First confirmed death due to ‘tranq’, Ferndale Farmstead wins cheese award, Ferndale Farmstead wins cheese award, City announces collaboration with local solar nonprofit, New City minimum wage goes into effect May 1st, Cost of Plantation Rifle Range cleanup could rise, Ferndale Farmstead wins cheese award, WA state announces changes in highway construction due to deaths, EPA denies request for stricter standards ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, April 8th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: First confirmed death due to ‘tranq’Officials from the Whatcom County Health Department have announced the county’s first tranq-related death (TRANK). Tranq, a slang term for xylazine (ZY-luh-zeen), is described by the Center for Disease Control as “a nonopioid sedative”. The drug has been increasingly detected in illegal fentanyl drug products and overdose deaths. As xylazine is not an opioid, life-saving medications such as Narcan do not reverse its effects. A statement by Whatcom County said that toxicology results found multiple drugs were present, including fentanyl and methamphetamines. The identity of the deceased person has not been released. STORY: Ferndale Farmstead wins cheese award Ferndale Farmstead, announced that their cheese has won several awards at the World Champion Cheese contest. The Contest, organized by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, is a prestigious global competition for cheese, butter, and yogurt. Ferndale Farmstead was started by the Wavrin family in 2015 and is considered a seed-to-cheese farm– they feed the cows that give the milk to make the cheese. The farm was recognized for four cheeses in the contest, and won first place for their smoked provolone – beating out Wisconsin and South Dakota. STORY: City announces collaboration with local solar nonprofit The City of Bellingham has announced efforts to promote adoption of solar panels as part of its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality. To help homeowners interested in installing the technology on their homes, the city is collaborating with Solarize Whatcom, a non-profit group purchasing program. The aim is to simplify the process of going solar and make it more accessible. Residents can receive a free home assessment, access discounted prices on solar equipment, and choose from vetted local installers. STORY: New City minimum wage goes into effect May 1st Starting May 1st, employers within Bellingham city limits must pay their employees the new city minimum wage of $17.28. The change comes after Bellingham voters passed an initiative last November to establish a city minimum wage. Additional increases will be linked to increases in the Washington State minimum wage. Additional information can be found on the city’s website. STORY: Cost of Plantation Rifle Range cleanup could rise Cleanup of lead at the Plantation Rifle Range could cost taxpayers more than the County originally thought. The original estimate for lead removal at the range was $1 million dollars. The current estimate has risen to between $6.5 and $13.8 million dollars, according to recent information from Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Operations Manager Christ Thomsen. Besides the lead mitigation, some of the additional cost will come from a redesign of the range, intended to limit future accumulations in the soil and in wetlands on the site. Final estimates won’t be known until Kane Environmental consulting completes a site characterization study. Last Thursday, Thomsen (who is also the Cleanup Project Manager) said the numbers should be available by early summer. The Plantation Rifle Range has been closed since November 2022. The range has been operated by Whatcom County Parks since the early 1970s. STORY: WA state announces changes in highway construction due to deaths The Washington State Department of Transportation announced it will be changing its construction procedures to help alleviate the number of fatalities in road crews. According to WSDOT (WASH-dot) 61 workers have been killed while working on the roads since 1950. Despite an average of more than 1,200 crashes in highway work zones annually, the severity of these incidents has escalated due to increased reckless driving, particularly speeding and distractions. Governor Jay Inslee addressed the issue at a recent memorial event, and has signed a bill to expand speed camera usage in work zones. In addition, the Department of Transportation will adjust work schedules and lane closures to enhance worker safety. STORY: EPA denies request for stricter standards The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has rejected a request from the Washington State Department of Ecology to tighten limits on harmful chemicals. Washington state lawmakers previously mandated the department of Ecology petition the EPA for stricter federal PCB limits. Despite Washington’s efforts to lower polychlorinated biphenyls– also known as PCBs– that enter the state’s waterways, the EPA deemed the change unnecessary at this time, citing insufficient evidence. This decision comes despite bipartisan support in Washington to address PCB pollution, which poses risks to salmon and other aquatic life as well as human health. Despite the setback, both the Ecology department and supporters of the legislation remain committed to reducing PCBs, encouraging voluntary measures from manufacturers and retailers. WX: Sun Your Whatcom County weather – We’ll have rain for the rest of the day, continuing on into the evening. The high today is 48 degrees, winds 10-20 mph, with an overnight low near 45. Tomorrow, expect more rain, with some scattered sun breaks. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman and Tristan Trudell. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p-m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by listener donations. If you would like to help keep local news accessible, check out our new Patreon page at patreon.com/kmrenews or go to kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m ________________, and thanks for listening. ##
The Wandering ‘Hamster
April 5, 2024 News Transcript
Bellingham bank robber sought, New charges filed against Whatcom Co deputy, Blaine juvenile may be charged for shooting at kids with a BB gun, Failed Lynden school bond returns in November, Portal container village announces opening day, Farmer’s Market opens tomorrow, San Juan County airports get funding, Dorothy Place gets state funding, Eclipse viewing in Whatcom, Free and Cheap ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, April 5th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham bank robber sought Bellingham Police have released new information about the suspect linked to the Fairhaven bank robbery last Monday. Investigators believe the suspect may be connected to a two-toned black-and-white Ford Flex SUV, seen driving westbound on Larrabee Avenue before the robbery and departing eastbound after the robbery. The armed robbery took place Monday evening, at the Peoples Bank branch inside the Fairhaven Haggen. Those with information about the incident or the suspect’s identity are urged to contact Bellingham Police. STORY: New charges filed against Whatcom Co deputyThe Skagit County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has filed additional felony sex crime charges against former officer Austin Micheal Case. Case, aged 24, was previously charged with two counts of unlawful imprisonment, first degree extortion, first degree burglary, and third degree rape. Now, a third woman has accused him of showing up uninvited to her home and then sexually abusing her in a vehicle in December of 2020. Court documents show Case is now facing a total of 8 felonies – some of which have a max sentence of life in prison. Case’s arraignment for the new felonies is scheduled for April 23rd. STORY: Blaine juvenile may be charged for shooting at kids with a BB gun Blaine Police are recommending juvenile assault charges against a boy suspected of shooting other kids with a BB gun. Officers detained four juveniles behind Blaine Primary School after responding to a call. The suspect allegedly ambushed five other juveniles, causing painful welts. Officers confiscated the rifle and handed the suspect over to his parents. Blaine Police emphasized the seriousness of the incident, and warn that BB guns can cause serious injuries, especially to the eyes. Police also note that laws that prohibit the discharge of weapons within the city apply to guns that shoot BBs, plastic pellets, or other projectiles. STORY: Failed Lynden school bond returns in November Lynden School District’s $157 million dollar capital bond will return to the ballot in August with a slight adjustment to the tax rate. Originally rejected in February, the school board unanimously decided to place the bond on the August 6th ballot to fund a new high school and other school upgrades. In a recent announcement, the school board opted to revise the resolution and now propose a flat property tax increase that would add $1.36 per $1,000 of assessed value, making it slightly more affordable for taxpayers. Despite concerns about passage, the school board and bond supporters