The Wandering ‘Hamster

 Bike patrols return to downtown Bellingham amid city’s shift in security approach, In-person public comments to return to Bellingham city council meetings next Monday, Whatcom real estate market reports bounce-back in 2024, with increased prices and sales, Whatcom real estate market reports bounce-back in 2024, with increased prices and sales, Flu cases surge in Washington, UW School of Medicine receives federal grant to study respiratory diseases akin to COVID, WA to implement new abortion pill rules, Free or Cheap ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, January 10th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.   STORY: Bike patrols return to downtown Bellingham amid city’s shift in security approach Bellingham’s police bike patrol is back in action as part of the city’s updated downtown security plan. A sergeant and four officers now patrol downtown daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., focusing on community engagement and quality-of-life issues. This change allows private security firm Risk Solutions Unlimited (or RSU) to concentrate on patrolling city-owned parking garages. According to the City, the bike unit was previously deactivated due to staffing shortages but was reinstated to improve public safety and rebuild trust with downtown businesses. RSU guards, who handled round-the-clock patrols, will now focus on parking facilities during set hours.  The Downtown Bellingham Partnership supports the bike patrol’s return, noting that local businesses have pushed for more community-focused policing. However, concerns remain about balancing police presence with civilian security. The city says its goal is to streamline security efforts downtown to enhance trust and safety. STORY: In-person public comments to return to Bellingham city council meetings next Monday Bellingham City Council will resume in-person public comment on Monday, having suspended the practice in November due to safety concerns. During Monday night’s council meeting, Mayor Kim Lund announced new security measures, including metal detector screenings before meetings. In-person comments were paused last fall following reports of inappropriate and profane behavior. Councilmember Michael Lilliquist said the tone of comments had become more hostile and politically charged during the COVID-19 pandemic. The council is also considering moving public comment to the start of meetings, but has not made a final decision. STORY: Whatcom real estate market reports bounce-back in 2024, with increased prices and sales Whatcom County’s real estate market rebounded last year, reaching an all-time high median home sale price of $635,000, up 7.8% from 2023.  According to Peter Ahn of The Muljat Group, total home sales rose by 3.2% compared to 2023, with about twenty-four hundred homes sold. Bellingham led the county with the highest median home price at $765,000, followed by Lynden, Ferndale, and the Birch Bay/Blaine area. The lowest median price was in the Mount Baker area, at around $382,500. Ahn says stabilized mortgage rates have boosted the housing market, and they expect moderate growth in sales and prices in 2025 if mortgage rates remain stable. STORY: Flu cases surge in Washington Flu cases are surging in Washington.  The State Department of Health says positive flu tests jumped from 148 in late November to nearly 600 by the end of December. Officials report 11 flu-related deaths and thirty-two outbreaks in long-term care facilities. 200 flu patients were admitted to Hospitals in the last week of December. Oregon is also urging precautions after two children died from the flu last month. Health officials in King County recommend flu shots, wearing masks indoors, improving ventilation, and staying home if you’re sick to help slow the spread. STORY: UW School of Medicine receives federal grant to study respiratory diseases akin to COVID In other health-related news, the University of Washington School of Medicine received a CDC grant to study the spread of respiratory illnesses, such as the flu, COVID, and RSV, over the next five years. The study will track 2,000 children and adults through weekly online surveys to monitor symptoms. Researchers will also study virus transmission in 150 households with confirmed infections. The goal is to improve understanding of virus transmission and better prepare for future pandemics. Researchers say the study builds on similar work conducted before COVID-19. STORY: WA to implement new abortion pill rules Pharmacists in Washington are being trained by a state-based nonprofit to prescribe abortion medications via telehealth.  According to Dr. Beth Rivin (RI-ven), president and CEO of the nonprofit Uplift International, many people in Washington face barriers to abortion access due to factors such as where they live and how much money they earn. Dr. Rivin said these people would benefit most from having access to telehealth and a greater number of available pharmacists. To that end, Uplift International partnered with an online pharmacy called Honeybee Health to launch a pilot program in which ten pharmacists were trained to prescribe abortion medications to Washington patients experiencing up to 10 weeks’ gestation. The program also features a list of clinics where patients can be referred if any in-person follow-up care becomes necessary. The success of the pilot program has encouraged Uplift International, who said they plan to expand the program across the state. In the days leading up to President-elect Trump’s inauguration and potential abortion restrictions enacted by Congress, Dr. Rivin says the hope is for other states to implement similar models. STORY: Free or cheap It’s Friday – if you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s a bit of what’s going on around the county. The Make.Shift will host a quadruple-header, all-ages punk show starting at 8:30 tonight. The Hobby, a local punk band, will headline the occasion, with openers including Seattle’s political pop-punk outfit Kids on Fire. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Make.Shift’s website for $11; or at the door, they are cash-only, and will go for $15. The Pickford Film Center will be hosting two special screenings this weekend. First is a 10PM Saturday screening of legendary Czech filmmaker Jan Švankmajer’s (yun SVUNK-ma-yur) 1988 adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, which combines animation and live action. Then, at 1PM Sunday afternoon the Pickford begin its Alfred Hitchcock series …

