response to a lawsuit brought by Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and a coalition of …
July 15, 2025 News Transcript
Lelo announces voluntary return to Mexico after months of detention, Heat advisory in place for Western WA, wildfire smoke possible, Heat wave this week, Sedro-Woolley police arrest man following alleged assault and attempted arson, WWU among universities added to DOJ antisemitism probe, Freeway blocked Wednesday (run tomorrow, TUES), Free and cheap, WA joins multistate lawsuit over $7 billion in withheld formula grants, Dept of Health urges kids to get shots before school starts, AG’s office bans sale of machine gun converters in WA, WSDOT seeking community feedback on repaving of Guide Meridian Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, July 15th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Lelo announces voluntary return to Mexico after months of detention A well-known farmworker activist detained by ICE will voluntarily return to Mexico this week. According to court documents, an immigration judge granted 25-year-old Alfredo “Lelo” (LAY-lo) Juarez Zeferino voluntary departure after spending months in detention at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma. Liz Darrow, Participatory Democracy Coordinator for Community2Community, says Lelo –– a longtime labor organizer in Northwest Washington –– chose to leave rather than continue facing prolonged detention with limited access to legal support. DARROW AUDIO 1 The judge ruled he was ineligible for bond, and ongoing immigration proceedings could take months. Voluntary departure allows him to leave the country without a formal removal order, preserving a possible legal return in the future. DARROW AUDIO 2 Lelo is expected to depart within days. STORY: Heat advisory in place for Western WA, wildfire smoke possible As scorching heat grips Bellingham, Whatcom County may see its first wildfire smoke of the season. A heat advisory remains in effect through tomorrow night across Western Washington, with highs in the upper 80s and a moderate heat risk for Bellingham. The National Weather Service says shifting winds could carry wildfire smoke from Canada into the region, creating hazy skies and colorful sunsets. But most of the smoke should stay high in the atmosphere, with little to no impact on air quality at ground level. A Fire Weather Watch is also in effect from 11 a.m. today through 11 p.m. Wednesday for much of Western Washington — including Whatcom, Skagit, King, Snohomish and several other counties. Officials warn of increased wildfire risk due to hot, dry, and breezy conditions. Help reduce sparks — and if you see a fire start, call 9-1-1. STORY: Heat wave this week It’s not a mirage — heat waves in the Pacific Northwest are getting longer and more dangerous. New data from the EPA shows the average length of Seattle’s heat waves has increased by over two days since 1961 — outpacing the national average. The city is currently in its first heat wave of the year, with temperatures breaking daily records across Western Washington. In the Seattle area, highs near 96 degrees are expected today, with little relief overnight. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for parts of the Cascades, as the combination of heat, drought, and wind raises the wildfire risk. The EPA report also shows heat waves nationwide are now more frequent, more intense, and lasting longer — with the season stretching nearly 50 days longer than in the 1960s. The trend is linked to climate change and the urban heat island effect, where cities trap more heat due to loss of vegetation and more pavement. Forecasters say cooler marine air may arrive in the Seattle area by Thursday, which should drop highs back into the low 80s. STORY: Sedro-Woolley police arrest man following alleged assault and attempted arson A man was arrested in connection to an attempted arson incident in Skagit County last Tuesday. According to a Facebook post by Sedro-Woolley Police, it all started when someone placed a 9-1-1 call and said the suspect had tried to stab them. The victim escaped with minor injuries, while the suspect hid inside an apartment unit. Officers were working on securing a search warrant for the man’s arrest when smoke began rising from the unit he was in. The building was evacuated, and the suspect exited through a small window where he was met by officers. The man refused to drop his knife until police shot him in the hip with a non-lethal round; he was later booked into the Skagit County Jail on charges of first-degree arson and assault. The investigation is still ongoing. STORY: WWU among universities added to DOJ antisemitism probe Western Washington University is under federal investigation for alleged campus antisemitism. According to recent reporting by The Bellingham Herald, the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating whether Jewish and Israeli students at WWU have faced harassment or discrimination — acts which violate civil rights protections under Title IV. WWU is one of more than 60 colleges across the country under scrutiny since the Hamas attack on Israel in October of 2023 — and the war in Gaza that followed. A DOJ letter outlines concerns about a hostile learning environment tied to students’ national origin or religion. Some Jewish students at