say that recent growth in the district means school facility upgrades are crucial. STORY: Portal container village announces opening day, Farmer’s Market opens tomorrow Bellingham’s iconic Portal Container Village has announced they will open on May third. Two new additions will be added to the container lineup– Zeke’s Pizza and Bin 13 Wine bar. The Portal Putt Mini Golf course will open on May 25th, now expanded to a full 18-hole course. The first day of the Farmer’s Market is tomorrow. The vegetable toss with the Mayor starts at 9:45. The city of Bellingham will also give away 500 trees to residents, and the first 50 customers receive a free tote bag. The Market is open every Saturday from 10 to 2 in Depot Market Square until October. STORY: San Juan County airports get funding This week, the Federal Aviation Administration announced three grants totaling almost $3 million dollars to modernize Northwest Washington airports. Part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, some of the money will be used to improve airport infrastructure and runway safety at Friday Harbor Airport, Lopez Island Airport and Anacortes Airport. In a recent announcement, Representative Rick Larsen says the work will create new jobs and support existing jobs. Representatives from the Ports of Friday Harbor, Lopez and Anacortes applauded the announcement and emphasized the grants’ importance to the regional economy. STORY: Dorothy Place gets state funding In more funding news, Dorothy Place in Bellingham is due to receive state money. The Department of Commerce announced this week that it would invest nearly $20 million in awards to 31 applicants through the Housing Preservation Program. Dorothy Place, which currently has 22 affordable housing units, will receive a million dollars. The move comes in response to a growing need for affordable housing. It is estimated that Washington state will need to create over a million new housing units over the next 20 years in order to keep up with that growing need. STORY: Eclipse viewing in Whatcom Despite not being in the path of totality, Bellinghamsters will still be able to see a partial solar eclipse. The eclipse will be most prominent just before noon on Monday, starting at 10:41 a.m., peaking after 11:30 a.m., and remaining visible until 12:21 p.m. In our region, about 18% of the sun’s area will be blocked at its peak. STORY: Free and cheap It’s Friday and here are some fun free or cheap things to do around our area this weekend. It’s First Friday in Bellingham, so take a walking tour downtown and visit a variety of local artists, galleries, dining spots, late-night shopping, live music, and more. Tonight from 6-10pm. On Saturday, the 41st annual Sumas Spring Clean-Up Day is on from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Garbage trucks will be stationed behind Sumas City Hall on First Street, and Sumas residents can dispose of bulky items, appliances, furniture, scrap metal, and branches for a small fee. Also on Saturday, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., the SkillShare Space at the Bellingham Central Library will host a hands-on weaving event with fiber …
April 4, 2024 News Transcript
Bellingham man sentenced in connection with drug ring, Washington man sentenced for role in Jan 6th insurrection, New seafood subprocessor eyes Port of Bellingham, New solar powered EV chargers installed, Local store set to close, Coast Salish longhouse set to move forward, Free tax filing tools available ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, April 4th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham man sentenced in connection with drug ring Another Bellingham man has been sentenced in connection with a Whatcom County drug trafficking operation. Adam Wisniewski, (wiz-NEW-ski) aged 42, will spend the next 8 years in prison – says Washington Attorney Tessa Gorman. According to court records, investigators found Wisniewski met with the leader of the drug ring in 2022, and later found a thousand fentanyl pills in his possession. Wisniewski is the last of 5 members of the drug ring to be sentenced. STORY: Washington man sentenced for role in Jan 6th insurrection A Kitsap County man who helped orchestrate a mob’s attack on police officers at the Capitol Building on Jan. 6th, has been sentenced to 7 years behind bars. U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth said videos showed Taylor Johnatakis using a megaphone to shout step-by-step directions to the mob gathered at the US Capitol. A jury convicted him of seven felony charges including obstruction of the Jan. 6th joint session of Congress, assault, and civil disorder. STORY: New seafood subprocessor eyes Port of Bellingham Port of Bellingham officials are seeking to sub-lease a soon-to-be vacant site on the waterfront. The Hilton Avenue site is currently occupied by Bornstein Seafoods, who announced last week they’ll be closing their Bellingham headquarters by the end of June. Bornstein says they will move their Pacific Northwest operations to Astoria, Oregon. However, recent reporting by the Bellingham Herald indicates that Bornstein plans to quote “sub-lease their building to another food processing company consistent with the approved uses for the property” unquote. The closure will result in the dismissal of 72 local workers, some of which will apparently work at the Astoria facility. STORY: New solar powered EV chargers installed Four new solar-powered electric vehicle chargers have been installed at Squalicum Creek Park, Civic Field, Lake Padden Park, and Cordata Park. The stand-alone units provide EV charging even on cloudy days. Funding for the project comes from a grant by the Washington State Department of Commerce and Bellingham’s Transportation Fund. According to a recent announcement by the City, a total of 20 additional charging stations are planned this year. Standard charging rates will apply. STORY: Local store set to close Current and Furbish – a furniture and art store in the Village District of Fairhaven – is set to close. Cameron Vail and Scott Ward founded Current and Furbish in 2013 in Seattle, and moved the business into the historic Fairhaven Pharmacy building in 2016. Vail said they are closing shop to prepare for his retirement. Current and Furbish will close on May 31st. STORY: Coast Salish longhouse set to move forward A public hearing on the 75-year lease for the proposed Coast Salish-style longhouse in Bellingham will take place on Monday. Bellingham City Council is considering a long-term lease for land in the Sehome Hill Arboretum for a new longhouse called the House of Healing. According to information from Western Washington University, the new building will be used for tribal activities, education, and ceremonies. The location, a 2-acre meadow near the university campus, is currently undergoing infrastructure improvements. The area is important to the community, and discussions with the Sehome Hill Board of Governors have been significant. The proposed lease agreement is set at $1 annually for 75 years, and funding is coming from the city of Bellingham, as well as various donors, state, and federal sources. An invitation-only “ground-turning and blessing” ceremony is scheduled for April 11th. STORY: Free tax filing tools available The Internal Revenue Service has introduced a free tax filing tool in 12 states, including Washington. A new report estimates the tool will save people an average of $160 to file their taxes by 2029. Reporter Eric Tegethoff has more. TAX AUDIO WX: Rain Your Whatcom County weather – it will be mostly cloudy today, with a high of 54 and overnight lows of around 37 degrees. The sun is expected to come back tomorrow. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman and Tristan Trudell. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p-m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by listener donations. If you would like to help keep local news accessible, check out our new Patreon page at patreon.com/kmrenews or go to kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m ________________, and thanks for listening. ##
April 3, 2024 News Transcript
