BPD investigating attempted smash-and-grab at pot shop, Several car vs property incidents in Whatcom County recently, Ferndale woman accused of attempting to bribe deputy with drugs while detained, Western’s Early Childhood Education earns state’s first NAEYC accreditation for bachelor’s program, Bellingham Bells to host 2024 West Coast League All-Star Game, Wintery weather forecast for Whatcom County beginning this weekend and continuing into next week, Tree coverage in cities crucial as planet warms, WA research shows, 42nd District Town Hall airs on KMRE, Low wages, high costs: WA prisoners say they’re being exploited, according to report ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, February 22nd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: BPD investigating attempted smash-and-grab at pot shop, Several car vs property incidents in Whatcom County recently The last week has seen multiple car and building crashes in Whatcom County. First responders were dispatched Friday evening to East Sunset Drive and Britton Road, where police found a car with heavy frontend damage, and the smashed rollup door of a business. The driver was arrested and charged with a DUI. On Sunday, a car crashed into Slice of Heaven bakery on North Samish Way. According to co-owner Marci Abshire (AB-shur), the vehicle ran through the outside fence and seating area, before barreling into the bakery. The minor driver reportedly suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the crash and according to the Bellingham Police Department, was said to have been suffering a mental crisis at the time. The collision forced Slice of Life to close for a few days as a result. Police were dispatched Monday evening to another car crash at a Ferndale business. They arrived to find that the building suffered a small dent and no one had been injured. Finally, police are investigating an attempted burglary at the StarBuds dispensary on Samish Way. Early Tuesday morning, a stolen Kia Sorento was reportedly used to smash into the front of the store multiple times before the suspects fled. The incident resulted in $50,000 worth of damages to the building. It comes amid similar incidents of cars being used to ram into cannabis stores, more frequently in King County. Anyone with information is asked to contact BPD’s non-emergency dispatch line. STORY: Ferndale woman accused of attempting to bribe deputy with drugs while detained A Ferndale woman is being accused of attempting to bribe a deputy with drugs and threatening other deputies during her arrest earlier this month. 43-year-old Elisha (uh-LEE-shuh) Rick, along with some of her relatives, refused to leave another relative’s home on Curtis Road on February 10th. After they eventually left, authorities were notified of the incident, and given a description of the vehicle she had left in. Upon her arrest, Rick offered drugs to a County Sheriff’s Office deputy in exchange for her release, and threatened to kill the deputy if she was detained. Rick was arrested on suspicion of felony harassment, bribery, violating a no-contact order for domestic violence, and driving with a suspended license. This is not her first brush with the law; she had outstanding warrants for indecent exposure to a minor and violation of a protection order. Rick remains in custody at the Whatcom County Jail. STORY: Western’s Early Childhood Education earns state’s first NAEYC accreditation for bachelor’s program Western Washington University’s Early Childhood Education program has earned the state’s first-ever accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Western now offers one of just two bachelor-level ECE degree programs on the West Coast that have passed the association’s rigorous accreditation process. During the site visit in 2023, evaluators observed classes at Western and met with students, faculty, staff and administrators, along with directors of childcare centers and elementary schools that are longtime partners of Western’s Early Childhood Education Program. WWU was one of only four programs in the country to receive accreditation from NAEYC in its recent round. STORY: Bellingham Bells to host 2024 West Coast League All-Star Game The Bellingham Bells have announced they will host this year’s West Coast League All Star Game. The event highlights players from all 16 West Coast League teams, and offers activities such as a community adaptive baseball game, a player pro-style workout with major league baseball scouts, as well as a skills challenge showcasing top All-Stars. The game itself will be held on July 17th and college players from across the country will compete at Joe Martin Field. Tickets go on sale April 1st. Play ball! STORY: Wintery weather forecast for Whatcom County beginning this weekend and continuing into next week Weather forecast models indicate potential snowfall this weekend, particularly in the higher elevations of the Cascades. According to the National Weather Service, a strong front bringing heavy rain in lowland areas, snow in the mountains, and gusty winds is anticipated to arrive starting Saturday. As onshore flows increase Sunday night into Monday, colder air high in the atmosphere is expected to result in a rain-snow mix in lowland areas. Western Whatcom County is expected to experience a mix of snow and rain during evenings and early mornings. The National Weather Service suggests a 40% chance of 12 inches of snow for Snoqualmie Pass and 80% for Stevens Pass by Monday. According to the modeling, there is also the possibility of another system moving into the region on Tuesday. STORY: WNS – Tree coverage in cities crucial as planet warms, WA research shows Trees in urban areas provide benefits for people, including decreased temperatures and improved air quality, according to new research out of Washington state. Reporter Eric Tegethoff (TEG-it-off) has more. TREES AUDIO WX: Rain Your Whatcom County weather today– expect sun today with a high near 54 degrees, and moderate winds. Temperatures will drop to around 37 tonight. Tomorrow — expect fog in the morning, with the sun coming out in the afternoon. 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 …
The Wandering ‘Hamster
February 21, 2024 News Transcript
Bellingham mayor announces drug crackdown, additional services for city center, Arrest made after paramedic was reportedly threatened for treating patient in Bellingham alleyway, Arrest made after paramedic was reportedly threatened for treating patient in Bellingham alleyway, Lummi Island Ferry planned out-of-service March 7, Cordata Park expansion to open end of February, Largest proposed wind farm in WA slashed in half, firefighting issues are part of the problem, A proposed bottle-deposit bill in Washington would help the environment — and low-income communities, WSP refers 7 additional people on charges for blocking I-5 ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, February 21st. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham mayor announces drug crackdown, additional services for city center Yesterday, Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund announced an executive order aimed at addressing the fentanyl crisis and enhancing public safety in the downtown area. The initiative comes in response to a significant surge in overdoses, with the number of 911 calls reporting overdoses doubling in January compared to the previous year. The order includes increasing police patrols downtown, establishing a first-responder office near the Commercial Street Parking Garage to respond to overdose calls, and taking aggressive action against drug dealers in partnership with law enforcement agencies. The executive order also focuses on providing more treatment opportunities and education about substance use disorder. Lund says she also plans to form a work group to explore long-term solutions for downtown revitalization beyond addressing the fentanyl crisis. STORY: Arrest made after paramedic was reportedly threatened for treating patient in Bellingham alleyway A Bellingham man was arrested last Saturday for threatening to kill a paramedic. The paramedic was tending to a patient in an alleyway off Holly Street when 28-year-old Cody Scott Padgett threatened to kill him and chased him away. The paramedic flagged down a nearby patrol officer, who located and arrested Padgett on suspicion of felony harassment and intimidation of a public servant. Padgett remains in custody at Whatcom County Jail as of today, with bail set at $15,000. The patient was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center after the incident. STORY: Lummi Island Ferry planned out-of-service March 7 The Lummi Island Ferry will be out of service on March 7th between 12:30 and 2pm. The one and a half hour service break will allow shipyard planners to prepare for upcoming repairs to the Whatcom Chief. Travelers between Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point are advised to plan for delays. STORY: Cordata Park expansion to open end of February A new $4.9 million dollar expansion of Cordata Park is scheduled to be complete by the end of this month. The City of Bellingham purchased the park’s 25-acre lot in 2015. It initially opened in the fall of 2020 and was the first park in the north end of the city. Construction for the expansion began last May, with