January 10, 2025 News TranscriptRead More

 Whatcom drug task force makes 11 arrests in Bellingham operation, Dr. Ming Lin settles lawsuit with PeaceHealth, Local students tell legislators they’re being “failed” by state’s K-12 funding model,  Luxury housing and commercial development proposed for Bellingham waterfront, Mount Baker Ski Area to host free avalanche awareness and rescue course, WTA budgets $150,000 to improve infrastructure near bus stops, State reps announce $56 million in federal grants to be awarded to projects statewide  Independent, nonprofit community radio.  KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, January 9th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: Whatcom drug task force makes 11 arrests in Bellingham operation  A two-month investigation by the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force has resulted in 11 arrests in downtown Bellingham on Tuesday.  According to police, the suspected leader of the drug operation was based out of a recreational vehicle parked on East Magnolia Street. Authorities say they seized 226 grams of suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine, counterfeit pills, psilocybin, and over $4,000 in cash from the RV. Undercover detectives made 24 drug purchases from the suspects in November and December. The leader of the operation, Satan Nehtah Wey, faces multiple charges, including delivery and possession of controlled substances and leading organized crime.  The task force includes members from local law enforcement agencies and the DEA. Authorities expect more arrests and emphasize the dangers of fentanyl to the community. Overdose prevention resources are available at Whatcomoverdoseprevention.org. STORY: Dr. Ming Lin settles lawsuit with PeaceHealth  Dr. Ming Lin, an emergency room doctor fired from St. Joseph Medical Center for speaking out about COVID-19 safety practices, has settled his lawsuit against PeaceHealth.  According to a joint statement, both parties say they want to move forward and the confidential settlement was reached to avoid a prolonged trial. Lin’s lawsuit, filed in 2020, claimed he was terminated in retaliation for raising safety concerns early in the pandemic. His suggestions at the time included testing patients in the parking lot and mandatory temperature checks, but they were dismissed by hospital administrators. PeaceHealth has denied any wrongdoing.  Though the PeaceHealth case is resolved, Lin will continue a related lawsuit against TeamHealth, a private equity-owned medical labor contractor. His amended complaint against TeamHealth includes claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, and negligent hiring and supervision. Lin alleges that TeamHealth retaliated against him for raising concerns about hospital practices and a hostile work environment.  The case against TeamHealth is scheduled for a jury trial in May. Lin’s attorney emphasized that the lawsuit aims to prevent future harm to healthcare workers and patients. STORY: Local students tell legislators they’re being “failed” by state’s K-12 funding model  A town hall in Blaine on Tuesday saw students tell legislators in attendance that they are being quote-unquote “failed” by Washington’s K-12 funding model.  Blaine Middle School eighth-grader Ruby Belarmino noted how insufficient state funding led to the lack of a librarian at her school. Ferndale High School senior Gabby Lenssen stated that insufficient funding results in local tax dollars funding basic education instead of the extra electives and after-school activities. Finally, Mount Baker Senior High senior Cailyn Jewell said her favorite teacher was laid off due to budget cuts and two science classes she was looking forward to taking were removed.  The town hall was organized by Fund Schools Now, a group of Blaine parents frustrated by the last two years of budget cuts due to insufficient state funding. In attendance were State Senator Sharon Shewmake, as well as Representatives Alicia Rule and Joe Timmons; all three politicians called upping state funding a priority heading into the legislative session, but Rule noted that they would also need to convince other members of the state legislature of the urgency of the funding crisis.  In all, the Blaine School District has been underfunded by roughly $24 million since 2020; meanwhile, Ferndale estimates that it has been underfunded nearly $23 million for special education, materials and transportation costs, while Mount Baker estimates it has been almost $18 million short. STORY: Luxury housing and commercial development proposed for Bellingham waterfront  A two-building luxury housing and commercial development has been proposed near Bellingham’s waterfront along 10th Street, south of Taylor Dock.  The project, led by The RJ Group and designed by Zervas (ZUR-vus) Architects, includes 10 residential units and a shared 27-stall underground parking garage. The southern building would be fully residential with eight two-bedroom units, while the northern mixed-use building would have two residential units, a small restaurant, office space, and amenity areas.  A public park plaza is planned between the two buildings, offering outdoor seating and connecting to local trails, including the South Bay Trail and Taylor Dock, via an ADA-accessible gravel path. Improvements to 10th Street include a new 10-foot pedestrian trail and 25 angled public parking spaces.  According to Washington state housing targets, Whatcom County needs nearly 35,000 new housing units in the next 20 years, with Bellingham responsible for about 17,000 units. Over 60% of those must be affordable. To stay on track, the city needs to build more than 500 affordable housing units every year. Currently, 576 housing units are under construction in Bellingham, with another 612 units in the review process.  If approved, construction is expected to begin in winter 2025, with occupancy planned for winter 2026. STORY: Mount Baker Ski Area to host free avalanche awareness and rescue course  The Mount Baker Ski Area’s Mountain Education Center is offering a free avalanche awareness and rescue course on Saturday.  The event includes hands-on training with transceivers to locate and uncover buried beacons. The Beacon Rally course runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Heather Meadows Base Area near Chair 1, with in-person registration required beforehand.  A season pass or lift ticket is not needed, and the event will conclude with a raffle.  STORY: WTA budgets $150,000 to improve infrastructure near bus stops  The Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) is allocating $150,000 from its 2025 Transit Access Fund to support infrastructure projects that improve access to bus stops within a quarter-mile radius. Eligible …

January 9, 2025 News TranscriptRead More

Multiple I-5 accidents in Bellingham leave at least one dead,  Bellingham PeaceHealth workers expected to picket for higher wages this week, Whatcom SAR volunteers aid in rescue of lost backcountry skier, Harvesting of oysters closed in Drayton Harbor following outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, Governor unlocks relief funds for those affected by November bomb cyclone, WA bans commercial net-pen fish farming, WA bans commercial net-pen fish farming  Independent, nonprofit community radio.  KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, January 8th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: Multiple I-5 accidents in Bellingham leave at least one dead  Interstate 5 in Bellingham reopened early this morning after a fatal crash last night closed both directions between Meridian Street and Northwest Avenue.  Emergency services were alerted to a rollover crash in the northbound lanes around 6:45 PM. Officials from WSDOT, the State Patrol, and Whatcom County 911 used social media to inform the public of the closure and urge caution.  According to police reports, when first responders arrived, they noted a pedestrian walking in the southbound lanes. A second incident took place when a small SUV, driven by 36-year-old Anna Casillas (ca-SEE-us) of Mount Vernon, swerved to avoid the pedestrian but was unsuccessful. The State Patrol later issued a press release confirming that Sean Smet, a 24-year-old Bellingham man, was pronounced dead at the scene in the southbound lanes.  According to the PulsePoint EMS dispatch log reporting system, up to 3 patients were transported from the crash scenes to St Joseph Medical Center. One lane in each direction reopened around 9:15 PM, and both lanes were fully reopened shortly after midnight.  The incidents are still under investigation.  STORY: Bellingham PeaceHealth workers expected to picket for higher wages this week  Health care workers at St. Joseph Medical Center will picket tomorrow to call for higher wages and other work benefits.  According to a news release by SEIU Healthcare 99W, the union representing Bellingham’s PeaceHealth workers and 35,000 health care workers across Washington and Montana, the two sides continue to disagree on issues related to wages, safety issues and medical benefits even after multiple bargaining sessions.  Almost a thousand union PeaceHealth workers, including imaging technicians, lab assistants and technologists, will picket from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to call for investments in quality patient care, as well as staff recruitment and retention. The picket, which will take place outside St. Joseph, will be open to the public; in fact, the union encourages community members to join the picket line and learn more about the contract negotiations. STORY: Whatcom SAR volunteers aid in rescue of lost backcountry skier  The first day of the year got off to a dangerous start, when search and rescue volunteers spent 14 hours helping a skier lost in the backcountry.  The Mount Baker Ski Patrol, U.S Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine support, and Whatcom County Search and Rescue volunteers collaborated to aid a 34-year-old skier who was separated from his partner and got lost in a drainage area. Volunteers had to contend with the ongoing risk of avalanche, open creeks, and waterfalls. The location was considered too dangerous to attempt a land rescue, so Border Patrol officers used a hoist-equipped helicopter from the U.S Coast Guard to air-drop an overnight kit with food, shelter, and a radio to the skier.  The next morning, the Bellingham Mountain Rescue team navigated the extreme and hazardous terrain and successfully rescued the man. His name has not been released.  STORY: Harvesting of oysters closed in Drayton Harbor following outbreaks of foodborne illnesses  The Washington State Department of Health has issued an emergency closure of shellfish harvesting in Drayton Harbor after several people fell ill with symptoms of Norovirus after eating raw oysters harvested on December 28th and 30th. Similar outbreaks have also been reported in Puget Sound and British Columbia.  The health department advises cooking all shellfish to 145 degrees Fahrenheit (or roughly 63 degrees Celsius) to kill harmful pathogens. Norovirus outbreaks have been rising nationwide, prompting the Whatcom County health department to issue additional safety guidelines earlier this week.  STORY: Governor unlocks relief funds for those affected by November bomb cyclone  Whatcom County residents affected by the November 19th windstorm can now apply for state assistance after Governor Inslee declared the event a state of emergency.  The storm, caused by an offshore “bomb cyclone,” hit the Puget Sound area and left over 500,000 people without power. It also damaged over 40 structures in Whatcom County’s Sudden Valley.  The governor’s proclamation unlocks a million dollars in state funds for recovery, and prepares the state to request federal aid for infrastructure repairs. Assistance is available for residents of Whatcom, King, and Snohomish counties who meet the following criteria:  ● Those whose household income is at, or below, 80% of the area median income (that’s about $84,000 for a family of four in Whatcom County); ● Those who can provide proof of major storm damage that made their home uninhabitable, and;  ● Those who have uninsured losses and can provide supporting claim documentation.  The program provides funds for home repairs, temporary lodging, meals, and other household needs. Residents can apply through the Whatcom County emergency management website.  STORY: WA bans commercial net-pen fish farming  The Washington State Board of Natural Resources has permanently banned commercial net-pen aquaculture on state aquatic lands.  According to a recent announcement by outgoing Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, the decision prioritizes protecting marine ecosystems for future generations. Franz highlighted the harm net pens pose to salmon, orcas, and aquatic environments, referencing the endangered southern resident orcas’ continued population decline.  The ban follows growing public opposition to net-pen farming, with over 80% of public comments supporting the measure. Tribal leaders and conservation groups emphasized the need to protect wild salmon and marine life from harmful fish farming practices, calling net pens quote-unquote “marine feedlots.”  However, opponents argued that the ban will hurt rural economies and limit food production. The Jamestown S’Klallam (SKLA-lum) Tribe and aquaculture representatives expressed concerns that the decision …