Bellingham police arrest man accused of attempting to kidnap another in late-night altercation, Armed robbery reported at bank inside Bellingham grocery store; lone suspect remains at large, Armed robbery reported at bank inside Bellingham grocery store; lone suspect remains at large, Walmart encampment property owner pushes back against city’s lawsuit, denies allegations, Pedestrian dies after being struck by train in Mount Vernon, Emergency response phase of Olympic gas spill now complete, Western honeybee colonies at risk of collapse, WSU study finds, Gov. Inslee signs supplemental budgets that boost behavioral health and K-12 education funding ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, April 3rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham police arrest man accused of attempting to kidnap another in late-night altercation Yesterday, Bellingham police arrested a man allegedly attempting to kidnap someone at gunpoint. According to police documents, Erick Armano Price, 27, asked an acquaintance to come to his residence at the 3300 block of Northwest Avenue. The person arrived with at least two friends. Price then allegedly held him at gunpoint and told him to get in his car, according to police officer Megan Peters. One of the victim’s friends sprayed Price with mace and the group fled the scene. Another of Price’s friends was able to follow the car and informed the police. Price was arrested for suspicion of attempted first degree kidnapping and second degree assault. STORY: Armed robbery reported at bank inside Bellingham grocery store; lone suspect remains at large Law enforcement officials are searching for a suspect involved in an armed robbery at the Haggen (HAY-gun) grocery store in Fairhaven. The robbery occurred at the People’s Bank inside the store on Monday at around 6 p.m. Despite the quick response of multiple police officers, the suspect had already left the scene. The robber is described as a black male in his 30s, approximately 6 feet tall, with an average build. Witnesses report he wore a dark medical mask and dark clothing, including a jacket with patches on both upper arms. Authorities have not disclosed the weapon used or what was taken during the robbery. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Bellingham Police Department through the non-emergency phone line or online at cob.org/tips. STORY: Walmart encampment property owner pushes back against city’s lawsuit, denies allegations The property owner of the Bellingham Walmart encampment is pushing back against the lawsuit claiming her land is a “public nuisance.” The lawsuit alleges that members of the encampment are trespassing on the property and harassing the general public. Fang is also held accountable for the large amount of litter and drug paraphernalia on the premises. Land owner Li-Ching Fang (LEE CHING FONG) argues that these claims are groundless and has denied the allegations. City officials initially contacted Fang in November of 2022 and required her to abate the encampment, but she did not respond to the request. In documents filed last month, Fang argues that she has already performed the necessary measures by contacting abatement specialists as per the City’s instructions. The documents allege that Fang contacted police regarding the encampment as early as 2019, but she said they proved to be unhelpful. Documents say Fang is asking the court to deny the city of Bellingham an issuance of a warrant of abatement because quote “it would result in significant harm to” to her and would be disproportionate to the overall benefit. STORY: Pedestrian dies after being struck by train in Mount Vernon A pedestrian was hit by a train in Mount Vernon early Tuesday afternoon. The collision happened at the South Third Street and Montgomery Street railroad crossing. According to a press release, the victim was already deceased when officers and EMS arrived on the scene. An investigation determined that a southbound BNSF train struck the pedestrian. The victim is not identified at this time pending notification of next-of-kin. The intent of the deceased has not been determined. Officials are asking for anyone that witnessed the collision or knows information related to the incident to contact Mount Vernon Police. STORY: Emergency response phase of Olympic gas spill now complete Emergency responders to the Olympic Pipeline spill in Conway say their work is done. Around 21,000 gallons of gasoline spilled in the area in early December. Over 8,000 gallons have been recovered, as well as 332,000 gallons of oily water. A press release by Pipeline Spill Unified Command states that gasoline has now stopped seeping into Hill Ditch. The site will now be turned over to the state Department of Ecology’s Toxic Cleanup Program for further management. The cause of the spill is still being investigated, and will be made public once it is completed. STORY: Western honeybee colonies at risk of collapse, WSU study finds A recent study by scientists at Washington State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture has found that crucial pollinators for a wide variety of plants are at risk of collapse. According to the USDA’s Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, warmer and prolonged fall seasons in the Pacific Northwest disrupt the natural resting cycle of bees. The warmth prompts bees to venture out, and accelerates their aging process due to the energy-intensive nature of flight. Consequently, by spring, bees that should be youthful and rested emerge as elderly, weak, and unable to care for the younger bee generations. Bees are in crisis across the country– some years see between 40 and 60% percent of colonies collapse. However, according to the study, not all are collapsing at the same time or for the same reasons, but climate change is a key factor. The study also says potential solutions are linked to human action, such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and the creation of pollinator habitats. STORY: Gov. Inslee signs supplemental budgets that boost behavioral health and K-12 education funding Last week Governor Jay Inslee signed a series of mental health bills into law, and approved the State’s supplemental capital and operating budgets. According to a …
April 2, 2024 News Transcript
Blaine neighbor murder case dismissed, Lynden couple injured in fatal I-5 wrong-way crash near Arlington, City of Bellingham Annual water main flushing, Lynden couple injured in fatal I-5 wrong-way crash near Arlington, Plover repairs on track to finish by summer, Lake Samish bridge and park to close for 15 months as delayed project is scheduled to begin, New count of gray whales along West Coast suggests rebound, WA announces Priority Climate Action Plan ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, April 2nd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Blaine neighbor murder case dismissed The case against a Blaine man accused of the shooting death of his neighbor has been dismissed. 77 year old Wayne Mahar was accused of killing 67 year old Vincent Reames in October of last year. Mahar allegedly shot the man in self-defense when, according to Mahar, Reames threatened to kill him. However, when questioned by detectives after the shooting, Mahar was unable to elaborate on those threats or other times he felt he was in fear for his life. The latest court records state that 77-year-old Wayne Mahar has been found incompetent to stand trial by doctors at Western State Hospital. Mahar’s case has been dismissed and doctors determined that it is unlikely his condition will improve with treatment. STORY: Lynden couple injured in fatal I-5 wrong-way crash near Arlington Yesterday, a wrong-way driver caused a 3-vehicle pileup in the northbound lanes of I-5 south near Arlington causing one fatality and injuring several people, including a couple from Lynden. According to the Washington State Patrol, a man driving a Chevrolet pickup truck was going south in the northbound lanes of I-5 at 1:15 pm when he crashed into a Subaru Outback. The truck then spun on impact and hit a Honda Odyssey. The wrong-way driver was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital, and several others were injured, including a couple from lynden. It is unclear if the wrong-way driver was under the influence of drugs. According to the state patrol, the cause of the crash is still being investigated. STORY: City of Bellingham Annual water main flushing The City of Bellingham will be flushing its water system until May. Water main flushing is an essential process that removes naturally occurring mineral deposits in pipes. The water is safe to drink during this time, but may have some temporary discoloration or reduced pressure. The city says if your water is cloudy, run the cold tap for a few minutes to clear it out. Flushing will take place every weekday between 7 am and 5 pm, and will start from the northwest corner of Bellingham in the Birchwood neighborhood, and finish in the southeast around Lake Padden. STORY: Plover repairs on track to finish by summer The City of Blaine announced that the Plover will resume summer service in June after a year-long hiatus for repairs. Originally built in 1944 as a cannery boat, the Plover underwent a 7-year restoration effort in 1996 to convert it into a passenger ferry. It’s the second oldest ferry operating in Washington State. Repairs on the 32-foot historical vessel include replacing damaged frames and replanking the bow section, which required sourcing clear vertical grain Douglas fir, a scarce resource. During yesterday’s Blaine City Council meeting, an agreement with Drayton Harbor Maritime to continue to maintain and operate the Plover was approved. According to the City of Blaine website, the MV Plover recorded its highest number of passengers in its history in 2022, with almost 8,000 one-way passengers. STORY: Lake Samish bridge and park to close for 15 months as delayed project is scheduled to begin Replacement of the Lake Samish bridge is scheduled to begin on May 28th. The bridge will be closed to all traffic for 15-months and will cost nearly $10 million dollars. Construction will involve intermittent closures to boat traffic underneath the bridge. Samish Park, situated at the north end of the bridge, will also be closed to