Western have said they have felt unsafe on campus. Incidents include chants interpreted as antisemitic during protests, and a student reportedly being spat on for wearing a Star of David necklace. That last case is under review as a possible hate crime; however, it was not reported to the FBI’s hate crime database. STORY: Freeway blocked Wednesday (run tomorrow, TUES) Drivers can expect nighttime delays on southbound I-5 between Blaine and Ferndale starting at 8 p.m. tomorrow. The Washington State Department of Transportation says repair work will stretch across 10 miles of freeway and continue through early morning hours until Friday. Crews will repave deteriorating lanes, ramps, and shoulders. They will also install upgraded guardrails, barriers, and traffic counters along the corridor. Work hours run nightly from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Drivers are urged to plan ahead and expect lane closures. WX: 86, chef (HA!!) And now for the weather: In the local forecast, 90 miles makes …
July 14, 2025 News Transcript
Oregon congresswoman’s team locates family being detained in Ferndale, Bellingham PD arrest DUI suspect after chase and brief confrontation, Whatcom man sentenced to ten years following conviction for child rape, More changes incoming to Holly Street bike lanes, Whatcom County puts Northwest Annex upgrades on hold in favor of new sheriff’s office, More changes incoming to Holly Street bike lanes, Whatcom County puts Northwest Annex upgrades on hold in favor of new sheriff’s office, Free and cheap, Freeway blocked Wednesday (run tomorrow, TUES), AG’s office bans sale of machine gun converters in WA, Sedro-Woolley police arrest man following alleged assault and attempted arson, Dept of Health urges kids to get shots before school starts Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, July 14th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Oregon congresswoman’s team locates family being detained in Ferndale A Portland mother and her four young children are being held without charges at a federal facility in Ferndale. According to an announcement from U.S. Representative Maxine Dexter, the family has been detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for nearly two weeks with no access to legal counsel. Dexter spoke out on Friday, calling it a “kidnapping” and saying CBP initially misled her office about the family’s whereabouts. Kenia (KENYA) Jackeline Merlos (MEHR-los) and her four children were stopped on June 28th while trying to enter Canada with Merlos’ mother, a Honduran national with a valid travel visa. All the children are U.S. citizens under age 10. The grandmother was separated and sent to a detention center in Tacoma. Dexter says the children should be enjoying their summer, not being held incommunicado (in-kuh-myoo-nuh-KAA-dow) by their own government. STORY: Bellingham PD arrest DUI suspect after chase and brief confrontation A 63-year-old man was arrested in Bellingham after allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase while possibly under the influence. According to Bellingham Police, the incident began around 10 p.m. on July 5th, when an officer saw the man nearly lose control of his car near James and Ohio streets. The driver ran a stop sign and sped off when police tried to pull him over. He reportedly hit speeds over 90 miles an hour, ran a red light at Lakeway, and ended up at a dead-end on Samish Way. Police say the man refused to leave his car. Officers used bean bag rounds and chemical irritants before he finally surrendered. He was treated at St. Joseph Medical Center, then booked into Whatcom County Jail on suspicion of DUI, resisting arrest, and attempting to elude police. STORY: Whatcom man sentenced to ten years following conviction for child rape A Whatcom County man has been sentenced to nearly 10 years in prison for assaulting a 13-year-old girl he met online. 24-year-old Steven James Moreau (mor-OH) pleaded guilty to second-degree rape of a child and possession of explicit images of a minor. He was sentenced Tuesday to 119 months in prison, followed by lifetime community custody. Court records say Moreau, then 20, began exchanging sexual messages with the girl in 2021 after meeting her through a family connection. Her father discovered the two during a sexual encounter in a car on the family’s property. He was arrested weeks later. At sentencing, the victim and her mother described lasting trauma, fear, and years of emotional distress. The family had to move, fearing Moreau would find them after posting bail. Judge Robert Olson called Moreau’s actions a “horrific pattern of manipulation and abuse.” His case will go before the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board, which could extend his time behind bars. STORY: More changes incoming to Holly Street bike lanes The City of Bellingham’s Public Works Department has announced another set of changes to the Holly Street bike lanes. Last year, the City created parking-protected lanes between State and Bay as part of a pilot project intended to increase cycle usage and safety. However, between March and April of 2024 alone, over 60 accidents and near-misses occurred, mostly at intersections where drivers had to execute so-called right-hook turns. In addition, community feedback highlighted concerns about parked