January 8, 2025 News TranscriptRead More

Three suspects arrested in Whatcom County on drug dealing charges, Blaine man facing hate crime and assault charges following Bellingham bar fight, Multiple Bellingham restaurants announce closures, Community townhall to be held in Blaine tonight to discuss education funding shortfall, Proposed tariffs could impact up to $7 billion in WA imports from Canada, WA sues T-Mobile over data breach thought to have affected over 2 million residents, Whatcom SAR volunteers aid in rescue of lost backcountry skier  Independent, nonprofit community radio.  KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, January 7th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: Three suspects arrested in Whatcom County on drug dealing charges  A forgotten cell phone at a business in Bellingham led to the arrest of two suspected drug dealers on Saturday.  While trying to identify the phone’s owner, security staff discovered evidence of drug dealing and alerted police. Authorities found the suspects’ vehicle at a local hotel, where a search yielded large amounts of fentanyl, meth, heroin, and cocaine. The suspects, a 37-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man, were arrested and remain in jail on $250,000 bail each.  In a separate incident, a 47-year-old man was arrested for suspected drug dealing after a van with expired tags was pulled over. A K-9 search revealed fentanyl in his possession. He remains in jail on $175,000 bail.  STORY: Blaine man facing hate crime and assault charges following Bellingham bar fight  A Blaine man is facing hate crime and assault charges in connection with an incident at a downtown Bellingham bar in late December. 25-year-old Trevor R. Mikoch (ME-kotch) is accused of attacking a 23-year-old gay man from Lyndon in the early hours of December 21st at The Orion.  Bellingham Police Lieutenant Claudia Murphy said the incident started when the victim heard Mikoch using racial slurs toward another patron and telling other patrons he wanted to fight that person. When the victim tried to intervene, Mikoch responded by calling him a homophobic slur and attacking him. Mikoch was arrested that same day, but was released after posting bail on December 23rd.  This is not his first brush with the law. Back in 2017, Mikoch was sentenced to two years of community custody as part of a deal to avoid prison after pleading guilty to possession of cocaine and alprazolam (al-PRA-zuh-lam) with the intent to distribute. That same year, he was also sentenced to three months in Whatcom County Jail after assaulting a law enforcement officer.  Mikoch has been ordered to stand trial on charges including assault in the commission of a hate crime and fourth-degree assault. He pleaded not guilty, and a trial date was set for March 17th.  STORY: Multiple Bellingham restaurants announce closures  Bellingham saw significant changes at the end of 2024, with three popular eateries closing in December. Pepper Sisters, a Southwestern restaurant in downtown Bellingham, closed after 36 years. Despite being listed for sale for $180,000, the business was unable to find a buyer. The space at North State Street will be taken over by Bordertown Mexican Grill.  The Twin Sisters Brewing Company, located at Carolina Avenue, also shut down. The brewery announced its closure on New Year’s Eve, and thanked customers for their support. The space will be taken over by the Stemma Brewing Company, which plans to reopen after renovations.  Finally, Little Dog Coffee Company, a drive-through espresso stand and cafe at East Bakerview Road, closed on December 12th after six years in business. The owners cited economic conditions and family priorities as reasons for the closure, expressing gratitude to their loyal customers.  No new restaurants opened in December.  STORY: Community townhall to be held in Blaine tonight to discuss education funding shortfall  A town hall will be held tonight at 6 pm at the Blaine Performing Arts Center to discuss the education funding shortfall.  The organizers, who describe themselves as quote “a group of dedicated parents and community members” unquote, along with a parent group called Fund Schools Now, say they hope to address inadequate state funding for public education. On their website, Fund Schools Now says the goal of the meeting is to start a conversation with legislators ahead of difficult budgetary decisions that are expected in the 2025 regular legislative session. Back in November, outgoing Governor Inslee warned that the state is facing a $10 billion deficit and reductions will need to be made.  Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal (RIKE-doll) has requested an increase of nearly $3 billion for public schools in the 2025 budget. However, the current operating budget does not propose expanding current programs and services.  STORY: Proposed tariffs could impact up to $7 billion in WA imports from Canada  Proposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports could impact businesses and consumers, but their extent remains uncertain.  The tariffs, initially floated by incoming President Trump as a 25% tax on goods from Canada and Mexico, are seen by many as a negotiating tactic.  Trade between British Columbia and Washington state is significant: Washington imported $7 billion in goods from B.C. in 2023, including oil, lumber, and electricity, and exported $5 billion in goods such as refined petroleum, power, and seafood. Tariffs could disrupt supply chains since many products, like oil, cross the border multiple times.  Economists warn that tariffs could hurt cross-border businesses and lead to retaliation from Canada, possibly targeting aerospace parts, machinery, fruit, and wine. Retaliation could also discourage Canadian shoppers from visiting the U.S., especially with Canada’s weakened currency.  The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement trade deal currently keeps tariffs low, but if the U.S. imposes new tariffs, duty-free exemptions for individual cross-border shoppers could be at risk.  Experts agree the situation is uncertain, and businesses are bracing for potential impacts, depending on how negotiations unfold.  STORY: WA sues T-Mobile over data breach thought to have affected over 2 million residents  Washington state is suing T-Mobile over a 2021 data breach that exposed the personal information of over 2 million Washington residents and nearly 80 million customers nationwide.  The exposed data included Social Security numbers, phone …