plans for a picnic area, pickleball courts, a basketball court, and a stage to host local events. Plans also include a pavilion which will be used by the Cordata neighborhood association for their monthly meetings. Additionally, community members will be able to rent it for their own use. As this next phase opens to the public, the City warns that landscaping will be a work in progress while grass is still being established. STORY: Presidential Primary ballots coming to Whatcom residents Ballots for Washington state’s presidential primary election are being mailed today. For the primary, voters must select a party affiliation for this primary, but it won’t affect future elections. Democratic candidates listed on the ballot include President Joe Biden, Dean Phillips, and Marianne Williamson. Republican choices include former President Donald Trump, Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, Chris Christie, and Vivek (vi-VAKE) Ramaswamy even though Trump and Haley are the only ones officially still in the race. Voter pamphlets providing candidate information have been mailed out, and an accessible voting unit is available for those needing assistance. Ballots must be returned or postmarked by 8:00 p.m. on March 12th, preferably through official ballot drop boxes for timely receipt. STORY: 42nd District Town Hall airs on KMRE Elected officials from the 42nd Legislative District held a town hall meeting last Saturday. COVID kept Representative Joe Timmons and Senator Sharon Shewmake (SHOE-make) at home, however Representative Alicia (uh-LEE-shuh) Rule was in attendance and answered all the questions asked by constituents. If you were unable to attend, KMRE will air the event in its entirety this Friday at noon. Or you can also listen on-demand at kmre.org. STORY: Largest proposed wind farm in WA slashed in half, firefighting issues are part of the problem A proposal to create the largest wind farm in Washington has been cut in half due to wildlife protection concerns. The original plan included construction of 244 wind turbines across 24 miles of the Horse Heaven Hills ridgeline. The turbines range from 500 to over 650 feet, making them taller than the Space Needle. With wind turbines killing hundreds of thousands of birds every year, environmentalists objected, saying that the proposed construction would impact the habitat of the endangered ferruginous (fur-ROO-jin-us) hawk. Because of this, the council that licenses and permits energy sites in Washington is considering removing more than half of the proposed turbines. The remaining turbines would be considered far enough from historical ferruginous hawk nest sites. The potential cuts underscore the difficulties developers face in finding the right location for the kinds of massive renewable energy projects Washington needs to wean its grid off fossil fuels and to meet the ever-increasing demand for the power. Even if halved, the farm would become the second largest in Washington. The council is expected to vote to finalize the decision in the coming days or weeks. Recommendations will then move on to Governor Inslee. WX: Rain Your Whatcom County weather today– expect rain throughout the day with a high near 53 degrees, and moderate winds. Tonight will bring faster winds and a low of around 42. Tomorrow— expect more rain in the morning, with the …
February 16, 2024 News Transcript
Nooksack Levy barely in favor by 7 votes, Blaine man booked attempted murder, State Charges Maple Valley women with serial shoplifting, Downtown Library starts phase two of upgrades, Rock climber rescued from Larrabee Cliffs, New state revenue report, Budget request for childcare during non-traditional hours ____________________________ Nooksack levy barely in favor by 7 votes, Blaine man booked on attempted murder, Blaine man booked on attempted murder State charges Maple Valley women with serial shoplifting, Downtown library starts phase two of upgrades, Rock climber rescued from Larrabee cliffs Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, February 16. Good afternoon, I’m __David Korb____. STORY: Nooksack levy barely in favor by 7 votes With all valid votes counted, the Nooksack Valley School District levy has passed by just a 48-vote margin. Overall, Whatcom County saw a ballot return of just over 38%, surpassing the statewide average of 33.6%. Across the state, Columbia County led in turnout with approximately 52% of registered voters returning ballots. The final vote is set to be certified on February 23rd at 10AM. STORY: Blaine man booked on attempted murder A Blaine man was arrested on Wednesday in connection with an attempted murder. An affidavit from the County Sheriff’s Office states that the man in question, Lane Scott Phipps, was involved in an altercation with an Aldrich Road resident in June of 2022. Surveillance video reportedly showed Phipps stopping in the victim’s driveway and shooting them before leaving. A .45 caliber shell casing was found at the scene. Phipps has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for assault, burglary, unlawful possession of a firearm, and possession of stolen property. He faces multiple felony charges in Snohomish County due to a first-degree kidnapping incident that happened a month after the Aldrich Road shooting. Phipps is currently awaiting trial in Whatcom County Jail, facing the latest attempted murder charge, as well as previous charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen vehicle. STORY: State charges Maple Valley women with serial shoplifting A Maple Valley woman was charged with serial shoplifting due to a string of organized retail thefts in Western Washington. Shellonda Keychell (kee-SHELL) Daniel, aged 26, was charged with 2 felony counts of first degree organized retail theft. The charges stem from thefts in 28 Ulta stores in across Western Washington. The thefts total around $200,000. The filed affidavit states that Daniel made verbal threats to workers, and also carried bear spray, which she used to threaten employees. According to a recent release from the Attorney General’s office, while the thefts occurred in multiple jurisdictions, Washington state’s Organized Retail Theft statute allows the A.G. to charge them all in one county. If convicted, Daniel faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 penalty on each count. STORY: Downtown library starts phase two of upgrades The Bellingham Public Library is preparing for its second phase of renovations to its downtown branch. Phase 1, completed in 2021, remodeled the first floor. Phase 2 will target the ground floor meeting space, children’s library area, main floor entrance, and upper floor staff areas. Upgrades will include new HVAC units and potential enhancements for after-hours use. The library is working with consultant architect Miller Hull Partnership– construction is slated to commence next February and conclude by early summer 2026. STORY: Rock climber rescued from Larrabee cliffs A rock climber was rescued from the cliffs at Larrabee State park on Tuesday after being stranded on the rock face 60 feet above the beach. The climber called emergency services at around 5:18 in the evening, and a rescue team arrived about an hour later. The 17-20 person crew responded with technical rope rescue gear and lowered him to the beach with a harness. A fireboat was also called to the scene, but was not needed since the tide was out. No injuries were reported. STORY: New state revenue report The Washington Legislature is midway through its 2024 session, with several bills progressing toward enactment while others have been shelved. Notable bills moving forward include those addressing behavioral health, housing, police funding, and environmental concerns. Senate Bill 5906, focusing on drug overdose prevention, and Senate Bill 5804, which would distribute Narcan in public schools, have advanced. House Bill 2114, which aims to help stabilize rents, passed the House, while House Bill 1998, concerning co-living housing, is also moving forward. Efforts to boost police training funding (Senate Bill 6242) have gained unanimous Senate support. However, bills like HB 1062 on police accountability and SB 5476 regarding overtime for farm workers have faltered. In other legislative news, a recent state forecast indicates there will be a bit more money for the legislature to work with. The state’s economy is projected to generate $67 billion for the current two-year budget cycle– a $122 million increase from the previous forecast in November. The additional revenue is expected to provide more opportunity for funding new initiatives. House Democrats are set to release their operating budget on Monday, and Senate Democrats say they will release their capital and operating budget proposals soon. While details of spending plans are yet to be disclosed, Republican Senator Lynda Wilson urges caution in spending, especially considering potential voter initiatives to repeal taxes. Governor Jay Inslee has proposed additional spending in priority areas such as behavioral health, homelessness reduction, and climate change initiatives. Once budget proposals are released, the lawmakers will work to reconcile differences and produce a final budget before the session concludes on March 7th. STORY: Budget request for childcare during non-traditional hours Child care is hard to find, especially when it’s outside of typical daytime hours. A Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families budget request would increase incentives for facilities to provide care during non-traditional hours. Reporter Eric Tegethoff has more on this story. WX: Sun Your Whatcom County weather today… expect sun throughout the day with a high near 50 degrees, and an overnight low of around 34. Clouds are expected …