the public during construction as it will serve as a staging area for materials and equipment. Originally planned for 2022, construction was delayed due to right-of-way negotiations and environmental permits. The project was awarded to Cascade Bridge LLC last November. The new bridge is projected to open to traffic around late August next year. STORY: New count of gray whales along West Coast suggests rebound Federal researchers at NOAA (Noah) say the gray whale population along the West Coast is showing signs of recovery five years after a major mortality event. Beginning in 2019, hundreds of the whales washed up dead on the coasts of Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, Canada and Mexico. NOAA researchers say the mortality event was due to ecosystem changes that affected the whales’ diet in the seas off northern Alaska. NOAA has now estimated the total number of eastern north Pacific Gray whales to be between about 17 and 21,000. That’s an increase of 4 to 5,000 whales over their low point during the die-off. STORY: WA announces Priority Climate Action Plan Washington has announced its Priority Climate Action Plan, laying the groundwork for a more collaborative approach to reducing pollution. Announced on Thursday, the plan consolidates the state’s many priorities into a list of 12 key actions, ready to be implemented in the near future. The measures will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution across the state in different ways, from improving energy systems on college campuses to preventing food waste. Many of the priority measures contained in this plan are based on existing state, local and tribal climate and clean energy plans and programs, and aims to maximize the benefits of climate action in overburdened communities. With the plan complete, Washington can now apply for additional Climate Pollution Reduction Grants funds. The grants total $4.6 billion and are up for grabs by the state, tribal governments, and other partnerships across the country. WX: Rain Your Whatcom County weather – expect occasional clouds and light rain today …
April 1, 2024 News Transcript
Bellingham City Council votes to explore possible annexation of area northeast of city limits, Lynden council renews lease for Community/Senior Center, Port of Bellingham announces new restoration project, Silfab Solar leaving Bellingham waterfront facility, Whatcom, Skagit unemployment rates rise to highest levels since 2021, Member of Skagit and Whatcom drug distribution ring sentenced to prison, WA becomes first state to ban lead-contaminated cookware ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, April 1st. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham City Council votes to explore possible annexation of area northeast of city limits The city of Bellingham will consider the annexation of the Northern Heights neighborhood. Part of the urban growth area, Northern Heights is located along Britton Road on the northeast edge of the city, and consists of 248 homes with approximately 700 people. Last week the city council voted 6-1 to begin a 180-day process to collect information about the potential impact of annexing 146 acres of land between Roma Road and Mount Baker Highway. Councilwoman Lisa Anderson dissented, and cited concerns about police and fire response in the area, as well as possible funding issues. Despite Anderson’s concerns, nearly 60% of property owners in the affected area have endorsed annexation. The study on annexation will include an assessment of the costs and impacts associated with providing police and fire services to the area. STORY: Lynden council renews lease for Community/Senior Center The Lyden City Council voted to renew the lease of the Lynden Community and Senior Center. Operating since the mid 1990s without an updated lease, the new agreement gives the center a new description of services that they must provide to meet the city’s standards. According to recent reporting from the Lynden Tribune, City Administrator John Williams says that while the changes are long overdue, the updated lease was primarily housekeeping and shouldn’t affect how the center operates. Executive Director of the center, Jennifer Lautenbach (LOUT-en-bawk/LOUT-en-back), says that the update helps maintain the working relationship between the center and the city. The renewal passed on March 18th. STORY: Port of Bellingham announces new restoration project The Port of Bellingham has announced a new restoration project to clean up the six digester tanks on the waterfront. The plan for the iconic tanks is to have their old and failing paint cleaned off, then be allowed to rust so they look similar to the Acid Ball. The Port is working with the Washington State Department of Ecology, the Northwest Clean Air Agency and the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries to ensure that the work done on the large tanks is conducted with minimal harm to the environment. Pressure washers will be used instead of sandblasting to better control dust, and the water and paint will be collected using plastic sheeting. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of April. STORY: Silfab Solar leaving Bellingham waterfront facility Canada-based Silfab Solar is planning to leave the Bellingham waterfront in favor of a new facility in Burlington. Silfab originally signed a lease for the Bellingham facility in 2018 following the purchase of Itek energy, which was located in the same building. After struggling to meet demand for their solar panels Silfab then expanded to the Burlington location in 2021, director of marketing Lorraine Hoefler said in an email. It is not clear exactly when Silfab will leave Bellingham – however, Hoefler says that the company does not own the building and that they are coming up on the last year of their lease. STORY: Whatcom, Skagit unemployment rates rise to highest levels since 2021 Unemployment rates increased in both Whatcom and Skagit counties in February. According to a recent report by the Washington State Employment Security Department, Whatcom County’s jobless rate rose about one percent– to 6.4 percent. Skagit County’s rate bumped up .7 percent to 6.9% in the same period. The unemployment rates are the highest since March 2021 but still remain lower than in April 2020 in the early stages of the pandemic. Officials attribute the trend to seasonal factors and suggest that the numbers in March and April will provide clearer understanding. STORY: Member of Skagit and Whatcom drug distribution ring sentenced to prison Jesse Witteveen (WIT-tuh-veen), a Maple Falls resident, has been sentenced to six years in prison for his involvement in distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine. Witteveen was apprehended after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase, during which he threw bags of drugs out of the window. Witteveen’s actions were discovered to be part of a larger drug trafficking operation throughout Whatcom and Skagit Counties, which involved significant amounts of various drugs, cash, and firearms. Other individuals involved in the drug ring have also received significant prison sentences. This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces investigation– a collaborative effort of federal, state, and local agencies to combat high-level drug trafficking. STORY: WA becomes first state to ban lead-contaminated cookware Washington is the first state to ban the manufacture, distribution and sale of cookware contaminated with lead. Passed by the state legislature earlier last month, House Bill 1551 restricts the sale of pots and pans containing lead levels exceeding 5 parts per million. A 2022 University of Washington study in collaboration with King County revealed alarmingly high levels of lead in aluminum cookware manufactured overseas. The paper found a specific link between imported cookware and lead exposure in Afghan refugee families, brought with them during their move. The pots, pans, and pressure cookers are often uncoated, non-anodized, and made from discarded scrap metal. King County has started a swap program, allowing families to trade the lead-tainted cookware for stainless steel ones. Other lead-contaminated kitchenware has been found in local stores and online. The bill is awaiting Governor Inslee’s signature. WX: Sun Your Whatcom County weather – expect sun today, with a high of 60 degrees and moderate winds. Tonight, clouds will roll in and temperatures are projected to drop to a low of …
March 29, 2024 News Transcript