January 7, 2025 News TranscriptRead More

Car crash and fire on Portal Way sends family to hospital, West Bakerview homeless encampment to be cleared in coming weeks, Unemployment rates rose for Bellingham and Whatcom County in November, Battery energy storage system approved for industrial land near Mount Vernon, Public comments open on amendments to Northwest Forest Plan, WA sets record for eviction filings in 2024, Confluence of factors result in challenges for WA apple farmers ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, January 6th. Good afternoon, I’m Theron Danielson.   STORY: Car crash and fire on Portal Way sends family to hospital First responders were dispatched to a car crash and fire on Portal Way in Whatcom County on New Year’s Day at around 3:30 p.m. According to police reports, they found a family of four trapped inside a vehicle which was fully engulfed in flames. All occupants — two adults and two children — safely exited the car and were transported to St. Joseph Medical Center. The car’s engine compartment sustained most of the fire damage. Portal Way was temporarily closed for about an hour. STORY: West Bakerview homeless encampment to be cleared in coming weeks The City of Bellingham says it plans to notify residents at the homeless encampment at West Bakerview Road and Northwest Drive of the upcoming cleanup of the site scheduled for January 23rd. According to the City, the makeshift campsite has grown significantly since the city cleared a similar large encampment behind Walmart in November.  Property owners near the location have raised concerns over public health, safety, and criminal activity. Fifty service providers, city officials, law enforcement officers, and community members gathered Friday night for a collaborative meeting in preparation for another upcoming encampment cleanup. At the meeting, attendees expressed a desire to ease the transition for the unhoused individuals. While property owners support the cleanup, service providers worry that clearing encampments without immediate housing solutions will only perpetuate the problem. Suggestions included offering trash bags and carts to help residents move their belongings, and creating long-term solutions like tiny home villages. Nearby residents also expressed growing concerns about safety issues, and pointed to increasing incidents of gunfire, drug use, and rising theft. While emphasizing their compassion for the unhoused, they stressed the importance of increased collaboration between the city, county, and nonprofit organizations to more effectively address homelessness. STORY: Unemployment rates rose for Bellingham and Whatcom County in November Unemployment rates in Whatcom County and Bellingham rose slightly in November. Recent data by the Washington State Employment Security Department shows that Whatcom County recorded a 4.6% unemployment rate in November, up from 4.3% in October. Bellingham’s unemployment rate also rose to 4.6%, up from 4.3% in October, with 2,149 residents unemployed. Washington state saw a slight drop in its seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, from 4.7% in October to 4.6% in November. Despite the drop, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says Washington ranks seventh in the nation for unemployment. STORY: Battery energy storage system approved for industrial land near Mount Vernon A location for Skagit County’s first battery energy storage system has been approved. NextEra Energy Resources has received a special use permit to build the 200-megawatt facility on industrial land west of Mount Vernon. According to a report from Skagit’s planning department, the project would contain around 92 single-story inverter/transformer units and 368 battery cabinets within an 18-acre area, surrounded by a security fence.  The project would facilitate the statewide transition away from fossil fuels by managing fluctuations in energy demand for the region and creating a more sustainable power grid. STORY: Public comments open on amendments to Northwest Forest Plan The U.S. Forest Service has proposed amendments to the 30-year-old Northwest Forest Plan that will impact nearly 800,000 acres in Skagit and Whatcom counties.  Adopted in 1994, the original plan focused on habitat protection for threatened species, but now requires updates to address evolving climate impacts, science, and social conditions. Along with local forests, the update will impact 16 national forests in the West Coast. The Forest Service says the changes aim to integrate Indigenous knowledge, improve climate and wildfire resilience, protect ecosystems, and ensure predictable timber yields.  A draft environmental impact statement (EIS) from November 2023 outlines their recommendation that combines active management with habitat protection. The EIS also differentiates between “moist” and “dry” forests, with most forests in Skagit and Whatcom counties classified as moist. It suggests opening some local forestlands to harvest and active fire management while preserving ancient stands, except in the case of cultural use or fire risk. Public feedback on the draft EIS is open until March 17th, with meetings planned, including one in Everett on January 15th. STORY: WA sets record for eviction filings in 2024 The Eviction Research Network says that Washington had its highest number of eviction filings in recorded history in 2024. Nine counties had already surpassed their previous records, and eight more were expected to do so by the end of December. In Whatcom County, 403 eviction filings were recorded in 2024; it recorded its highest number of evictions, 477, in 2004. The current eviction rate in Whatcom County is 1.2%, lower than the state average of 2.1%. Evictions have risen significantly across Washington since pandemic-era protections ended. The Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program and Eviction Resolution Pilot Program were gradually phased out, which state officials say has contributed to the increase. Eviction rates have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with monthly filings exceeding 2019 numbers since July 2023. STORY: Confluence of factors result in challenges for WA apple farmers A string of economic challenges is devastating Washington apple farmers. Rising labor costs and stagnant prices paid to farmers, as well as apple oversupply caused by increased farm efficiency and the loss of international markets such as India and China due to tariffs imposed in 2018 by then-President Trump, have led small orchardists to sustain losses for years on end. These orchardists say they are unable to sustain these losses amid economic conditions they feel …

January 6, 2025 News TranscriptRead More

Ferndale man sentenced following pleading guilty to child sex offenses, One of two suspects in custody following attempted robbery in Bellingham, Bellingham to raise minimum wage twice in next five months, Numerous state laws enter into effect with the new year, Free and Cheap, Two beloved Bellingham restaurants announce closures, Car crash and fire on Portal Way sends family to hospital, WA sets record for eviction filings in 2024, Public comments open on amendments to Northwest Forest Plan ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, January 3rd. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.   STORY: Ferndale man sentenced following pleading guilty to child sex offenses A Ferndale man has been sentenced, by the Whatcom County Superior Court, to over 13 years in prison for child sex offenses.  55-year-old Jonathon Charles Sortino was arrested by Ferndale Police in December 2021. The arrest took place after an investigation into a child’s testimony regarding years of abuse, as well as online conversations between Sortino and a friend that included apparent confessions to the crimes. Sortino pled guilty to felony charges of first-degree rape of a child and dealing in depictions of minors engaged in sexual conduct.  The judgement includes a lifetime in community custody after the sentence is served. STORY: One of two suspects in custody following attempted robbery in Bellingham One suspect was arrested, and another remains at large after a December 17th assault and attempted robbery at the Shamrock Motel.  A couple staying at the Motel noticed their room door begin to open from the outside. Two people were at the door; a woman, 31-year-old Rico Spencer Hill, and an unidentified man dressed in black, wearing a mask and wielding a baseball bat.  According to Bellingham Police Lieutenant Claudia Murphy, Hill, who was recognized by the female motel guest, attempted to steal a television and gaming console from the room – an attempt foiled by the male guest. An altercation took place between the two women, and Hill hit the female guest in the head with the bat.  Hill was located by police near Franklin and Ohio streets last Saturday afternoon and taken into custody. She has been charged with first-degree robbery and was held at the Whatcom County Jail until posting a $10,000 bond on Monday. The other suspect remains at large.  STORY: Bellingham to raise minimum wage twice in next five months As of Wednesday, Bellingham’s minimum wage has increased by 38 cents to $17.66, following a statewide adjustment for inflation. The city’s wage is set at a dollar higher than Washington’s minimum wage, which rises annually based on cost-of-living adjustments. Another increase will take place on May 1st, when Bellingham’s minimum wage will rise another dollar. The city’s minimum wage applies to all employees working within Bellingham city limits, with some exemptions for specific categories, including casual labor, newspaper carriers, and elected officials. Tipped employees must still be paid minimum wage, as tips cannot be used to offset wages. City employees are technically exempt from the policy, but the city is encouraged to match the rate. Bellingham is one of six cities in Washington with a higher minimum wage than the state’s. Seattle has the highest minimum in the state at $20.76.  STORY: Numerous state laws enter into effect with the new year Several new Washington state laws have gone into effect in the new year, including animal testing bans, HIV prevention measures, and stricter penalties for negligent driving. The changes aim to improve public safety, financial support, and workplace protections across the state. Here’s a rundown of a few changes: STORY: Free and cheap It’s Friday – if you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s a bit of what’s going on around the county. The first First Friday event of 2025 will take place tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Allied Arts Gallery on Cornwall Avenue. The Downtown Bellingham Partnership describes First Friday as a monthly celebration that showcases local artists and galleries, places to dine and sip, late night shopping, events, live music, and more. Today’s First Friday will see the opening of Heritage in Motion at Allied Arts, an exhibition that showcases work by Indigenous artists.  The Karate Church on East Maple Street will host the Falsettos and Sunsets one-act show tomorrow at 8 p.m. The clown show, inspired by classic acts like The Three Stooges and Laurel and Hardy, is described as being packed with “outrageous physical comedy, startling emotional honesty and slapstick existential confusion.” Tickets starting at $10 can be purchased at the door, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Finally, the FireHouse Arts and Events Center on Harris Avenue will host a screening of Obsessed with Light at 3 p.m. on Sunday. The documentary, which highlights the work of dancer and modernist Loïe (LOW-ee) Fuller, is described as a “meditation on light and the enduring obsession to create”. Tickets starting at $13.73 can be purchased at Kuntz (COON-tz) and Company’s website. WX: Isn’t there a white knight upon a fiery steed? And now weather: A strong day of rain is forecast for today, with expected precipitation reaching up to half an inch. Daytime hours should see temperatures in the mid-to-high 40s, along with mild northeastern winds. Evening lows will be in the mid-40s. Rain is expected to stick around through most of the weekend, with a chance of dry on Sunday. OUTRO:  Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Riley Weeks, Brodey O’Brien, Paloma Ortiz, Anna Hedrick and Miguel Garduño. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p.m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by your donations. Check out our Patreon page or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _David Korb________… thanks for listening. ## STORY: Two beloved Bellingham restaurants announce closures STORY: Car …