February 15, 2024 News Transcript
Nooksack levy barely in favor by 7 votes, One arrested, another sought after robbery and assault off Sunset Drive in Bellingham, New details regarding home shooting in Glenhaven, Blaine City Council approves updated meeting procedures after contentious meetings, Initiatives to repeal Climate Act, capital gains tax move forward as legislators reject hearings, WA bid to report on-time rent payments to credit bureaus won’t proceed, City of Bellingham moves against owner of land that is site of homeless encampment, Southwest Airlines to expand nonstop service from Bellingham to Denver ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, February 15. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Nooksack levy barely in favor by 7 votes The Nooksack Valley School District’s replacement levy, aimed at funding education programs and operations, is now uncertain. As of last night, just over 50% of the votes are in favor, but the measure is ahead by only 7 votes. The levy would support school safety, support staff, athletics, and maintenance. Nooksack Superintendent Matt Galley expressed surprise after the initial ballot drop when it looked like the levy was going to fail. He noted previous positive discussions with the community and the absence of opposition in the voter’s guide, saying concerns about taxes and inflation, alongside community struggles, may have influenced the voting. Galley emphasized the importance of these levies for school operations. The passage standard for local levies is 50 percent plus one. According to the Whatcom County Auditor’s office there are currently 1500 ballots left to process– it’s unknown how many are from Nooksack, however, the Auditor’s office says they expect to be finished by 5pm tonight. Although there is no mandatory recount, 5 or more voters registered in the district can trigger one by presenting their request in writing and paying the required fee before February 27th at 4:30 pm. And there’s more election news ahead– the Washington state Presidential primary ballots are expected to be mailed next Wednesday, with those votes due on March 12th. STORY: One arrested, another sought after robbery and assault off Sunset Drive in Bellingham Yesterday, Bellingham police arrested one of two suspects involved in an assault and robbery that occurred near Sunset Drive. The victim reported being pushed to the ground, punched, and kicked by two individuals who then stole items including an iPhone and an electric longboard. One suspect, identified as 27-year-old Micheal (MIKE-uhl) Allen Austin, was apprehended and charged with second-degree robbery. He is currently in custody at Whatcom County Jail. The police are still searching for the second suspect and urge anyone with information to contact dispatch. No description of the second suspect was provided. STORY: New details regarding home shooting in Glenhaven New details have been released about an in-home shooting that happened yesterday evening in Glenhaven. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s office says deputies responded to a distress call from a 13-year-old who claimed to have accidentally shot their 11-year-old sibling with a handgun. The victim was initially taken to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham and later transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. According to police records, the incident occurred while the children were home alone. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and no further details are available at this time. STORY: Blaine City Council approves updated meeting procedures after contentious meetings The Blaine City Council unanimously approved amendments to its rules governing public meetings on Monday. Recent reporting by The Northern Light indicates that attendance at Blaine Council meetings began to increase last year when developers proposed zoning changes that would allow the building of manufactured home parks. According to the Northern Light, about two dozen people began speaking out against the proposal. After the council approved the zoning change on October 23rd, a smaller number of people calling themselves “Save Blaine” began accusing the city of unethical behavior. The group also began to question the council’s authority to enforce certain rules, such as the requirement to state one’s name and address before speaking. On Monday, the council approved a resolution to update the rules, limiting audience participation to written communication only. Additionally, the new amendments now explicitly prohibit slanderous remarks and also outline procedures for out-of-order conduct, and comment time limits. The Blaine City Council says it may reconsider allowing oral comments at some future point, depending on meeting dynamics. STORY: Initiatives to repeal Climate Act, capital gains tax move forward as legislators reject hearings Initiatives to repeal the Climate Commitment Act and capital gains tax are poised to be on the ballot, as the state’s legislators reject hearings to consider them. The state’s capital gains tax, passed in 2021, is a 7% tax on profits above $250,000 from the sale or exchange of certain assets like stocks or bonds. A legislative analysis estimates the repeal would decrease state revenues by about $693 million in 2024. The Climate Commitment Act, which went into effect last year, set up a carbon market as part of the effort to curb the state’s emissions over time. The state collected about $1.8 billion in the first year of emission allowance auctions. The two initiatives to repeal the laws were filed and are sponsored by the state Republican Party chair, Jim Walsh. Supporters of the initiatives say the two laws cause undue costs on Washington citizens, and that the state doesn’t need extra income. Those against the initiatives say the money collected goes to critical programs, like childcare and infrastructure greening. With each initiative, lawmakers have three choices. First, they can adopt it into law as is. Second, adopt an alternative to go on the ballot alongside the initiative. Or finally, do nothing, and have the initiative appear on the ballot as is. With no action taken on the two initiatives, they will almost certainly show up on the November ballot. STORY: WA bid to report on-time rent payments to credit bureaus won’t proceed A proposal to help Washington tenants boost their credit scores when they pay rent on time is …
February 14, 2024 News Transcript
First round of ballot totals released, Kulshan Community Land Trust nabs $2.25M grant for affordable home project, Woman sentenced to prison time after jury found her guilty of vehicular homicide, Cold weather shelters open, Rosario Resort on Orcas Island to be sold; temporary closure ahead, WA proposal would allow biometric ID for alcohol purchases, City of Bellingham moves against owner of land that is site of homeless encampment ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, February 14. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: First round of ballot totals released Preliminary results from the Special Election are in, and it looks like school levies across the county will likely pass however, Lynden and Blaine will not get new high schools, Bellingham Public Schools’ levies are likely to pass, along with those of Meridian, Ferndale, and Mount Baker School Districts. Additionally, Fire Protection District 8 and Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District No. 2 levies are expected to pass. However, the school bond measures fell short of the required 60% majority needed to approve, and at this time it appears that the Nooksack Valley School District levy will also fail to pass. According to the Auditor’s office, voter turnout was just over 30% with approximately 4,400 ballots remaining to be counted. The next ballot drop is scheduled for later today. STORY: Kulshan Community Land Trust nabs $2.25M grant for affordable home project Kulshan Community Land Trust has secured a more than $2 million grant to help build an 18-unit affordable homeownership project in the Birchwood neighborhood. Named LaFrenier (lah-freh-NERE) Court, the development will receive $125,000 per home from the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Housing Trust Fund and is set to begin construction this year. In a recent announcement, Dean Fearing, Executive Director of Kulshan CLT, expressed excitement about the funding which he says will enable 18 local families to achieve homeownership. Created in 1986, Washington State’s Housing Trust Fund has allocated over $2 billion in capital funding, and helped create or preserve over 58,000 affordable housing units across the state. This year, the Housing Trust Fund has allocated more than $38 million dollars statewide for affordable homeownership, marking its largest-ever investment. STORY: Woman sentenced to prison time after jury