Mount Baker schools to cut $3M in spending, Ferndale breaks ground on city’s first official skatepark, Sandy Point fire district to appeal to voters to move flood-prone fire station, New WA law will allow traffic cameras on more city streets, Free and Cheap ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, March 29th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Mount Baker schools to cut $3M in spending The Mount Baker School Board has approved the reduction of 25 full-time staff as the school district repairs its finances. The District has struggled with its budget since last summer, when it entered binding conditions with the state. To meet those conditions this year, they needed to increase their general fund balance to about $1.2 million. According to superintendent Phil Brockman, that goal is likely out of reach for this year. The board approved the reduction of 15 certificated elementary and secondary full-time staff and 10 classified full-time staff. According to the district, the cuts will reduce spending by about $3 million. Mount Baker has about 124 certificated staff and 88 classified staff. The exact cuts will be determined in the coming weeks. STORY: Ferndale breaks ground on city’s first official skatepark The City of Ferndale will host the groundbreaking ceremony in April for the future Metalworks Skatepark. The new park will be located on Second Avenue across from the former American Legion building and was approved at the December Ferndale City Council meeting, where dozens of people showed up in support. Common themes of the supporters were a sense of belonging and a safe space for youth who have outgrown traditional parks and playgrounds. City of Ferndale spokesperson Megan Juenemann (JUNE-uh-min) said the park is expected to open this fall. The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, April 10th. STORY: Sandy Point fire district to appeal to voters to move flood-prone fire station The Sandy Point fire district is asking voters to approve the relocation of their flood-prone fire station. Whatcom Fire District 17, which serves Sandy Point Shores, Neptune Beach, and the western portions of Lummi Indian Reservation, has experienced two significant flood events at their main station on Sucia (SU-shuh) Drive. One of those events exceeded $750,000 in repairs and resulted in delayed emergency services. The fire district board of commissioners approved mounting an appeal to voters in the upcoming April levy election to build a new fire station outside the flood zone. Supporters say Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery has offered an elevated Slater Road property at no cost, which would considerably lower the costs of the project, but construction funds will still require an additional 2 to 3 million. In the April election, the district will ask voters to support an increase in the district’s property tax to pay for the relocation. STORY: New WA law will allow traffic cameras on more city streets A new law in Washington state expands the use of traffic cameras to crack down on drivers who run red lights, speed in work zones, and fail to stop at crosswalks. Governor Jay Inslee signed the legislation on Tuesday, citing the effectiveness of speed cameras in reducing accidents and fatalities. The move comes amid rising traffic-related deaths. The bill allows for the deployment of cameras in more areas, including state routes within city limits and work zones on city and county roads. The legislation stirred debate along party lines, with Democrats supporting it for safety reasons while Republicans raised concerns about revenue generation and fairness in fines. Despite disagreements, proponents emphasize the goal of encouraging safer driving habits rather than solely punishing offenders. Cities and counties must justify camera placements with data on collisions and speeding incidents and in 2026 will be required to report the revenue collected. Penalties for violations captured by traffic cameras are capped at $145 per incident but can be doubled in school zones. STORY: Free and Cheap It’s Easter weekend and here are a few events happening around the county. After 2 months at the Bellingham Public Library, 200 chum salmon are ready to be released into the wild. The library is hosting a release party to transition the fish from their tank to Whatcom Creek. The event will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, starting with a gathering at the central branch of the library for a ceremony before moving to Maritime Heritage Park. Also on Saturday, the Arne Hanna Aquatic Center is hosting an egg hunt. The aquatic egg hunt will feature multiple hunts for eggs filled with toys or candy along with other activities in between. Bring your swimsuits and towels and be ready to get wet. Tickets are 9 dollars. On Sunday, Boundary Bay Brewery is hosting a free Easter Egg Hunt for kids. The bistro opens at 11 am, and the hunt starts at 1 pm in the beer garden. Also on Sunday, Semiahmoo Resort is hosting Easter events. There will be free games, face painting, balloon art and cartoon drawings starting at 11:30 am. The egg hunt will begin at noon and include prizes that can be redeemed at the resort. WX: Sun Your Whatcom County weather today: expect a clear and sunny day, with a high of 56 degrees and light winds. Tonight, temperatures will drop to a low of 38. More sun and clear skies are expected all weekend. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman and Tristan Trudell. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p-m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by listener donations. If you would like to help keep local news accessible, check out our new Patreon page at patreon.com/kmrenews or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _David Korb_______________… thanks for listening.
March 28, 2024 News Transcript
Woman who died at WWU rec center pool was retired biology department chair, Whatcom Skills Center gets needed funding for phase one of project, Bellingham mobile home park’s affordability uncertain after residents’ land purchase attempt fails, East Whatcom residents launch newsletter, website, Add wildfire, climate change to the list of Lake Whatcom worries, Strippers’ bill of rights bill signed into law in Washington state ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, March 28. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Woman who died at WWU rec center pool was retired biology department chair A woman who died Friday, March 22 at the Western Washington University Student Rec Center has been identified as retired WWU biology department chair Joann Otto. According to paramedics, Otto began experiencing distress at the side of the pool and was pulled onto the deck. Lifeguards, staff, and paramedics were unable to revive her. In a news release issued Wednesday, Otto is described as a “transformational leader” who helped lead the department to national prominence in biology education. Ms. Otto retired in 2016. She was 74 years old. Her family has asked that donations in her memory be made to the Troutdale Historical Society, San Juan Preservation Trust, or Western’s Joann Otto Microscope Endowment. STORY: Whatcom Skills Center gets needed funding for phase one of project Meridian School district now has enough funding to begin the first phase of the proposed Whatcom County Skills Center. Available for junior and senior high school students in Whatcom, the Center will allow students to learn technical education skills that help them get jobs, and fill the gap of recent skilled labor shortages. According to a recent announcement, the center will be free for students as part of k-12 funding, and will provide materials that would be too expensive for districts to afford on their own. With the new funds, Meridian plans to begin construction on four new classrooms and a district office – an expansion of their current trades department. They will also begin work on the Whatcom Early learning Center, a building to provide child care and clinicals for both highschool and college students. Northwest Career and Technical Academy director Lynette Brower says the funding from the state likely won’t come through until around 2030. According to Meridian Superintendent James Everett, the district also received around 9 million from multiple sources for the Early Learning Center, but says they are still 3 million dollars short. Brower is working to find quicker sources of funding. Everett says they aim to complete construction of both buildings by 2026. STORY: Bellingham mobile home park’s affordability uncertain after residents’ land purchase attempt fails The future affordability of Lakeway Mobile Estates is uncertain after residents’ attempt to buy the property was unsuccessful. Despite the combined efforts of residents, the city, and organizations like the Northwest Cooperative Development Center, they were unable to offer a competitive purchase amount due to the high value of the land. The mobile home park in Bellingham has been sold to a new owner– Havenpark–for approximately $41 million. According to residents, Havenpark says they intend to maintain the property as a manufactured home park, alleviating fears of converting the land to another use. While residents expect rent increases under the new ownership, they hope the rental spaces will remain affordable for the seniors who live there. STORY: East Whatcom residents launch newsletter, website Residents of the Mount Baker Foothills have started a project aimed at bridging the gap between rural inhabitants and essential resources. Nearly a decade in development, the Foothills Communication Hub will integrate the events, information, and resources available to East Whatcom County residents. In a recent announcement, editor Melonie Ancheta said the hub’s core objective is to share information about available resources, and is made up of a website and a free