January 3, 2025 News TranscriptRead More

Burglary suspect finally arrested by Bellingham PD after nearly 16 months, Carjacker who fled police at Canadian border charged in Whatcom County, WSDOT awards $7 million grant to increase crossing speeds at US-Canadian border,  Work on Whatcom bridge and culvert project to commence next spring, Work on Whatcom bridge and culvert project to commence next spring, Events, services and businesses affected by New Year’s,  Public comments open on amendments to Northwest Forest Plan, Public comments open on amendments to Northwest Forest Plan, PeaceHealth Lynden Clinic earns LEED certification for sustainable design, Bellingham nonprofit introduces barnyard therapy for hospice patients and families  Independent, nonprofit community radio.  KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, December 31st. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: Burglary suspect finally arrested by Bellingham PD after nearly 16 months  Carl Ellis Woods, a burglary suspect who evaded law enforcement for over a year, was arrested by Bellingham Police on Friday.  The 36-year-old Woods is wanted for multiple felonies, including a 2023 burglary in Blaine that involved assault and several counts of eluding police.  According to police, officers found Woods in a car with stolen plates on Xenia (ZEE-nee-uh) Street. When he refused to exit the vehicle, officers broke a window with a bean bag launcher and used a chemical irritant. After the arrest, police discovered signs of fentanyl use, a firearm, BB guns, and additional stolen plates in the car.  Earlier that day, Woods had evaded WWU officers during a high-speed chase, and was also linked to an attempted burglary on Lakeway Drive. He is now in Whatcom County Jail on over a dozen charges, including first-degree burglary, with bail set at over $300,000. STORY: Carjacker who fled police at Canadian border charged in Whatcom County  42-year-old Shawn Bergstrom has been charged in Whatcom County following a December 12th carjacking at the Canadian border that led to a high-speed chase through Whatcom County.  Authorities allege Bergstrom used a bladed weapon to steal a pickup truck at the border, after which he rammed another vehicle and nearly struck Border Patrol officers. He now faces multiple charges, including second-degree assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a stolen vehicle.  According to police documents, the chase began at the Blaine border crossing and extended south on Interstate 5. It ended in Skagit County near the Bow Hill rest area, where State Patrol troopers stopped the vehicle using a PIT maneuver. After a standoff, Bergstrom surrendered by discarding a machete and climbing onto the vehicle’s hood.  The stolen truck was confirmed to have been taken from a Canadian business earlier that day. Bergstrom, identified as an unhoused individual from British Columbia, remains in custody. STORY: WSDOT awards $7 million grant to increase crossing speeds at US-Canadian border  The Washington State Department of Transportation received nearly $7 million in federal funding to enhance border wait-time systems at the U.S.-Canada crossings in Blaine, Lynden, and Sumas.  According to a release by Senators Cantwell and Murray, the grant is funded through a program from the U.S. Department of Transportation, and will go towards a project aimed at modernizing outdated systems and improving traffic management during border surges.  In the release, Cantwell and Murray emphasized the importance of the project, noting that current wait-time notification systems are over 20 years old and unreliable. The upgrades will provide real-time and more accurate information, helping travelers and commercial vehicles navigate the busy crossings more efficiently.  Blaine’s crossings are among the busiest on the U.S.-Canada border, with nearly 3 million passenger vehicles and over 356,000 commercial trucks crossing into the U.S. in 2023—a significant increase from 2022.  STORY: Work on Whatcom bridge and culvert project to commence next spring  Work is set to begin this Spring on a $160 million, three-year project to improve salmon passage under Interstate 5 (I-5) south of Bellingham. The Washington State Department of Transportation says its goal is to replace and widen culverts at several salmon-bearing streams, to fulfill a court order recognizing tribal rights. The project will occur in three phases, with significant traffic disruptions expected, including detours and lane closures.  Locations for Culvert and Bridge Replacements will occur at:  ● The I-5 at tributaries to Friday and Lake creeks;  ● The I-5 and Old Samish Road at Chuckanut Creek, and ● Lake Samish Road at tributaries to Friday Creek.  Work is expected to begin next Spring on the crossings at Friday and Lake creeks, with temporary bypasses and phased lane closures. Southbound I-5 is scheduled to close for 15 days, followed by a 12-day northbound closure, reducing traffic to one lane in each direction.  In 2026, construction on the Chuckanut Creek crossings will use temporary bypasses, and Old Samish Road will be closed as a detour. A new bridge over Chuckanut Creek will permanently close Old Samish Road.  In 2027, restoration of salmon habitat under the new bridges, as well as work at North Lake Samish, will require nightly lane closures and a reconfiguration of on- and off-ramps.  WSDOT has warned of potential delays and significant backups during construction. Timelines and detour plans may change as design and permitting progress. STORY: Events, services and businesses affected by New Year’s  It’s New Year’s Day tomorrow, and here’s a rundown of local business closures, as well as some fun things to do around Whatcom County.  Expect many businesses and services— including U.S. Post offices, WTA bus service, banks, and libraries— to be closed tomorrow. Many grocery stores and some retailers will remain open, but others may have modified hours.  If you are looking to ring in the new year with a celebration, here are some local options:  Enjoy a Masquerade Party at Galloway’s Cocktail Bar. The event, which will take place from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., will include masks and raffle prizes, with room for limited walk-ins.  There’s an 80s Ballroom Bash at Chuckanut Bay Distillery from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. with music, a photo booth, prizes, and a champagne toast.  The Firefighters Community Ball at Hotel Leo is a country-themed …