found her guilty of vehicular homicide A woman who was found guilty last year of vehicular homicide has been sentenced to 18 months in prison. The charge against Kaitlyn Rose Johnston, aged 29, stemmed from a January 2017 vehicle-pedestrian incident on Old Fairhaven Parkway. Witnesses reported the pedestrian was walking her dog on a leash and activated the crosswalk’s flashing lights before being fatally hit by Johnston’s car. According to police, Johnston was not impaired at the time. Found guilty by jury in October, Johnston was sentenced on February 6th to 18 months in prison. STORY: Cold weather shelters open Emergency cold weather shelters are open this week in Whatcom county as temperatures drop. The Whatcom County Health and Community Services’ shelter on North State St. will be open through tomorrow. The Bellingham Emergency Shelter will have check in today from 5pm – 9pm and a check out time of 8am tomorrow. Ferndale’s severe weather shelter is open through Thursday night, with check-ins from 5:30 – 8 p.m. and a check out at 8 a.m. Road2Home and Basecamp are open daily from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. According to the National Weather Service in Seattle, strong winds are expected across Western Whatcom County, with a chance of rain and snow through midweek. STORY: Rosario Resort on Orcas Island to be sold; temporary closure ahead The historic Rosario Resort and Spa on Orcas Island is under new ownership and will close temporarily for renovations beginning next week. The resort, previously owned by the Barto family, has been in operation since 1960 and is set to undergo substantial upgrades, starting with renovations to the Moran (muh-RAN) Mansion, which houses various amenities. Renovations will focus on preserving the mansion’s historic features, such as the music room with its Aeolian (ay-O-lee-un) pipe organ and Steinway grand piano. However, the resort grounds will remain open during this period. Guests with reservations after April 1st can receive refunds until February 22nd, after which the new operator will handle reservations and deposits. The buyer’s identity remains undisclosed but the new owner is said to be a member of the local community. STORY: WA proposal would allow biometric ID for alcohol purchases A new bill would allow grocery stores to use biometric identification to check the age of people buying alcohol. Senate Bill 6179 passed unanimously on Monday, and would be optional for both businesses and customers. According to the bill’s sponsors, If a business wanted to use a biometric system, they would likely partner with a company that offers the technology. The technology would allow for identification based on a hand print, an eye scan, or a voice recording. There is currently no law against biometric identification, but officials from the state Liquor and Cannabis Board say clearer guidance surrounding the technology would be useful. Supporters like the Climate Pledge Arena say the technology could be a way to move large groups of people through a line faster, such as at busy sporting events. Under the Senate’s proposal, data used for age verification cannot be used for any other purpose. Consumers must also be informed of the categories of data that will be collected before they consent to the program. The bill is now being considered in the House of Representatives. WX: Sun Today will be mostly cloudy with a high of 59 degrees and winds around 10 mph. The sun will come out gradually as the day continues, and there will be a chance of rain and snow as temperatures drop to a low of 35. Tomorrow is projected to bring more snow and rain, however, it is unlikely that the snow will stick. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, and Tristan Trudell. Tune …
February 13, 2024 News Transcript
Whatcom County special election ballots due Feb. 13, WWU extends commitment deadline to June 1 due to FAFSA delays, Thousands of Chinook wasted as bycatch in B.C. fishery, new report finds, State Patrol seeks to charge 6 in Gaza war protest that shut I-5 in Seattle, WA House passes fentanyl education bill, financial education bill __________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, February 13. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom County special election ballots due Feb. 13 It’s election day in Whatcom County, and ballots are due by 8pm tonight. You can register to vote, update your registration, or get a replacement ballot for the current Special Election which would provide an extension of current funding for schools, parks and fire districts. According to the Whatcom County Auditor, as of airtime today about 27% of eligible ballots have been returned. Ballots can be submitted via drop box or by mail, as long as it’s postmarked today. Track the status of your ballot by visiting VoteWA.gov. STORY: WWU extends commitment deadline to June 1 due to FAFSA delays WWU is extending its commitment deadline to June 1st. The move is in response to the university having to wait until the first half of March to receive FAFSA information on students. The U.S. Department of Education had introduced a new FAFSA application this year, which didn’t open until New Year’s Eve and experienced major issues. WWU agreed to push back their deadline, which was originally May 1st, to allow more time for students to make their college decisions. Similar actions have been taken by other universities around the country. STORY: Thousands of Chinook wasted as bycatch in B.C. fishery, new report finds A new report from Canadian fisheries officials reveals that nearly 30,000 Chinook salmon were unintentionally caught as bycatch in the Canadian trawl fishery, primarily targeting hake and walleye pollock. This bycatch, the highest on record during the 2022-23 groundfish fishing season, constitutes a significant waste of Chinook, which are crucial food sources for endangered southern resident orcas in both Canada and the U.S. The report highlights the urgency of addressing bycatch issues, especially as it pertains to protecting vulnerable species like Chinook salmon and orcas. Additionally, it coincides with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s efforts to increase Chinook production in hatcheries to support orca populations, with a focus on public review and input on the proposed program. STORY: State Patrol seeks to charge 6 in Gaza war protest that shut I-5 in Seattle The Washington State Patrol says it will recommend charging at least 6 people in relation to the Israel-Hamas war protest that shut down I-5 in Seattle. The protest snarled traffic with a blockade of cars and people for nearly five hours on January 6th. No arrests were made at the time as the State Patrol said it was caught off guard by the scale and tactics of the protest. According to Chris Loftis, a State Patrol spokesperson, the most likely charges would be misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Ultimately, the decision on whether to charge protesters will be made by King County prosecutors, after they review documentation and recommendations from the State Patrol. Ten additional people involved with the protest are still being investigated. STORY: WNS – Report: Foreign-influenced companies give big in WA elections More than $67 million came into Washington state elections between 2018 and 2022 from foreign-influenced corporations, according to a recent analysis. Of the six states analyzed, Washington garnered the most campaign contributions. Reporter Eric Tegethoff (TEG-it-off) has more. INFLUENCE AUDIO STORY: WA House passes fentanyl education bill, financial education bill Washington lawmakers recently passed a series of education bills which would require Washington middle and high schools to provide lessons on fentanyl as well as financial literacy. House Bill 1956 would ensure proper education surrounding fentanyl and related opioids in health classes to as many seventh and ninth graders as possible. According to Inslee’s office, over 90 percent of overdoses for people under 24 in Washington in 2022 were caused by fentanyl. The bill would require The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to work with the state Department of Health to provide up-to-date educational material on opioid education, with required annual updates to ensure the information is current. House Bill 1915, sponsored by Representative Skyler Rude, would make financial literacy a graduation requirement in schools— providing basic education around credit, debt, and budgeting. Rude says the bill is a response to the number of young adults without financial skills and it has garnered support from more than 55 initial sponsors. Opponents of the bill argue it could interfere with graduation timelines. However, Rude claims the information can be inserted into current class curriculum. If the financial literacy bill does not receive a hearing in the senate early learning and K-12 education committee by March first, it will not survive the season. If the fentanyl bill passes in the senate on Thursday, it could go into effect immediately. Both bills await senate approval. WX: Sun Today will be sunny with a high of 50 degrees and winds up to 15 mph. Tonight will be clear, as temperatures drop to a low of 32. Tomorrow is projected to bring more sun, with rain returning during the night. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, 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. ##