monthly print publication, the Foothills Outlook. According to Ancheta, the newsletter will be distributed all over eastern Whatcom County, including Kendall, Maple Falls, Glacier, Deming, Van Zandt, Welcome, and Acme. STORY: Add wildfire, climate change to the list of Lake Whatcom worries Yesterday, elected officials added two new threats to Lake Whatcom for 2024: wildfire and climate change. At the joint city and county meeting of the Lake Whatcom Management Program, officials discussed the 50-year timeline to correct the lake’s excessive levels of phosphorus and deficient levels of dissolved oxygen. They also talked about heightened concern over two relatively new threats to the lake: wildfire and climate change. County Executive Satpal Sidhu expressed concern for the safety of the watershed if the area experiences another catastrophic fire. More frequent extreme weather events are also a concern for the watershed. Storms increase runoff from the mountains, which increases the lake’s phosphorus load. While water quality readings have remained fairly constant over the past 10 years, there is some indication that trends are headed in the right direction. City and county scientists said they will add climate action as a new element to the Lake Whatcom Management Program’s next five-year plan, which will be completed this year and be in effect from 2025–29. STORY: Strippers’ bill of rights bill signed into law in Washington state Governor Jay Inslee has signed legislation that aims to provide comprehensive protections for workers in the adult entertainment industry. Called the “strippers’ bill of rights”, advocates emphasize the importance of treating strippers as workers entitled to the same rights and safeguards as any other labor force. The law mandates training to prevent sexual harassment, identify human trafficking, and provide first aid, along with measures like keypad codes on dressing rooms and panic buttons for safety. While Washington is pioneering such protections at the state level, similar measures have been seen elsewhere, including in Illinois and through unionization efforts in Los Angeles and Portland. WX: Rain Your Whatcom County weather today – expect clouds and rain, with a high of 55 degrees and moderate winds. There is a chance of thunderstorms and hail tonight and a low of 43. …
March 27, 2024 News Transcript
Woman faces attempted homicide charge following fire that destroyed another Lummi Nation home, Whatcom County passes resolution aimed at combating fentanyl, East Whatcom residents launch newsletter, website, Ski to Sea officially sells out for first time in 13 years, Inslee signs new gun laws, including ban at transit facilities, libraries, Unsafe levels of lead found in some bargain cinnamon products, New COVID guidelines ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, March 27. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Woman faces attempted homicide charge following fire that destroyed another Lummi Nation home A Lummi Nation woman is facing multiple charges, including arson and attempted homicide, after a home burned down on the reservation last Tuesday. Lummi Police Chief Jay Martin told The Bellingham Herald the fire was started around 4 am when Chardelle Lynn George Rosario (shar-DELL), aged 44, set a flammable liquid on fire in an attempt to burn an individual to death. While the victim was able to escape without major injuries, a trailer in the driveway caught fire, which then spread to the main residence. The incident happened the same night another Lummi Nation home was destroyed by fire. However, according to the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office, the two fires are completely unrelated. Bellingham police arrested Rosario March 21st at Zuanich Point Park (zoo-AHN-ich) when officers identified a vehicle that matched a description they were given. Rosario tried to escape, but was stopped by police. She resisted arrest, but was subsequently subdued and booked into Whatcom County Jail. Rosario is being charged with suspicion of attempting to elude a police vehicle, second-degree malicious mischief and resisting arrest. Authorities have not identified the person who Rosario reportedly attempted to set on fire. STORY: Whatcom County passes resolution aimed at combating fentanyl Yesterday, the Whatcom County Health Board adopted a unanimous resolution declaring the fentanyl crisis a state of emergency– similar to an earthquake, pandemic, or a flood. Between 2022 and 2023, Whatcom County experienced a 43% increase in overdose deaths, fueled by cheap and easily available opioid drugs, such as fentanyl. In the meeting, District Court Judge Angela Anderson told the Health Board that she was dismissing at least one drug case every week because the person facing trial had died of an overdose. If adopted by the Bellingham City Council on April 9th, the emergency declaration would allow administrators to bypass limits on hiring and spending. According to supporters, more funding could then go to paramedic services and a planned 23-hour crisis intervention center. City Council is likely to officially approve the resolution in two weeks. STORY: East Whatcom residents launch newsletter, website Residents of the Mount Baker Foothills have started a project aimed at bridging the gap between rural inhabitants and essential resources. Nearly a decade in development, the Foothills Communication Hub will integrate the events, information, and resources available to East Whatcom County residents. Spearheaded by Matthew Thuney (TOON-y) and Carl McDaniel, the project faced setbacks following Thuney’s passing in 2022 but is now poised for launch. In a recent announcement, editor Melonie Ancheta said the hub’s core objective is to share information about available resources, and is made up of a website and a free monthly print publication, the Foothills Outlook. Through collaboration with community radio station, KAVZ 102.5, the hub aims to amplify its reach, facilitating public service announcements and broadcasting essential information. According to Ancheta, the newsletter will be distributed all over eastern Whatcom County, including Kendall, Maple Falls, Glacier, Deming, Van Zandt, Welcome and Acme. STORY: Ski to Sea officially sells out for first time in 13 years Ski to Sea has sold out for the first time in 13 years. The last time they sold out their 500 spots was in 2011, although they did come close last year with 485 entries. Race organizers have also warned participants of a low snowfall this winter, which may result in alternate routes. Registered racers must provide their team names by April 19th. STORY: Inslee signs new gun laws, including ban at transit facilities, libraries Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed multiple gun restriction bills into law on Tuesday. New safety and reporting requirements go into effect for gun dealers, owners, and law enforcement agencies. Key measures include background checks for employees of gun dealers, lost or stolen firearms must now be reported within 24 hours, firearms are prohibited in certain public spaces without concealed-carry permits, and confiscated firearms can now be destroyed. While praised by advocates for stricter gun laws, the bills faced strong opposition from Republicans and gun industry groups, who raised concerns about the impact on gun dealers and the constitutionality of the measures. Despite potential legal challenges, Washington’s Attorney General Bob Ferguson highlighted his success defending previous gun laws in court. STORY: Unsafe levels of lead found in some bargain cinnamon products An unsafe amount of lead has been found in bargain cinnamon products. The alert began late last year when the food and drug administration recalled several cinnamon applesauce pouches containing lead. The Washington Poison Center subsequently sent out a public health alert when unsafe lead levels were also found in ground cinnamon. Supreme tradition Ground Cinnamon, sold in dollar tree and family dollar, is one brand that contained too much lead. Other brands catering to Latino consumers include La Fiesta ground cinnamon, Marcum ground cinnamon, MK cinnamon powder, Swad cinnamon powder and El Chilar ground cinnamon. The FDA recommends checking your cabinets for these brands as they are known to have a long shelf life. Excessive exposure to lead is dangerous to everyone, but it is especially harmful to infants – as it can stunt the body’s ability to grow. STORY: New COVID guidelines The CDC and Washington State Department of Health announced an update to their guidance on COVID-19. Individuals who catch covid can now resume normal activities when symptoms improve and when they are fever-free without medication for 24 hours. Additional precautions like wearing masks, improving ventilation, and testing before indoor …
March 26, 2024 News Transcript