December 31, 2024 News TranscriptRead More

Three of four suspects arrested in downtown Bellingham assault and mugging, Man arrested in connection with Mount Vernon shooting, Whatcom County woman reports losing $14,000 to scammer, National Weather Service warns of dangerous weather hazards lingering in Whatcom County,  Bird flu kills 20 big cats in Shelton, Free and Cheap, Bellingham nonprofit introduces barnyard therapy for hospice patients and families, Mandatory food and yard waste collection to come to Bellingham in 2025 in advance of statewide adoption ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, December 27th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.   STORY: Three of four suspects arrested in downtown Bellingham assault and mugging Three men were arrested after a robbery in downtown Bellingham Sunday morning.  The incident occurred on Cornwall Avenue at 8:30 a.m., when four suspects assaulted a man before stealing his wallet. According to Bellingham Police, they were able to identify the suspects after reviewing video footage and arrested three of them the same day – 30-year-old Austin James Elkins, 26-year-old Kyle Michael Koop, and 29-year-old Justin Thomas Lee Smith. They remain in custody without bail at Whatcom County Jail. Authorities are still searching for the fourth suspect. STORY: Man arrested in connection with Mount Vernon shooting Also on Sunday 49-year-old Sean Paul Shelley was arrested after a shooting that injured two men in a Mount Vernon home. The men, aged 50 and 53, were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Police responded to a report of gunshots at a residence on South 3rd Street around 9 a.m. and found the suspect outside with a firearm. A witness stated the suspect, who knew the victims, also threatened him with the gun. The suspect was charged with two counts of first-degree attempted murder and one count of first-degree assault and booked into Skagit County Jail. STORY: Member of Whatcom drug ring sentenced following plea deal Edwin Vite-Delgado, a convicted member of a drug ring operating in Whatcom County, has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison, followed with three more years of community custody as part of a plea deal.  He was among five individuals arrested earlier this year in connection with the ring, which operated out of two Everett apartments where over 71 pounds of narcotics were seized. The 27-year-old Vite-Delgado pled guilty to three counts of drug possession and distribution on December 19th. Last month, another member, 34-year-old Austin Grimme, received over 18 years on unrelated charges, including burglary and firearm possession, after manufacturing firearms charges were dismissed in a separate plea deal. The remaining three suspects are still being held in Whatcom County Jail. STORY: Whatcom County woman reports losing $14,000 to scammer Authorities say a Whatcom County woman lost $14,000 in a phone scam that involved a caller posing as a sheriff’s deputy. The scammer falsely claimed she had missed jury duty and faced an arrest warrant, pressuring her to pay him in order to “resolve” the issue. No suspects have been identified. Deb Slater, a spokesperson for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, emphasizes that law enforcement will never ask for money to resolve warrants and advises individuals to hang up immediately if they receive such calls. Residents can verify the details of jury duty by contacting the Whatcom County Courthouse directly at 360-778-5400. STORY: National Weather Service warns of dangerous weather hazards lingering in Whatcom County Coastal Whatcom County may have escaped the worst of last week’s windstorm, but dangerous weather hazards remain. As another storm in a series of atmospheric rivers hits Western Washington, the National Weather Service says that rainy weather will persist in the lowlands around Bellingham, with snow falling above 3,500 feet. A winter weather advisory is in effect today and tomorrow. Officials from Mount Baker Ski Area said that over 2 feet of snow has fallen there since Christmas Eve, while heavy snowfall was reported yesterday on the Mount Baker Highway by the state Department of Transportation. STORY: Bird flu kills 20 big cats in Shelton Bird flu has caused significant losses at the Wild Felid (FEH-luhd) Advocacy Center of Washington, with more than half the sanctuary’s population dying in the last few weeks. The sanctuary in Shelton announced a total of 20 deaths, which began around Thanksgiving and included African servals, cougars, bobcats, and a tiger. The virus, which spreads through respiratory secretions and bird-to-bird contact, can infect carnivorous mammals that ingest infected birds. Cats are particularly susceptible to the disease. The sanctuary suspects bird droppings from migratory birds may have been the source. Affected animals exhibited rapid-onset symptoms like lethargy, low appetite, and pneumonia-like conditions. Bird flu cases are increasing in Washington state, with additional cases in cougars as well as domestic cats. While human infections are rare, the CDC warns of potential risks with prolonged exposure to infected animals. STORY: Free and cheap It’s Friday – if you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s a bit of what’s going on around the county. The New Prospect Theatre at Prospect Street will host The Upfront Theatre’s White Elephant show tonight and tomorrow night. The comedy show centered on the game will see gifts from audience members and improvisers worked in. While you don’t have to bring a gift, those who do will receive 50% off their ticket price. Tickets starting at $10.25 can be purchased at the Upfront’s website. Meanwhile, The Lincoln Theatre in Mount Vernon will be hosting its own comedic offering tonight. The Pacific Northwest’s own Gabriel Rutledge will headline a show at 7:30 p.m. Rutledge is a past winner of both the Seattle International Comedy Competition and The Laughing Skull Comedy Festival in Atlanta; his Drybar special, released earlier this year, has already garnered millions of views. Tickets starting at $25 can be purchased at the Lincoln Theatre’s website – they are going fast, so get them while you can. Finally, The Band of Havilah (HUH-vih-luh) will be performing at Stones Throw Brewery on Larrabee Avenue tomorrow at 6 p.m. Led by singer-songwriter Havilah Rand, their …