February 12, 2024 News Transcript
Whatcom County special election ballots due Feb. 13, Bellingham man injured during snowball drive-by, Everson family fight involving two people, a dog and a shovel lands one in jail, Rollover crash in Blaine on I-5 sends 1 to hospital, Whatcom County to receive kiosk that provides free COVID, flu tests, WNS – Election disinformation, State Patrol seeks to charge 6 in Gaza war protest that shut I-5 in Seattle, Thousands of Chinook wasted as bycatch in B.C. fishery, new report finds, WWU extends commitment deadline to June 1 due to FAFSA delays ___________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, February 12th . Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom County special election ballots due Feb. 13 Ballots are due by 8pm tomorrow for the upcoming Whatcom County special election. Voters will be deciding on resolutions related to school funding and funding for park and fire districts. School levies are aimed at supplementing state funding for facilities, technology, and staffing needs and are renewal or replacement levies—measures which do not increase the school portion of local property taxes. Proposed bonds on the ballot would cover the construction or renovation of facilities, including a $70 million bond for updating elementary and middle school facilities in Blaine and a $157 million bond for the construction of a new high school in Lynden. Residents of Marietta and Gooseberry Point will vote on a four-year maintenance and operation tax levy to support fire and emergency services provided by Whatcom County Fire District 8. According to the Whatcom County Auditor, as of February 6th about 21% of eligible ballots have been returned. Ballots can be submitted via drop box or by mail, with a postmark no later than Election Day. Track the status of your ballot by visiting VoteWA.gov. STORY: Bellingham man injured during snowball drive-by Earlier last month, a 66-year-old man was injured after getting hit in the face by a snowball. Dan Crouch was walking near Old Fairhaven Parkway on January 17th when a red truck drove by filled with teens and young-adults and threw a snowball at him. The snowball struck Crouch in the eye, leaving him bleeding with a bruise and cuts. According to Crouch, those in the trucks laughed and yelled when they realized he was hit. Crouch and a nearby resident called 911, but police could not locate the truck. The vehicle was described by Crouch as a red pickup truck towing a blue kayak tied to the hitch. He reported to the Bellingham Police Department that there were about six or seven people in the back of the truck and one in the kayak. Users online reported seeing them driving through Fairhaven, Sehome, and around Western, throwing snowballs at people as they drove past. The Bellingham Police Department is currently investigating and is seeking any additional information on the suspects. STORY: Everson family fight involving two people, a dog and a shovel lands one in jail An Everson man was arrested last week on charges of assault and animal abuse. The County Sheriff’s Office reports that 36-year-old Simon Desteffany became angry after being refused food by a relative of his, on the evening of February 6th. Desteffany started to yell at the relative, when the victim’s dog tried to protect its owner. Desteffany attempted to hit the dog with a shovel, missed and hit the relative instead. He then proceeded to hit both with the shovel about 20 more times. Authorities were called to the scene by Desteffany, who claimed the victim’s wounds were caused by dog bites. Desteffany was released from the Whatcom County Jail on Friday afternoon after posting a $30,000 bail. STORY: Rollover crash in Blaine on I-5 sends 1 to hospital First responders were dispatched late Saturday night after a single vehicle was found rolled over in the Median of I-5 in Blaine. North Whatcom Fire and Rescue found one occupant in the vehicle after first responders blocked the inside lines in both directions on 1-5 south of the Peace Portal drive overpass. At least one patient was taken from the crash site by ambulance, according to the Pulsepoint EMS dispatch log service. Washington State Patrol subsequently took the driver into custody for suspicion of driving under the influence. STORY: Whatcom County to receive kiosk that provides free COVID, flu tests The Department of Health has approved Whatcom County to receive a kiosk that will offer free COVID-19 and flu tests. The new kiosk is part of the State’s ‘Test-and-go’ program, which aims to address health inequities and targets underserved communities by providing free tests, particularly to the uninsured. The Department of Health will cover the cost of the tests. Whatcom County Health and Community Services is currently scouting potential locations. STORY: WNS – Election disinformation As the use of artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent, experts are becoming increasingly worried about its effects on elections. Reporter Eric Tegethoff has more. ELECTION AUDIO WX: Rain Today will be partly sunny with a high of 50 degrees and light winds. Expect clouds tonight, as temperatures drop to a low of 36. Tomorrow is projected to bring more sun, with rain returning Wednesday night. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, 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. ## STORY: State Patrol seeks to charge 6 in Gaza war protest that shut I-5 in Seattle The Washington State Patrol will recommend charging at least 6 people in relation to the Israel-Hamas war protest that shut down I-5 in Seattle for nearly five hours in January. The protest, …
February 9, 2024 News Transcript
Whatcom County Special election ballots due Feb. 13, Racist speech interrupts Whatcom County Council meeting, Mount Vernon teen dies in car crash, 3 others hospitalized, State awards $85 million for electric vehicle charging stations, Birch Bay and Point Roberts included, WA House votes to allow local even-year elections, Free and Cheap ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, February 9th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Whatcom County special election ballots due Feb. 13 Ballots are due by 8pm Tuesday for the upcoming Whatcom County special election. Voters will decide on funding resolutions for schools, park, and fire districts. School levies are aimed at supplementing state funding for facilities, technology, and staffing needs and are renewal or replacement levies; that is, measures that do not increase local property taxes. Proposed bonds on the ballot would cover the construction or renovation of facilities, including a $70 million dollar bond for updating elementary and middle school facilities in Blaine and a $157 million dollar bond for the construction of a new high school in Lynden. Residents of Marietta and Gooseberry Point will vote on a four-year maintenance and operation levy to support fire and emergency services in Whatcom County Fire District 8. According to the Whatcom County Auditor, as of February 6th about 21% of eligible ballots have been returned. Ballots can be submitted via drop box or mailed in, with a postmark no later than Election Day. Track the status of your ballot by visiting VoteWA.gov. STORY: Racist speech interrupts Whatcom County Council meeting Tuesday’s Whatcom County Council meeting was interrupted by racist Zoom attendees. According to recent reporting from My Bellingham Now, Council Chair Barry Buchanan says the users joined the meeting remotely during the public comment period and eventually launched into extreme antisemitism. He says one attendee provided a name that, when pronounced, was an offensive reference to the Holocaust. The council suspended the meeting and went into executive session to discuss how to proceed, then resumed the meeting and only allowed written comments to be submitted. A similar incident occurred with the Blaine City Council in October, when a “zoombomber” disrupted a hybrid meeting. The individual said the N-word over 10 times before staff took control of the situation. Blaine has since canceled all remote portions of the meeting. Buchanan says he will consult with Blaine City Council on how to best manage hybrid meetings. STORY: Mount Vernon teen dies in car crash, 3 others hospitalized A 15-year-old Mount Vernon girl was killed and three other teens injured in a car crash Tuesday night on State Route 534 in Skagit County. A 15-year-old boy was driving a car west on the road at milepost 4 when he missed a turn and struck a power pole shortly before 10 p.m. He was transported to Skagit Valley Hospital. Two of the passengers, a 16-year-old girl and another 15-year-old boy, were transported to Harborview Medical Center, one via air ambulance. The fourth occupant was pronounced dead at the scene. Two of the teenagers were not wearing seatbelts. The cause of the accident is under investigation. STORY: State awards $85 million for electric vehicle charging stations, Birch Bay and Point Roberts included The Washington State Department of Commerce will award over $85 million in grants to expand access to electric vehicle charging stations across the state. The money will fund nearly 5,000 new charging stations, with locations