cars obstructing views, difficulties with left turns for cyclists due to the configuration of traffic lanes, and more dangerous pedestrian crossings. New changes include replacing the parking-protected lanes with traditional buffered bike lanes, as well as relocating parked vehicles back next to sidewalks. Public Works crews will also install additional enhanced safety measures at busy intersections. Weather permitting, the City says it expects to begin work on the reconfigurations during the week of July 21st. STORY: Whatcom County puts Northwest Annex upgrades on hold in favor of new sheriff’s office The future of the nearly 100-year-old Northwest County Annex building is now in limbo. In 2021, officials said the aging structure — which currently houses planning and public works staff — had reached the end of its useful life. With one-and-a-half million dollars already spent on renovation planning, the county has hit the pause button on a $64 million plan to replace it with a new three-building government campus. County Deputy Executive Aly Pennucci (ALLIE puh-NU-chee) told the council in March the building is, quote, “bursting at the seams.” However, limited real estate tax revenue means county officials must now choose between funding the new campus, a much-needed sheriff’s office, or a replacement morgue. The County says it will take 6 months to re-evaluate the options, which now range from moving forward to scrapping the project entirely. STORY: WA to ban sale of two common ivy varietals in August A once-popular landscaping staple is now on Washington’s noxious (NAAK-shuhs) weed list. The state Department of Agriculture announced last Wednesday that both English and Atlantic varieties of ivy will be banned for sale starting on August 9th due to their threat to native trees and ecosystems. Washington now joins Oregon as one of only two states to ban English ivy. Officials stress, however, that the ban does not apply to existing plants in yards — only future sales. According …
July 11, 2025 News Transcript
Bellingham and surrounding areas to see temperatures as potentially high as low 90s next week, Skagit County Prosecutor’s Office delays charging suspect in last weekend’s Sedro-Woolley shooting, Lummi Nation member accused of assaulting ex-partner arraigned in District Court, $6 million in federal education funding withheld from Whatcom and Skagit schools pending Trump administration review, Washington’s first hybrid-electric ferry sets sail, Larsen announces transportation project funding, Free as a bird, cheap as a bee, Whatcom man sentenced to ten years following conviction for child rape Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, July 11th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham and surrounding areas to see temperatures as potentially high as low 90s next week A stretch of warm weather is on the way. Starting this weekend, temperatures will climb into the upper-70s, with a peak expected Wednesday in the 80s to low-90s. The National Weather Service reports a moderate HeatRisk for Tuesday and Wednesday. The agency warns of rising fire danger due to dry conditions and easterly winds. Temperatures are expected to ease heading into next weekend. STORY: Skagit County Prosecutor’s Office delays charging suspect in last weekend’s Sedro-Woolley shooting The Skagit County Prosecutor’s Office is delaying filing any charges over last weekend’s deadly park shooting in Sedro-Woolley, as the agency continues to review evidence. The Cascadia Daily News reports a suspect was booked into the Skagit County Jail last Sunday, but was later released without charges. Gunfire erupted late last Saturday at Memorial Park, killing a 19-year-old man and injuring five others. The shooting happened just before 11:30 p.m., prompting a major response from Sedro-Woolley Police and Skagit County deputies. Two people were initially detained, and investigators recovered two firearms at the scene. So far, however, no one has been charged. Authorities believe more than one person may have opened fire, and are still working to determine who was responsible. Police say there is no ongoing threat to the public. The investigation remains active, with more information expected in the coming days. STORY: Lummi Nation member accused of assaulting ex-partner arraigned in District Court A Lummi Nation man accused of violently attacking his former partner now faces federal charges. 48-year-old Marc Cagey Oreiro (oh-RAY-roh) was arraigned Tuesday in the U.S. District Court in Seattle for allegedly assaulting and strangling the woman in her Bellingham home on May 23rd. Prosecutors say Oreiro forced his way into the woman’s bedroom and then attacked her; Oreiro also tried to sexually assault the woman, and threatened to kill her. The woman was found hiding in a closet after a roommate called 9-1-1. She was treated at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Oreiro, who resisted arrest, was under a no-contact order from a prior conviction for assaulting the same woman in 2023. He was indicted by a grand jury on June 25th. His trial is set for August 25th. If convicted, Oreiro could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. STORY: $6 million in federal education funding withheld from Whatcom and Skagit schools pending Trump administration review A federal freeze is holding up $6 million in school funding for Whatcom and Skagit counties — threatening key programs. The Cascadia Daily News reports the federal government is delaying $102 million in K–12 funding for Washington, including support for migrant students, English learners, teacher training, and after-school programs. The money, usually sent by July 1st, is now on hold pending a broad federal review. Mount Vernon could lose up to $2 million, while Bellingham and Burlington-Edison are each facing potential cuts near $700,000. Small districts could see tens of thousands vanish from their budgets. Bellingham Public Schools say the delay could disrupt staffing and planning for fall. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal (RIKE-doll) called the federal move “reckless,” warning it puts districts under extreme financial stress. If the money isn’t released soon, programs may be cut before the school year begins. STORY: Washington’s first hybrid-electric ferry sets sail Washington’s first plug-in hybrid-electric ferry is set to begin passenger service by the end of next week. Governor Bob Ferguson marked the milestone yesterday with a celebratory ride aboard the newly retrofitted Wenatchee (weh-NATCH-ee), now the largest hybrid-electric ferry in North America. A $133 million upgrade replaced two massive diesel engines with battery-electric propulsion — part of the state’s push to reduce the carbon footprint of its ferry fleet. The ferry will begin part-time service on the high-traffic Seattle-to-Bainbridge Island route, with full-time operations by month’s end. Plug-in infrastructure for the ship is expected by 2029. Washington State Ferries says lessons from the Wenatchee conversion could streamline future upgrades to sister ships. The state has also ordered three new hybrid ferries, set to begin arriving by 2030. STORY: Larsen announces transportation project funding U.S. Representative Rick Larsen announced yesterday that over $21 million in federal transportation funding is heading to Northwest Washington. The funds, released by the U.S. Department of Transportation, will support several key projects, including: Larsen says the funding will help local governments move forward with critical infrastructure and sustainability work. STORY: Free as a bird, cheap as a bee It’s Friday – if you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s a little of what’s going on around the county. The Downtown Bellingham waterfront is hosting the Northwest Tune-up Festival today through Sunday. A ‘free-to-attend’ makers market will take place today from 12-to-5 p.m., and both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The market will offer local crafts and art on display — all available for purchase! More information is available at nwtuneup.com. Bellingham non-profit, Clean Cut Futures, will host a car show on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bellis Fair Mall. The show will feature traditional classics, muscle cars and unique projects, along with a remote control monster truck drag race. Clean Cut Futures fosters the rehabilitation of incarcerated people through haircuts. For more information on the organization and the event, go to cleancutfutures.org Finally, the third annual …
July 10, 2025 News Transcript
Falling tree injures and traps two women in Larrabee State Park, Bellingham ordinance strengthening LGBTQ+ protections unanimously passes second round of voting, Construction projects set to commence next week will result in nightly I-5 lane closures between Blaine and Ferndale, Population of Whatcom residents over 65 exceeds that of 18 and under demographic for the first time, reflecting statewide trend, WA to backfill $11 million in federal cuts to Planned Parenthood, Crab season opens July 17th – YAY! Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, July 10th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Falling tree injures and traps two women in Larrabee State Park A falling tree injured and trapped two women at Larrabee State Park on Wednesday. Authorities received a 9-1-1 call around 8:30 a.m. According to Fire Chief Mitchell Nolze with the South Whatcom Fire Authority, first responders arrived at the park roughly 15 minutes later. One woman had managed to free herself, while the other was still stuck underneath the tree. The tree fell due to natural causes, but no exact cause was determined. Chief Nolze said that, after the long dry spell, the rain on Wednesday could be the cause. The women were taken to St. Joseph Medical Center. No information on their condition was readily available. STORY: Bellingham ordinance strengthening LGBTQ+ protections unanimously passes second round of voting Bellingham City Council has taken a stand to protect transgender rights — unanimously approving stronger anti-discrimination language in city law. The updated ordinance was written in response to months of public testimony, and adds gender expression and identity to the city’s protected classes. It stops short of declaring Bellingham a formal trans sanctuary city, but council members say it will function like one — without risking federal funding. The final vote could come at the council’s July 21st meeting. STORY: WTA plans to close purchase on former Bellingham Public Market building The Whatcom Transportation Authority hopes to