December 27, 2024 News TranscriptRead More

Border patrol agents report backpacks full of cocaine in forest north of Lynden, Whatcom maritime industry found to be “significant generator of economic activity,” in 2024, List of Christmas dinners and businesses closing for the holidays, Federal Railroad Administration and state legislature award $55 million for planning of Cascadia high-speed rail project, Federal Railroad Administration and state legislature award $55 million for planning of Cascadia high-speed rail project, State treasurer says Washingtonians should check to see if they have missing money Independent, nonprofit community radio.  KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, December 24th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: Border patrol agents report backpacks full of cocaine in forest north of Lynden  Border Patrol agents discovered two backpacks with over a million dollars’ worth of cocaine during a routine search in the woods near Lynden last Thursday.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials reported that 30 brick-like packages of cocaine, valued at over $1.1 million, were handed over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.  STORY: Whatcom maritime industry found to be “significant generator of economic activity,” in 2024  According to a new report by the McKinley Research Group, Whatcom County’s maritime industry, including the Port of Bellingham, significantly contributes to the local economy.  McKinley’s analysis says the local marine-related economy supports 6,400 jobs, provides over $400 million in labor income, and generates $1.6 billion in business revenue. Key sectors include maritime logistics and shipping, commercial fishing and seafood processing, and shipbuilding and maintenance. According to Port officials, they plan to modernize infrastructure, address historic contamination, and expand property to increase maritime growth. Plans for 2025 include a $36.7 million budget for projects at Bellingham International Airport, the Shipping Terminal, and the Marine Industrial Park in Fairhaven.  STORY: List of Christmas dinners and businesses closing for the holidays  While most businesses and services in Bellingham will be closed tomorrow for the holiday, some will remain open.  Services that will be closed include the Post Office, WTA bus services, banks, libraries, city services, and major shipping stores like FedEx and UPS. Walgreens and Rite Aid will also be closed.  One local grocery store, however, will be open — Safeway on Sunset Drive.  And if you decide you want to take a break and eat out, several local restaurants are offering special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals, including:  The Lighthouse Bar and Grill at the Hotel Bellwether will have a Christmas Eve, as well as a Christmas Day buffet.  Keenan’s at the Pier at The Chrysalis Inn & Spa will be open both days. B-Town Kitchen & Raw Bar will offer a three-course holiday dinner tomorrow only from noon to 5 p.m.  Three-course Christmas dinners today and tomorrow will also be available at Packers Kitchen + Bar at the Semiahmoo Resort.  Lombardi’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar will offer a special dinner menu today only.  Also open today until 8 p.m., Skylark’s Cafe has a special menu with prime rib and desserts.  And finally, Northwater at the Airport Holiday Inn & Suites will be open both days with a holiday menu.  Each restaurant offers unique holiday menus, and reservations are either required or highly recommended.  STORY: Federal Railroad Administration and state legislature award $55 million for planning of Cascadia high-speed rail project The Pacific Northwest is making progress toward a regional high-speed rail line, though actual construction still remains 15 to 20 years away.  Last Wednesday, the Federal Railroad Administration awarded nearly $50 million for planning the Cascadia High-Speed Rail, with Washington state contributing an additional $5.6 million. Funded by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the proposed rail would span the 350-mile Cascadia Megaregion from Vancouver to Portland, and allow travel between Seattle and Vancouver in under an hour at speeds up to 250 mph.  A comprehensive service development plan, including route selection and capital projects, is expected within four years. The projected cost is $42 billion, which is less than half the estimated $108 billion to expand Interstate 5 in Washington.  In the meantime, Amtrak announced that it will expand its services in Whatcom and Skagit counties, with restored and increased routes that are expected to have a more immediate impact on local transit. Additionally, the Washington State Department of Transportation says it is conducting studies on both the high-speed rail and Interstate 5 to address congestion and infrastructure challenges in the region.  STORY: Increased minimum wage and paid sick leave among WA workers’ protections set to begin in 2025  Starting next year, workers in Washington will benefit from increased pay and expanded rights under new state rules.  The statewide minimum wage will increase to $16.66 per hour. Thanks to an initiative passed in 2023, Bellingham’s 2025 minimum will match Seattle’s at $17.66 an hour; however, from May 1st to December 31st, it will go up to $18.66 per hour. Companies with 50 or fewer employees will be required to pay overtime to workers that earn $69,305 or less annually. For larger companies, that wage is $78,000.  Non-compete agreements will be limited to workers earning over $123,000 and contractors who make more than $300,000.  Finally, workers will be allowed to take paid sick leave to care for household members and partners, or during child daycare or preschool closures.  Further details are available on the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries’ website.  STORY: State treasurer says Washingtonians should check to see if they have missing money  Washington State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti is asking Washingtonians to check if they have unclaimed property being held for them by the state Department of Revenue.  Unclaimed property could come in the form of an old checking account, a certificate of deposit, an uncashed payroll check, a utility refund, or a security deposit that might have been returned to your old residence and never forwarded. According to Pellicciotti, the funds go back to the state, but it’s possible to search on claimyourcash.org and get the money back. According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, nearly one in seven people in the …

December 24, 2024 News TranscriptRead More

Bellingham accepts fault in lawsuit of teenager injured while crossing street in 2022, Two skiers rescued from tree wells on Mount Baker, Site chosen for proposed Civic Athletic Complex redesign, Whatcom Habitat for Humanity receives $10K grant to combat housing insecurity, Frito-Lay recalls over 6,000 bags of Original Lay’s chips containing undisclosed milk sold across WA and OR ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, December 23rd. Good afternoon, I’m Theron Danielson.   STORY: Bellingham accepts fault in lawsuit of teenager injured while crossing street in 2022 The City of Bellingham has settled a lawsuit for $325,000 related to a February 2022 crash that seriously injured a 14-year-old boy in the Barkley neighborhood. The boy was crossing Barkley Boulevard on his bicycle when he was struck by a government vehicle driven by an ICE (I-see-ee) employee. The crosswalk’s flashing light system was partially malfunctioning at the time, and a pedestrian sign was covered, contributing to the accident. The lawsuit, filed by the boy’s parents, Matthew and Lyndsey Stodola (stow-DOUGH-la), accused the city, ICE, and the driver of negligence. The settlement was approved unanimously by the City Council. Officials acknowledged multiple factors in the incident, including the non-functional crosswalk signal, which the city was aware of but failed to address adequately. The federal government has also agreed to a settlement, though further details were not immediately available. Initially scheduled for a bench trial in September, the case will no longer proceed to court following the settlements. STORY: Two skiers rescued from tree wells on Mount Baker According to Gwyn Howat, the President and CEO of the Mount Baker Ski Area, two people were rescued from tree wells at the resort on December 14th. The rescues were separate incidents that occurred near Chair 6 in the expert area. The skiers were saved without serious injuries, thanks to prompt rescue responses. Tree wells are voids in deep snow around tree bases, and pose a significant risk of snow suffocation if individuals become trapped and are unable to remove themselves. Howat emphasized that 90% of people in tree well incidents cannot free themselves. In one case, a skier’s partner called ski patrol after hearing cries for help. In the other, bystanders were directed by people on a nearby chairlift to assist. Howat praised the Mount Baker community for their awareness and quick actions, which she said were lifesaving. Skiers and snowboarders are advised to stick to groomed paths to reduce risks. The dangers of tree wells have been underscored by two recent fatalities at Mount Baker: Ferndale firefighter Capt. John DeVenere (du-vu-NEER) in 2023 and snowboarder William Kamphausen (CAMP-how-zen) in 2022. STORY: Site chosen for proposed Civic Athletic Complex redesign Bellingham has selected a site plan for the Civic Athletic Complex redesign, and will move forward with plans to expand indoor recreation. Located in the Puget neighborhood, the current complex houses many of the city’s recreational facilities, including the Arne (ar-KNEE) Hanna Aquatics Center and the Sportsplex. City staff presented the public with four options for redevelopment back in November, and it was announced last Thursday on Engage Bellingham that “Option 1” was the public’s favorite. That option includes moving Carl Cozier (CO-zhur) Elementary School to the complex’s northeast corner and repurposing its current site at Lincoln Street and Lakeway Drive for future community recreation facilities. The redesign also features plans for an interpretive wetland park, multi-use sports fields, and potential expansions to the Sportsplex for additional ice sheets or indoor soccer fields. A formal master plan will be presented to the public next year. The city and Bellingham Public Schools are finalizing an agreement for the school’s relocation, which will also serve as a temporary space for students from other schools undergoing reconstruction. Community input will be sought for the conceptual community recreation center, and a business plan is being developed to address funding and operational needs. This project is part of broader efforts by multiple groups in Bellingham to improve access to indoor recreational facilities. STORY: Whatcom Habitat for Humanity receives $10K grant to combat housing insecurity Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County received a $10,000 grant from the Washington Federal Foundation and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (duh-MOYN). The grant was a significant increase from the originally planned $2,500 donation thanks to matching donations, and will be used to address housing insecurity. Elle (EL) England, Habitat’s communications coordinator, stated the grant will help build an energy-efficient, ADA-friendly single-family home in Custer. STORY: Whatcom Sheriff’s Dept receives $125K for gun buy-back and storage programs The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office has received $125,000 from the Washington Attorney General’s Office for a gun buy-back program and firearm storage in the county. According to Deb Slater, a spokeswoman for the Sheriff’s Office, some of the funds will go toward buying gift cards in exchange for surrendering firearms and reducing the number of firearms in circulation. As part of the agreement, the Sheriff’s Office will keep track of how it spends the funds and follow reporting requirements set by the Attorney General’s Office. In total, nearly $2 million were awarded to 12 law enforcement agencies across the state. The funds come from a 2023 lawsuit where a King County judge ruled that a Federal Way gun store had broken state law by selling thousands of high-capacity magazines — the sale of such magazines is banned in Washington state. As a result, the store agreed to pay $3 million to resolve the claims. Attorney General and governor-elect Bob Ferguson says the money is being invested in communities to quote “help law enforcement prevent gun violence” unquote. More information will be provided by the Sheriff’s Office this spring about the location of the gun buy-back program, date, time and eligibility. STORY: Frito-Lay recalls over 6,000 bags of Original Lay’s chips containing undisclosed milk sold across WA and OR Frito-Lay recalled over 6,000 bags of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips in Washington and Oregon last week due to unlisted ingredients.  The affected bags …