in Bellingham, Sumas (SOO-mass), Maple Falls, Blaine, and Point Roberts. The bulk of the funding comes from the Washington State Electric Vehicle Charging Program, with remaining funds coming from the 2021 cap-and-invest Climate Commitment Act. Governor Inslee said the state originally expected 50,000 EVs on the road by 2020. Washington drivers sped past that prediction, purchasing roughly 125,000 EVs, and outpaced the charging infrastructure. STORY: WA House votes to allow local even-year elections A bill aimed at increasing voter turnout in local elections has passed the House. In Washington, elections for city positions and special districts, such as water and sewer districts, are held in odd years. Supporters argue this timing helps stagger elections between races for offices like Congress and the state Legislature. However, it also leads to low voter turnout. House Bill 1932, will allow cities and special districts to hold all their elections in even years instead of odd years. Proponents argue that moving all local elections to even years, when higher voter turnout is typically observed, will increase participation. However, opponents, including Secretary of State Steve Hobbs and some Republicans, express concerns about potential voter fatigue, logistical challenges for election officials, and overshadowing of local races by federal and state contests. The bill would make elimination of odd-year elections optional, and include mechanisms for public input and decision-making. House Bill 1932 passed 52-45 and will now move to the Senate for consideration. STORY: Free and Cheap Here are some cheap or free events happening around the county this weekend. On Saturday, the Bellingham Central Library will be hosting Cascade STEAM Robotics for a project collaboration meetup. Attendees can bring their own personal projects, collaborate, and meet others interested in robotics and technology. The event runs from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, and is geared toward adults and teens. On Sunday, a ‘sensory friendly’ play day will take place at the Bloedel Donovan Park Multi Purpose Room. The event will have different Sensory Stations for kids, as well as sensory gloves, noise reduction headphones, and weighted blankets. The event goes from 1 to 3 pm and is open to kids 18 months to 16 years old. Also on Sunday is the Valentine’s Experience Market at the Bellingham Studio in Bellingham Towers. The market will have small businesses offering jewelry, flash tattoos, bouquets, food, and more. Entry is free and the market is open from 11 am to 4 pm. WX: Rain Today will be partly sunny with a high of 46 degrees and gentle winds. Expect clouds tonight, as temperatures drop to a low of 35. …
February 7, 2024 News Transcript
Man pleads guilty to 2021 shooting death at Bellingham homeless encampment, Registration open, tickets on sale for April Brew’s Day fundraising event in Bellingham, Registration open, tickets on sale for April Brew’s Day fundraising event in Bellingham, Water Advisory Board gains new leadership, Whatcom County farm program focused on bridging gaps in food access plans to shut down, ‘Semi-incoherent’ Skagit County decision grants approval for controversial gravel mine, WA Senate passes bill that would ban hogtying by police ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, February 7th . Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Man pleads guilty to 2021 shooting death at Bellingham homeless encampment A new plea deal has been reached for a man who was charged for fatally shooting 27-year-old Scott Dobson in September of 2021. Travis William Hamilton, 40, was previously charged with one count of second-degree murder after shooting Dobson at a Bellingham homeless encampment. However the charges were recently changed as part of a plea deal between prosecution and defense. On January 25th, Hamilton pleaded guilty in Whatcom County Superior Court to one count of second-degree manslaughter. The prosecuting attorney is expected to recommend Hamilton be sentenced to six years and three months in prison, with 1 and a half years on probation. His sentencing hearing is set for February 12th. STORY: Registration open, tickets on sale for April Brew’s Day fundraising event in Bellingham Tickets for this year’s April Brew’s Day are now on sale. Proceeds from this year’s event, which is taking place on April 27th, will go to support the Max Higbee Center, an organization that provides recreational programs for disabled youth and adults. Breweries interested in participating this year are encouraged to sign up soon as space is limited. Over 70 local and regional breweries participated in last year’s event, with over 140 different beers and ciders being served. More information on tickets for this year’s event can be found at AprilBrewsDay.org. STORY: Water Advisory Board gains new leadership Bellingham City Council has unanimously approved the seating of a new board to oversee local water issues. The Water Resources Advisory Board, proposed by Mayor Kim Lund, will take the place of the Water Advisory Board (WAB), a group focused primarily on Lake Whatcom. The new Board will oversee water sourcing, preservation and prevention, environmental advocacy and some utility systems. The appointees are: Fiona McNair, Francesca White, Rick Eggerth, John Peppel (PEP-ull), Martin Kjelstad (CHELL-staad), Kirsten McDade, Benjamin Cairns, Bret Beaupain (BO-pan) and Laura Weiss (WHYS). The appointees come from a variety of professions, including Biotechnology, Civil Engineering, and environmental conservation. The Water Resources Advisory Board will meet six times a year with a one-year term planned. STORY: Whatcom County farm program focused on bridging gaps in food access plans to shut down A program designed to support beginner farmers by providing affordable land, equipment, and market connections is shutting down. Operating under Sustainable Connections, the Incubator Farm Program says insufficient staffing and funding is forcing them to terminate the program. As a part of Cloud Mountain Farm Center, the program currently supports four farms on Lawrence Road. According to recent reporting by the Bellingham Herald, the decision has left the four farmers stressed about relocation and the impact on food access in the county. The closure also impacts the Foothills Food Bank, which relies on produce from the program. Savannah Flynn, owner of Flynn Farms, expressed worries about the closure limiting opportunities for diverse farmers as well as its negative effects on food security. Despite the closure, Flynn hopes to start a fundraiser for a new Incubator Farm Program and find alternate farmland. Sustainable Connections says it plans to sell the land on Lawrence Road but says it would like to support future partners who can continue the program’s mission. Proceeds from the sale will fund other farmer-support activities provided by Sustainable Connections. Three out of the four farm incubator businesses operating on the Lawrence Road property say they will continue farming for the 2024 season. STORY: ‘Semi-incoherent’ Skagit County decision grants approval for controversial gravel mine Skagit County has approved the controversial Grip Road Gravel Mine project without any conditions, despite criticism and legal disputes surrounding the decision-making process. Now-former Skagit County hearing examiner, Andrew Reeves, issued a two-page ‘notice of decision’ that approved the applicant’s wishes and cited legal pressure as a reason for the delayed decision. The approval sparked outrage from opponents, including the Central Samish Valley Neighbors, who view Reeves’ decision as invalid as it does not address key concerns such as road safety, truck traffic, and environmental impacts, despite hours of public testimony highlighting these concerns. The decision will allow the proposed gravel mine to go forward without further restrictions. Central Samish Valley Neighbors plans to appeal the decision. STORY: BNSF Railway responsible for Tunnel 5 fire, damage, lawsuit alleges A new lawsuit filed against Burlington Northern Railway alleges that they are responsible for the fire that burned over 500 acres in the Columbia River Gorge last year. The lawsuit, filed in Skamania (skuh-MAY-nee-uh) County court, alleges that the Tunnel 5 fire started as a result of sparks, hot debris, particles, emissions and other materials from a passing BNSF Railway train that ignited nearby vegetation. The suit alleges the railway company knew the risks of operating a debris-prone 46-year-old locomotive amid high fire danger. The lawsuit cites a Department of Natural Resources report that identified brake debris and carbon emission particles found from that same train as being the cause of the fire. The Tunnel 5 fire burned for over a week, and destroyed 10 homes and nearly 550 acres. STORY: WA Senate passes bill that would ban hogtying by police A bill that would ban hogtying by police has passed the State Senate. Senate Bill 6009 was passed unanimously on Tuesday, and now moves onto the House for consideration. The bill would ban the practice of hogtying and classify it as ‘excessive force’. The legislation was spurred on by the …
February 6, 2024 News Transcript