Port of Bellingham votes to end contract with ABC Recycling, Arson suspect arrested in connection with trash fires, Bellingham seafood processing company announces closure, Blaine School District anticipates $2.5M in budget cuts, Fire training downtown Bellingham, Judge orders Providence debt collector Optimum Outcomes to pay $827,000 penalty for violating patients’ medical debt collection rights, New Covid Guidelines ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, March 26. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Port of Bellingham votes to end contract with ABC Recycling Yesterday, the Port of Bellingham and Canada-based ABC recycling announced a mutually-agreed upon termination of their bulk-shipping lease. The Port says the decision was made due to ongoing concerns about ABC’s ability to comply with lease terms, particularly regarding environmental standards. Port Executive Director Rob Fix expressed regret over losing an employer supporting Union labor and family-wage jobs, but emphasized the importance of prioritizing environmental protection. In a recent release, Andy Anthony, Vice President of US Operations for ABC Recycling, said ABC is working to reassess its approach to export bulk shipping strategy now that they will not have a facility in Bellingham, but says he thinks the lease termination is the right decision for the company as well. ABC has plans to build a metal shredder facility in collaboration with Whatcom County, but the termination of port operations leaves the future of that project uncertain. Both the metal handling at the waterfront and a proposed metal shredder facility have faced significant citizen complaints due to noise concerns. ABC Recycling has until June 30th to remove all scrap metal from the waterfront, which will be loaded onto cargo vessels under enhanced environmental measures. STORY: Arson suspect arrested in connection with trash fires A man was arrested yesterday in connection with a series of trash fires in Bellingham. The first fire was started next to a dumpster at an apartment complex on Woodstock Way. As Bellingham fire crews responded to the emergency, a second fire was lit not far away – in a dumpster behind the Goodwill store on Sunset. Finally, a third fire was started in a recycling can on Grant Street, which was extinguished by a witness. Bellingham Police arrested the suspect in a vacant lot along Alabama Street at around 7:30pm. Fire Chief Bill Hewitt stated that the fires are still under investigation, and the suspect remains in custody. STORY: Bellingham seafood processing company announces closure Seafood processing plant Bornstein (born-STEEN) Seafoods is closing its Bellingham headquarters. The company filed its intentions with Washington State officials on March 22nd. About 70 local workers will be laid off and the last day for Bellingham operations will be near the end of June. The Bornstein plant in Newport, Oregon will also be shuttered. A company news release announced operations from the Bellingham and Newport facilities will be consolidated in Astoria, Oregon. Vice President Andrew Bornstein said the company remains committed to its employees and will provide job fair opportunities as well as access to other resources to help them find alternative employment. STORY: Blaine School District anticipates $2.5M in budget cuts The Blaine school board has directed the superintendent to reduce its educational plan as the district faces two-and-a-half million dollars in budget cuts. Superintendent Christopher Granger says a notice will be sent this Thursday to staff whose jobs may be impacted as a result of the cuts. The final plan will come during the April school board meeting. According to recent reporting by the Cascadia Daily, board member Ben Lazarus introduced a resolution that would have the school district negotiate with the two existing staff unions in order to avoid pay raises for the upcoming year. Lazarus argued this move would curb the budget loss, as pay raises this year would cost the school $1.6 million. He also claimed that hiring more staff should get priority over pay raises for current staff. Board members tabled the motion until a future meeting. STORY: Fire training downtown Bellingham The Bellingham Fire Department is holding training exercises downtown throughout the week. From today till Friday, the Railroad Parking Garage will be the scene of emergency practice scenarios. Expect to see fire engines around the area and hoses laying on the sidewalks, with an occasional fog machine for added realism. The garage will be open for business as usual. STORY: Judge orders Providence debt collector Optimum Outcomes to pay $827,000 penalty for violating patients’ medical debt collection rights Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced another legal victory against a debt collection agency in a trial related to an ongoing charity care lawsuit. King County Superior Court judge Sean O’Donnell ruled that Illinois-based Optimum Outcomes violated the Consumer Protection Act when it failed to provide information about financial assistance, and inform patients of their rights. Court documents say internal practices included pressuring patients for payment and sending Medicaid patients to collection despite their eligibility for assistance. The court ordered Optimum to pay over $820,000 in penalties and also mandated reforms to comply with state law. Optimum is the debt collector for Providence Health and Services, one of the nation’s largest healthcare systems. As part of a previous resolution with Providence last month, nearly 100,000 patients will receive refunds or debt forgiveness totaling nearly $158 million. The lawsuit highlighted over 100,000 violations of the state Consumer Protection Act due to Providence’s unfair practices. The legal action is part of Attorney General Ferguson’s Health Care Initiative, which has led to over $205 million in debt forgiveness and refunds for Washington residents. Other resolved cases include similar agreements with PeaceHealth, CHI (C-H-I) Franciscan, and Capital Medical Center. Ferguson encourages individuals who believe they are not receiving entitled financial assistance to file complaints with the Attorney General’s Office. WX: Sun Your Whatcom County weather – today will be mostly cloudy, with a high of 53 degrees and moderate winds. The clouds will give way to the sun later today, while tonight will bring more rain and a low of 43. Showers and …
March 25, 2024 News Transcript
Swimmer dies poolside at Western Washington University’s student recreation center, Multi-agency sweep leads to 5 arrests in major drug bust; other suspects at large, WSDOT crews ready to begin annual spring clearing of North Cascades Highway, Local credit union partners with Lighthouse Mission for new building, Van Zandt Community Hall plots major renovation to mark 100 years, Legislature adopts proposal to launch Artificial Intelligence Task Force, The CDC and Washington State Department of Health announced an update to their guidance on COVID-19. ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, March 25th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Swimmer dies poolside at Western Washington University’s student recreation center A swimmer died poolside at the WWU Wade King Student Rec Center on Friday. After a swimmer appeared to be in distress on the side of the pool, lifeguards and staff began CPR. EMTs responded, but could not revive them. The identity of this person was not released, pending notification of family. According to University Communications Assistant Director John Thompson, the swimmer was not a WWU student. STORY: Multi-agency sweep leads to 5 arrests in major drug bust; other suspects at large Law enforcement officers have arrested 5 Whatcom county locals in a major drug bust – with other suspects still at large. An investigation was led by the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force, which concluded when police served warrants to the 6000 block of Neevel Road east of Ferndale and the 5300 block of Guide Meridian in Bellingham. According to a news release from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s office, deputies found over 3 pounds of fentanyl powder, a sawed off shotgun, and cell phones when they searched the homes. Law enforcement arrested Victor Alcala Arellanes (al-CA-la ar-ee-YAH-ness) , aged 35, Jesus Garcia Covarrubias (hay-SOOS) (co-vah-ROO-bi-as), aged 24, Carlos Ramos Navarrette (nav-ah-RET-eh), aged 23, and Carlos Monreal Ceballos (suh-BAI-os) aged 29. Bellingham man Theron Chin, aged 48, was also arrested while the warrants were being served. All 5 men face counts of possession with intent to deliver. Officers are still searching for three additional suspects in connection with Friday’s investigation. STORY: WSDOT crews ready to begin annual spring clearing of North Cascades Highway Highway crews will start spring cleaning today along State Route 20. During the cleaning period, the North Cascades Highway will be closed during work hours starting at milepost 171, from Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. This annual clearing effort typically spans six to eight weeks, although weather conditions may affect the timeline. WSDOT (WASH-dot) reminds snowmobile owners to relocate their vehicles parked behind the closure point before the work begins. STORY: Local credit union partners with Lighthouse Mission for new building WECU has announced that they are providing Lighthouse Mission with a $1 million grant to help build their new facility. The credit union