December 23, 2024 News TranscriptRead More

Bellingham PD arrests middle schooler following alleged shooting threats on social media, Bellingham barbershop reports burglary early Wednesday morning, Port officials working “extra hard,” to resume air travel at Bellingham Intl Airport, WCC presidential candidates narrowed down to three, public forums to be held in January, Demand for skilled workforce collides with lowered enrollment at state community colleges, Free and Cheap, Bellingham accepts fault in lawsuit of teenager injured while crossing street in 2022, Two skiers rescued from tree wells on Mount Baker over the weekend ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, December 20th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.   STORY: Bellingham PD arrests middle schooler following alleged shooting threats on social media A Kulshan Middle School student was arrested for allegedly posting threats on social media to carry out a school shooting.  Police received a tip about the threats Wednesday evening and, with help from the school district, identified the suspect. He was arrested and booked into the Whatcom County Juvenile Detention Center on suspicion of felony harassment, which is a class C felony in Washington. STORY: Bellingham barbershop reports burglary early Wednesday morning Thousands of dollars in cash and tools were stolen when The Barber Shack in Bellingham was burglarized early Wednesday morning. The suspect entered by smashing the back window of the salon, which caused extensive damage. Surveillance video shows the suspect, described as a woman wearing a green beanie, blue surgical mask, and a tarp. Jared Valentine, the shop owner, is urging anyone with information to contact Bellingham Police. STORY: Port officials working “extra hard,” to resume air travel at Bellingham Intl Airport The Port of Bellingham says it will implement strategies to expand air service at Bellingham Airport following the departure of Southwest Airlines. Port commissioners approved an airline incentive package on Tuesday to attract new carriers and routes. The plan includes waiving terminal landing and parking fees for two years and providing up to three years of marketing funds. Unlike minimum revenue guarantees, this package is funded through airport revenues and does not require community-raised funds. Despite the exit of Southwest, existing carrier Alaska Airlines is adding a fourth daily flight to Seattle in January, while Allegiant will offer year-round flights to Las Vegas and Palm Springs starting next summer. Allegiant remains the largest carrier at Bellingham Airport and serves more passengers than Southwest did during its tenure. Airport officials remain optimistic the new incentive package will secure new routes and partnerships. STORY: WCC presidential candidates narrowed down to three, public forums to be held in January Whatcom Community College has announced three finalists to replace outgoing President Kathi Hiyani-Brown (hee-AWN-ee). The candidates, who will introduce themselves to the community through public forums are––– Pakou Yang, (paw-KOO) the provost at Century College in Minnesota, with two decades experience in higher education. Yang will speak on January 13th at 8 a.m. Mark Curtis-Chavez, the provost at College of DuPage in Illinois, a first-generation college graduate with 20 years of experience in higher education. He will speak on January 14th at 8 a.m. And finally, Justin Guillory (GILL-uh-ree), former president of Northwest Indian College on the Lummi Reservation, with 18 years at that institution and 12 as president. Guillory will speak on January 16th at 8 a.m. The forums will allow candidates to share their vision for the college and address current challenges. The new president will succeed Dr. Hiyane-Brown, who will retire on March 2nd after leading the college for 18 years. STORY: Demand for skilled workforce collides with lowered enrollment at state community colleges Washington employers rely on community colleges to address a skilled worker shortage, but declining enrollment is creating challenges. Full-time enrollment at the state’s 33 community and technical colleges is more than 13% below pre-pandemic levels. According to the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, shifts in student family obligations, as well as preferences driven by work, have contributed to the drop. Community colleges, known for training mid-skilled workers in fields like construction and healthcare are critical for addressing workforce gaps. Apprenticeship programs focused on the trades report a 91% job placement rate, with post-completion wages reaching just over $50 an hour. However, industries such as professional services, education, and health services are facing increased demand, with the Seattle metro area alone experiencing a shortage of over 6,000 credentialed workers in mid-skill, high-paying roles. The state’s job skills training program, funded by a $7.5 million annual grant, partners with employers to train workers. Participation in the program has grown significantly, with the manufacturing sector comprising two-thirds of participants. However, unemployment in the Seattle metro area rose to 4.5% in September, and a shrinking labor force poses challenges for employers. Experts say the shortages will be more acute for some industries than others and stress the need to expand credential programs to meet future workforce demand. STORY: Free or cheap It’s Friday – if you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s a bit of what’s going on around the county. Tomorrow is Winter Solstice, the darkest day of the season. To celebrate the occasion, Elizabeth Station at 1400 West Holly will be hosting its tenth annual Darkest Days Solstice Party. All day long, the bottle shop will be showcasing its finest barrel-aged brews. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tomorrow will also see the Fishermen’s Pavilion in Squalicum Harbor host its third annual Holiday Dockside Market. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., fishermen selling their fresh catch will be joined by food and craft vendors, as well as a performance by the Bellingham Youth Jazz Band at noon. Free cookies! The Lincoln Theatre in Mount Vernon will be publicizing its stance on whether Die Hard really is a Christmas movie by hosting a late-night screening at 10 p.m. tomorrow. Tickets starting at $8.50 can be purchased at the Lincoln Theatre’s website. Finally, the Pickford Film Center in Bellingham will be wrapping up its Holidays at the …

December 20, 2024 News TranscriptRead More