Details released regarding charge filed against Lynden Chamber Exec, City Councilmember, Man accused of killing friend with machete in 2019 at Baker Lake will face a new trial, STORY: MIPA alert for Ferndale teen who may have traveled to Seattle – UPDATE: Found, Whatcom Racial Equity Commission seeking members, Fire officials out of loop as Whatcom County mulls district overhaul, WA House bill would make it illegal for police to lie during interrogations, BNSF Railway responsible for Tunnel 5 fire, damage, lawsuit alleges ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, February 6, 2024. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Details released regarding charge filed against Lynden Chamber Exec, City Councilmember More information has been made public on the charge filed against Lynden city council member Gary Vis. The 56-year-old Vis is charged with second-degree assault with strangulation reportedly related to a verbal altercation with a family member on the weekend of January 20th. An affidavit from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office states that Vis allegedly put the family member in a chokehold for around two minutes, until a second family member intervened. He spent the night in jail and was released on January 22nd after a preliminary court appearance. Vis has served as the executive of the Lynden Chamber of Commerce for more than 17 years and was recently elected to the Lynden City Council. STORY: Man accused of killing friend with machete in 2019 at Baker Lake will face a new trial A Snohomish County man accused of killing a friend with a machete in 2019 is set to stand trial for a second time. 34 year-old Alexander Vanags, of Arlington, will stand trial in Whatcom County Superior Court for second-degree murder in September. Vanags is accused of using a machete to kill 28 year-old Mark Stebakov in April of 2019 while the two were camping at a rural site near Baker Lake. Vanags’ criminal case, which was filed in 2019, has been marked by numerous lengthy delays. His original court date of March 2020 was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The June 2022 trial ended in mistrial when the jury deadlocked after one day of deliberations. Vanags’ retrial date last October was pushed to February after the medical expert for the defense suffered a stroke and was unable to testify. After a short hearing on Wednesday, the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office asked for the trial to be delayed by three months to allow time for the new prosecutor to secure a medical expert. One of Vanags’ criminal defense attorneys, James Dixon, requested the trial be pushed to September, based on their heavy caseload and pre-planned summer vacation schedule. Whatcom County Superior Court Judge David Freeman said that, while he found Dixon’s request to take the summer months off the table, quote, “dubious,” he did understand the prosecution’s need to secure a medical expert to respond to the defense expert’s report. Vanags’ trial is now set to begin on September 3rd. STORY: MIPA alert for Ferndale teen who may have traveled to Seattle – UPDATE: Found A 14-year-old girl from Lummi Nation that was reported missing has been found. Ariel Feliciano (AIR-ree-ull fuh-liss-ee-AHN-o) was reportedly last seen near 5th Avenue and Pine Street in Seattle on Thursday night. The alert was activated by the Washington State Patrol on behalf of the Lummi Nation Police Department. The Missing Indigenous Person Alert issued on Friday was canceled yesterday. STORY: Whatcom Racial Equity Commission seeking members The Whatcom Racial Equity Commission is searching for applicants to fill 15 appointed roles. The stated purpose of the commission is to bridge the gap between county, city and community members with lived experience in our region to ensure residents of every race can thrive. The data collected will be analyzed and used to inform the county’s work against racial inequalities. This first group of members will help establish how the commission will operate moving forward. Applications can be made at ChuckanutHealthFoundation.org and are due by the end of the month. STORY: Fire officials out of loop as Whatcom County mulls district overhaul Fire officials say they weren’t consulted before Whatcom County Council members called for a $275,000 study to explore reorganizing 13 fire districts and two city departments The County Council voted to commission the study earlier in December, hoping to come up with a way to help districts run more efficiently. According to recent reporting by Cascadia Daily News, fire officials say that they were not included in that discussion. Officials are confused as to why Whatcom County, which does not have authority over the fire districts, would try to study how to change the districts. Officials say the most obvious change would be consolidation of administrative tasks between districts, something that happened in 2019 when Bellingham and Fire District 8 merged. However, according to Bellingham Fire Chief Bill Hewett who led the merger, while consolidation may make administration more efficient, it doesn’t save money. Council member Tyler Byrd said that firefighting groups had plenty of opportunity to get involved, but no one did. He also stated that the best solutions may come from people outside the situation. To date, a consultant has not been hired. The study is expected to take 12 to 18 months. STORY: WA House bill would make it illegal for police to lie during interrogations A new house bill would make confessions obtained through deceptive tactics inadmissible in court. Advocates argue House Bill 1062 would prevent wrongful convictions and foster trust between the public and law enforcement. Proponents also point to the coercive nature of false confessions, often elicited through lengthy interrogations and deceptive tactics. According to research published in the Encyclopedia of Applied Psychology, the more successful a strategy is in eliciting confessions from guilty suspects, the more likely it is that the strategy will also produce false confessions from innocent suspects. Vulnerable individuals, including juveniles and those with intellectual disabilities, are particularly susceptible to false confessions. However, some in …
February 5, 2024 News Transcript
Community Food Co-op workers vote to unionize, Mount Baker’s Legendary Banked Slalom canceled, Washington State Patrol issues MIPA alert for Ferndale teen who may have traveled to Seattle, Inmate admits igniting Whatcom County Jail fire with video tablet and paperclip, WA pays $9.9 million to woman who got terminal cancer in prison, Bill toughening animal abuse punishments passes Washington House, Colleges won’t get FAFSA data until March, delaying aid offers for students. BNSF Railway responsible for Tunnel 5 fire, damage, lawsuit alleges ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, February 5th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Community Food Co-op workers vote to unionize The Bellingham Community Food Co-op workers are unionizing. In a secret ballot taken last Wednesday and Thursday, 90% of the Co-op employees from both locations voted in favor of joining the Bellingham Teamsters Union. According to an announcement released before the vote, wage and scheduling issues as well as increased employee retention and respect in the workplace were the main motivations behind the push to unionize. The election will be certified by the National Labor Relations Board within the next seven to 10 days. STORY: Mount Baker’s Legendary Banked Slalom canceled The Mount Baker Legendary Banked Slalom snowboard race has been canceled this year due to unfavorable weather conditions. Ski area CEO, Gwyn Howat (GWYN HOW-ut), made the announcement via video release last week. GWYN HOWAT AUDIO The Slalom has been rescheduled for next February 7th, 8th and 9th. STORY: Washington State Patrol issues MIPA alert for Ferndale teen who may have traveled to Seattle A Missing Indigenous Person Alert was issued on Friday for a 14-year-old girl from Lummi Nation. Ariel Feliciano (AIR-ree-ull fuh-liss-ee-AHN-o) was reportedly last seen near 5th Avenue and Pine Street in Seattle on Thursday night. Feliciano is 5 feet, 3 inches tall, weighs 125 pounds, has brown hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing gray sweatpants, a black hoodie sweatshirt, white shoes and a black backpack with roses on it. The alert was activated by the Washington State Patrol on behalf of the Lummi Nation Police Department. STORY: Inmate admits igniting Whatcom County Jail fire with video tablet and paperclip An inmate at the Whatcom County Jail started a fire with a tablet and a paperclip last Thursday. An alarm went off at the Sheriff’s Office at 2:30 p.m. in relation to a fire in one of the restrictive housing units. Deputies opened the door to find 20-year-old Benjamin Morgan in a cell full of smoke. Morgan, as well as other inmates, had to be relocated to a different area of the jail. The fire, which did not spread, was quickly extinguished by the Bellingham Fire Department. Morgan stated he started the fire by removing the back of the tablet, then shorting the exposed battery with the paperclip. Probable cause exists to charge Morgan with first-degree arson and third-degree malicious mischief. One deputy was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported. STORY: WA pays $9.9 million to woman who got terminal cancer in prison Washington State has paid 9.9 million dollars to former-inmate Paula Gardener, who developed terminal cancer while in prison. According to recent reporting from The Seattle Times, Gardener did not receive medical care for over two years despite showing signs of Cervical Cancer. Gardener was released shortly after her diagnosis, but discovered that her condition had spread to her lymph nodes – making the disease incurable. Gardener’s lawsuit was filed in 2022, a settlement was reached on the first day of civil trial in December, and she was paid out in January. According to the Washington State Office of Risk Management, the almost 10 million dollar settlement was more than the total spent by the Department of Corrections on lawsuits over the past six years. Gardener is now receiving palliative care in Tacoma. STORY: Bill toughening animal abuse punishments passes Washington House Legislation aimed at strengthening animal cruelty laws have passed the Washington House of Representatives. Animal cruelty in the first degree, currently a Class C felony, may involve intentionally causing pain, physical injury, or death to an animal, as well as engaging in sex acts with an animal. House Bill 1961 proposes a “seriousness level III offense” for all forms of cruelty, making the law more consistent. Backers of the new bill say the current lack of categorization has led to sentencing disparities. Sponsored by multiple legislators, the bill passed 95-1 and now moves to the Washington Senate, where a companion bill is already in committee. STORY: Colleges won’t get FAFSA data until March, delaying aid offers for students The Department of Education has announced that schools will not get FAFSA data until March, delaying financial aid delivery. This year’s rollout of FAFSA came with a new revision of the financial aid formula, causing extra calculations for the Department of Education. The new formula means that 1.3 million people will get larger Pell Grants, at the expense of a delayed rollout. The delay means that financial aid officers at schools have less time to work with students, and that students may not know their aid offer until very late into Spring. Justin Draeger, president of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, a group that represents aid officers, said in a statement that the quote, “continued delays threaten to harm the very students and families that federal student aid is intended to help,” unquote. Without financial aid decisions to inform them, students relying on the aid may not be able to make a decision on whether or not to go to school. According to the department, more than 3.1 million people have already filled out the FAFSA. WX: Rain Today will be cloudy with a slight chance of rain. Temperatures will reach a high of 54 degrees, before dropping to 38 tonight. Fog will roll in tomorrow morning, before turning partly sunny during the day. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by …
February 2, 2024 News Transcript
Port of Bellingham launches new project, promising environmental cleanup and new jobs, Medical examiner reports cause of death for Bellingham man who went off-roading alone, Missing Mount Vernon girl found in Michigan, Rent stabilization bill stalls in WA Senate, Providence must provide $157.8 million in refunds and debt relief for unlawful medical charges to low-income Washingtonians, Free and Cheap, BNSF Railway responsible for Tunnel 5 fire, damage, lawsuit alleges ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, February 2nd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Port of Bellingham launches new project, promising environmental cleanup and new jobs The Port of Bellingham is due to start a long-awaited, multi-million-dollar project that aims to create jobs and provide environmental cleanup. The 27.5 million dollar Bellingham Shipping Terminal Modernization Project is set to launch this month after crews received their needed materials yesterday. The current shipping terminal would go through changes such as increased water depth – which would allow larger ships to access the terminal –, a reinforced dock, and the addition of a state-of-the-art stormwater management system. The project also includes the removal of 22,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment from the water. The project will be supported by a 6.5 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. STORY: Medical examiner reports cause of death for Bellingham man who went off-roading alone The Whatcom County Medical Examiner has determined the cause of death for a 26-year-old Bellingham man reported missing last month. The cause of death was determined to be from hypothermia. In his last communication on January 17th, Stefan Oliver mentioned off-roading at the Nooksack River. His body was discovered on the 21st in a ditch covered in snow. His vehicle was found the next day. According to a report by Whatcom County Examiner Deb Hollis, Oliver likely succumbed to hypothermia after crashing his car and attempting to walk to the road. STORY: Missing Mount Vernon girl found in Michigan A missing teenage girl from Mount Vernon has been found in the Midwest. Mount Vernon Police stated they received a tip on the location of 14-year-old Ella Jones. It was found that someone had ordered a rideshare on January 6th from Jones’ house to an address in the town of South Haven, Michigan. Officials from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office found Jones at the address on the 31st, and promptly arrested a 30-year-old suspect, who has not yet been identified. A Facebook page set up after Jones’ disappearance stated that it was believed she had been “groomed and coerced by an individual online who uses the cover name ‘Keith’.” The suspect faces a total of four charges between Michigan and Washington, including kidnapping and criminal sexual conduct. STORY: Rent stabilization bill stalls in WA Senate Although homelessness and housing costs are top of mind for Washingtonians, renter protection bills are still struggling to pass in the legislature. Authors of House Bill 2114 and Senate Bill 5961 say the aim is to provide rent predictability and stability by: limiting annual rent increases to 15% for existing tenants, requiring landlords to give six months’ notice for increases over 3%, limiting fees, and requiring consistency in month-to-month leases. The bills also extend eviction protections, offer enforcement for rent violations, and establish a landlord resource center. Data shows significant pressure on Washingtonians to move due to rent increases. Advocates argue the bills’ will provide stability for renters and support landlords. However, SB 5961 is effectively dead, having not passed by the deadline of January 31st. One holdout vote caused the bill to stall, from Senator Annette Cleveland from Vancouver. Cleveland said her biggest problem with the Senate bill is its core language capping rent increases at 15 percent annually, something that she says would cause long term issues. Previous versions of the bill had the limit capped at 5 percent, and was increased in a new version last Friday. The companion version of the bill however did pass the House, and is still alive. STORY: Providence must provide $157.8 million in refunds and debt relief for unlawful medical charges to low-income Washingtonians The Attorney General’s Office announced yesterday that Providence Health Care must provide nearly 160 million dollars in debt and refunds to low-income Washingtonians. State law requires hospitals to provide charity care to patients based on their income level. In 2022, Ferguson filed an enforcement action against Providence for deceiving patients who qualified for medical discounts from 2018 to 2023. Providence now owes around 21 million, including interest, in refunds to 35,000 patients. Providence also must forgive 137 million in medical debt to over 65,000 patients. The health care provider has already forgiven 126 million in patients’ medical charges, and will pay back the remaining 11 million now that the action is filed. Patients who will receive refunds or forgiveness will receive checks in the mail or notices that their balances have been written off. Anyone who believes they are not receiving the financial support they deserve should contact the Attorney General’s Office. STORY: Free and Cheap Looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend? Here are some events happening around the county. The Bellingham Dockside Market will also have its bimonthly pop-up on Saturday at Squalicum Harbor from 10 to 2. Visit the dock early to ensure the best selection of seafood options, from dock to table. Also on Saturday, the Bellingham Makerspace at Bellis Fair is hosting a Mini Figure Painting event. Minifigures, like the ones used in tabletop roleplay games, will be provided, as well as paints, brushes, and instruction. All ages are welcome, and registration is required on the Bellingham Makerspace website. The event runs from 2 to 5 pm. Finally, on Sunday, the Central Library is hosting a Crafternoon for kids aged 9 to 14. The event provides all the materials required for the project, as well as snacks. The class will run in the Lecture Room from 1:30 to 3 pm. Pre-registration is available online at the …