transform the old Bellingham Public Market into a new transit hub. WTA officials say the current downtown station already operates at full capacity multiple times a day, which limits their ability to expand service or increase frequency on popular routes. Director of Community and Government Relations Maureen McCarthy told the Bellingham Herald that the new location on Cornwall Avenue would relieve pressure on Bellingham Station and allow for future growth in the system. Assuming the purchase is approved by the board this October, the sale would close for $6.2 million. In the short term, WTA plans to add offices in the property for their staff, as well as leasing out extra space. The agency says it will rely on community feedback gathered in 2022; residents expressed support for expanded transit service, housing, open space, and walkable amenities. The property has been vacant since last fall, after Lighthouse Mission Ministries relocated their Base Camp shelter operations to Old Town. If the project moves forward, WTA says the new development could become a true example of transit-oriented design in downtown Bellingham. STORY: Construction projects set to commence next week will result in nightly I-5 lane closures between Blaine and Ferndale A major roadwork project is about to begin on southbound I-5 in northern Whatcom County. Starting at 8 p.m. next Wednesday, crews will begin repairs and repaving along a 10-mile stretch between Blaine and the Nooksack River crossing in Ferndale. The state Department of Transportation says failing pavement will be removed and replaced, with additional work to fix potholes, cracks, and settling on the mainline and at connecting ramps. The goal is to extend the life of the pavement and provide a smoother, safer drive for motorists. WSDOT will also upgrade aging guardrails and replace cable barriers between northbound and southbound lanes. The new safety features are designed to reduce crash severity and prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway. Drivers should expect lane and shoulder closures during the project. Nighttime lane closures will run from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday nights through Friday mornings. Shoulder work will occur both day and night, and some ramps will close overnight with detours in place. Speed limits in the construction zone will drop to 55 miles per hour. The $7.6 million project is scheduled to be completed this fall. STORY: Population of Whatcom residents over 65 exceeds that of 18 and under demographic for the first time, reflecting statewide trend For the first time ever, Whatcom County residents over the age of 65 now outnumber children under 18. According to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau, there are still more kids overall than older adults in Washington. However, the data shows that between 2020 and 2024, the total number of children declined by more than 42,000 statewide. By contrast, the older adult population grew by over 160,000. The majority of Washington counties now have fewer kids living in them than people of retirement age. Similar scenarios are playing out nationally. According to the CDC, the fertility rate in the United States dropped to a historic low last year, at the same time as the majority of baby boomers reach retirement age. STORY: WA to backfill $11 million in federal cuts to Planned Parenthood Washington is stepping up to replace $11 million in federal Planned Parenthood funding lost due to a new Medicaid ban. The Seattle Times reports that the state will use its own funds to keep preventive health services like cancer screenings available to thousands of residents if the lawsuit challenging the ban fails. At a news conference at Planned Parenthood yesterday, Governor Bob Ferguson called the federal move a blatantly political, cruel attack on reproductive rights. This comes amid sweeping federal Medicaid cuts that could affect hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians. STORY: Crab season opens July 17th – YAY! Get your gear ready — Marine Area 7 South, including the San Juans and Bellingham, opens for crabbing a week from today. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says pots can be dropped Thursdays through Mondays, with …
July 9, 2025 News Transcript
Wastewater contamination creates potential risk for residents drawing their water directly from Lake Whatcom, Whatcom K-9 unit aids in arrest of man on charges of reckless driving and drug possession, Prospective designs released for Bellingham’s new skate park, PeaceHealth CEO set to retire at the end of the year; company names successor, Red flag warning issued for wildfire risk in eastern WA, WA representatives cleanly split down party lines in responses to passage of Big Beautiful Bill, Food benefits reduced across the state, Crab season opens July 17th – YAY! Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, July 9th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Wastewater contamination creates potential risk for residents drawing their water directly from Lake Whatcom A sewage spill has triggered a health advisory for some Lake Whatcom residents. The Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District reports an overflow at Camp Firwood on Monday evening sent about 885 gallons of raw sewage into a stormwater basin near the lake. Customers of the City of Bellingham or the Water District are not affected; however, Justin Clary, the General Manager of the District, had this to say. BOIL WATER AUDIO 1 According to Clary, the failure happened in the sewage lift system that the District inherited from the Firs. The lift main broke at a bend in the pipe because it did not have a thrust block installed to help protect it. Clary also said he is not concerned that something similar may happen elsewhere in the system, and added that repairs are expected to be completed today. Homes around the lake with treatment systems are encouraged to have them inspected. STORY: Whatcom K-9 unit aids in arrest of man on charges of reckless driving and drug possession A high-speed pursuit across Bellingham ended with a K-9-assisted arrest early last Friday. Authorities say the chase, which involved three Whatcom County law enforcement agencies, started when a 36-year-old man was spotted making an illegal turn near WWU in a car without a rear license plate. The chase escalated when a sheriff’s deputy saw the suspect speeding and passing in a no-passing zone on Yew Street. Officers deployed spike strips, which deflated two tires and forced the man to stop. The man now faces multiple charges including DUI, resisting arrest, and possession of meth. He remains in custody at the Whatcom County Jail. STORY: Prospective designs released for Bellingham’s new skate park Bellingham has released concept designs for a new skatepark, set to replace the unofficial park under Roeder Avenue Bridge. About 16,000 feet of land were purchased by the city this year to construct the project. According to the City of Bellingham, the 3-million-dollar project budget will be split by a Bellingham based organization called Northwest Skate Collective. The new skatepark will also feature live music and art. There is currently no estimated opening date. STORY: PeaceHealth CEO set to retire at the end of the year; company names successor PeaceHealth will see a major leadership change at the start of 2026. After a decade at the helm of the Vancouver-based health system, CEO and President Liz Dunne has announced she will retire at the end of next year. Sarah Ness, PeaceHealth’s current chief administrative officer and a 20-year veteran of the organization, will step into the top role on January 3rd. Dunne’s compensation has drawn attention over the years, peaking at over 6 million dollars in 2021. Ness earned 1.25 million dollars in 2023, though details of her future compensation have not been released. PeaceHealth praised Dunne’s leadership for making the system “better, not bigger.” Ness will become the second woman to lead the 135-year-old organization, which employs nearly 16,000 people across nine medical centers and 160 clinics. STORY: Red flag warning issued for wildfire risk in eastern WA A Red‑Flag Warning remains in effect for much of eastern Washington today and into Wednesday evening. Authorities issued the alert in response to state-wide persistent hot and dry conditions, as well as erratic gusts of wind that could ignite and rapidly spread fires. The warning goes beyond a routine fire-weather advisory — under National Weather Service criteria, it signals, quote, “ideal conditions for wildfire development and rapid expansion” unquote. So far this season, Washington has already seen a series of major fires: over 2,000 acres burned near Chelan (shuh-LAN) and Walla Walla. That number also includes large brush fires like the Red Bridge near Cle Elum (klee ELL-um), which also led to evacuations earlier this month. STORY: WA representatives cleanly split down party lines in responses to passage of Big Beautiful Bill Washington’s congressional delegation is deeply divided over President Trump’s newly-signed “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The nearly 1,000-page law extends Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, boosts military and border spending, and slashes funding for Medicaid, SNAP, and the Affordable Care Act. According to the Washington State Standard, regional reactions fell strictly along party lines. All 10 Democrats in Washington’s delegation voted no, citing deep cuts to health care and food aid. U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (pruh-MIH-luh JYE-ah-paul) called the bill a cruel, horrific betrayal, while fellow Representative Rick Larsen said it punishes the working poor. U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell also condemned the bill, warning of major harm to Washington families. Meanwhile, Republicans Michael Baumgartner and Dan Newhouse backed the bill, calling it a bold, serious step that offers tax relief, strengthens small businesses, and improves rural health care and border security. President Trump signed the bill into law on July 4th. STORY: Food benefits reduced across the state And in related news, Governor Bob Ferguson warned of major cuts to food assistance in Washington after Congress passed the President’s “big beautiful bill” last Thursday. Roughly one million Washingtonians who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, will see their monthly benefits reduced. The average household would lose about 56 dollars per month, and the maximum benefit for a family of four would drop from 975 to 848 dollars. Over 130,000 …