announced the partnership earlier this month, providing the grant as a loan that can be paid down without penalty. According to Lighthouse Mission CEO Hans Erchinger-Davis (UR-chin-ger), WECU is also helping them sell the Willows Inn, which was donated last year to help fund the new building. However, even with the new grant, Erchinger-Davis says they’re still facing a $4 million shortfall. Lighthouse Mission’s former building was demolished in early 2023 to make way for the new five story building on West Holly St. The new 300 to 400-bed building is projected to open in October of 2024. STORY: Van Zandt Community Hall plots major renovation to mark 100 years Nearly 100 years after being built, the Van Zandt Community Hall is getting a major renovation. The hall, originally a two-room schoolhouse, has been managed by community members since the 1950s. It is owned by Whatcom County, but the South Fork Valley Community Association is the building’s steward. According to the association, the hall is a center of life in the South Fork Valley, from putting on events and youth programming, to hosting government meetings and election forums. Now, after years of the association doing its own upgrades, the state has pitched in $500,000 toward a major renovation. The community raised $100,000 of the necessary money and is hoping to see additional funding from the county. The funding comes with support primarily from State Senator Sharon Shewmake, as well as Whatcom County Parks Director Bennett Knox and County Executive Satpal Sidhu. The money will add many needed changes: a new entrance, expanded storage, more space for the community radio station KAVZ 102.5 FM — which is currently broadcasting out of an old broom closet — as well as replacing the heating system, and re-insulating the walls. According to the association, the community hopes to break ground in fall 2024 and be done in time for a centennial celebration in summer 2025. STORY: Legislature adopts proposal to launch Artificial Intelligence Task Force Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s bipartisan proposal for an Artificial Intelligence Task Force has successfully passed the Legislature. The task force aims to address concerns regarding AI technology, particularly focusing on generative AI’s rapid growth in popularity. The legislation directs the task force to investigate concerns such as public policy issues, high-risk uses, racial equity, and civil liberty issues and then provide recommendations for potential regularion. The task force will meet biannually, with a final report due to the Governor and Legislature by July 1, 2026. Colorado, Illinois, Texas, Vermont, and Virginia have also established AI task forces or commissions. WX: Sun Your Whatcom County weather – rain will be likely today, with a high of 51 degrees and moderate winds. Expect more precipitation late tonight with a low of 43. Rain is projected all week long. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman and Tristan Trudell. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p-m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by listener donations. If …
March 22, 2024 News Transcript
Lummi Nation couple barely escapes house fire, Concrete man arrested Thursday in connection to murder of Marblemount man, Pike Place style-market planned for downtown waterfront in Bellingham, National Parks Service outlines options for Grizzly reintroduction, New WA law will allow some property crimes to be classified as hate crimes, Free and Cheap ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, March 22nd. Good afternoon, I’m __David Korb____. STORY: Lummi Nation couple barely escapes house fire A family in Lummi Nation narrowly escaped a fire that burned down their home Tuesday morning. According to the Whatcom County fire marshal, the fire began at 2:30 am, when a heat lamp accidentally ignited clothing. It quickly spread and burned down the home, car, and surrounding structures. Both Willie Lane, 62, and Aline Soundy, 67, fled, saving their dog and seven kittens. They survived with second degree burns, but the mother of the kittens did not make it. A GoFundMe page had raised $31,000 so far — money that will help them rebuild. According to their niece, the couple are recovering at a relative’s home. STORY: Concrete man arrested Thursday in connection to murder of Marblemount man A man from Concrete was arrested on Thursday for suspected murder. Justin Spaeth (SPAY-th), aged 44, was declared missing from his Marblemount home on February 28th. He was reportedly going to a friend’s house just two miles away. During the investigation, authorities found evidence that James Kelly, aged 33, knew Speath and may have been involved in the disappearance. Kelly is in custody following a two-day search of his home. STORY: Pike Place style-market planned for downtown waterfront in Bellingham The Port of Bellingham is introducing a Pike Place-style market to the Portal Container Village. According to an announcement by the Port of Bellingham, the market will operate as a cooperative, allowing locals to sell goods with less time and staffing commitments. The market will showcase products from local farms and fishermen, including a proposed nursery and farm stand. The Port plans to establish more year-round operations as part of their ongoing development efforts at the former Georgia-Pacific site. Zeeks Pizza and Bin 13 Wine Bar will join the village this spring, operating throughout the year. Interested local fishermen and farmers are encouraged to contact market manager Carey Hansen. The new fish market is scheduled to debut next Spring. STORY: National Parks Service outlines options for Grizzly reintroduction A plan to reintroduce grizzly bears in the north cascades is now moving forward. The parks service released its final environmental impact statement yesterday that outlines three ways to restore grizzly bear populations in Washington’s remote northern Cascades. The plan recommended by federal officials provides more flexible management tools by designating the bears as a nonessential experimental population. This plan would calm local concerns about this population of grizzlies harming livestock by providing options to deal with threatening bears. The issue has caused significant debate between ranchers and environmentalists, which resulted in over 12,000 responses during a 45 day public comment period last fall. The National Park Service began its first step in grizzly reintegration in 2020, which was shut down by the Trump administration. A change in the presidency may affect the execution of the new plan. If adopted, officials would build a population of 200 grizzlies, releasing several bears in the cascades annually for up to 10 years. The plan calls for an initial introductory population of 25. STORY: New WA law will allow some property crimes to be classified as hate crimes Washington state has expanded the definition of hate crime. State Senator Andy Billig was spurred to action after vandals targeted LGBTQ+ pride sidewalks in Spokane. Billig says his bill broadens hate crime statutes to encompass malicious acts based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and other identities. Advocates, recalling incidents like the defacement of a Black Lives Matter mural and vandalism at the Wing Luke Museum, support the bill, citing increased incidents of Islamophobia, antisemitism, and anti-Asian attacks. Miri Cypers, from the Anti-Defamation League PNW, emphasized the urgency of combating hate after her synagogue was targeted with graffiti. Despite FBI data showing fluctuation in hate crimes, testimonies suggest a perceived increase since last fall. The bill was signed into law last week and is set to take effect in June. STORY: Free and Cheap Looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend? Here are a few events happening across the county. On Saturday, the Bellingham Makerspace at Bellis Fair is holding a free craft time. From 2 to 5 pm, the event will feature a project demonstration, with all materials provided. All ages are invited and registration is available at BellinghamMakerspace.org. For those looking to do something outdoors, there will be a community work party at Cornwall Park Saturday from 9 am to noon. Volunteers will help plant trees and shrubs while removing invasive Himalayan Blackberry at one of Bellingham’s oldest parks. All ages and abilities are welcome and tools, gloves, and instructions are provided. Registration is available at COB.org. Finally, the Mount Baker Rock and Gem Club is hosting its 62nd annual Gem and Mineral Show this weekend. The event is free and will have rocks, minerals, fossils, and gems on display. There will also be vendors, food, and an auction. The event runs from 10 to 6 on Saturday, and 10 to 5 on Sunday at the Pioneer Pavilion Community Center. WX: Sun Your Whatcom County weather today – there’s a chance of showers in the evening, with a high of 60 degrees and moderate winds. Later tonight, expect more precipitation with a low of 45. Rain is likely this weekend, otherwise, expect clouds. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman and Tristan Trudell. 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 …
