Jury finds City of Bellingham responsible for damages in handling of former officer’s abuse, Federal jury finds Deming man guilty of possession of child pornography, PeaceHealth employees say changes to hospital’s health insurance limit access to care, Whatcom businesses suffer from decreased Canadian business, Ballots mailed, Washington becomes first state to recognize Eid, Trackside to reopen in coming weeks, Home prices stabilized in Whatcom over first quarter of 2025 Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, April 10th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Jury finds City of Bellingham responsible for damages in handling of former officer’s abuse After a two-week trial and one day of jury deliberation, the Bellingham Police Department has been found negligent in failing to prevent domestic abuse committed by one of its former officers. A Whatcom County jury unanimously ruled that the department did not take necessary action after it received reports in 2017 about suspected abuse by then-Corporal Brooks Owen Laughlin (LOF-lin). The jury awarded a total of nearly $2.3 million in damages to Laughlin’s ex-wife Amanda DeBruin (duh-BREWIN) and his three children. DeBruin, who endured emotional, physical, and sexual abuse during her marriage to Laughlin, was awarded one-and-a-half million dollars. The children, whose experiences included witnessing abuse, were awarded $250,000 each. The plaintiffs argued that BPD failed to act on a memo from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office about potential abuse. Despite meetings with DeBruin, the department did not initiate an internal investigation until after Laughlin’s 2018 arrest. He was later convicted on multiple domestic violence charges and sentenced to eight years in prison, which was later reduced. City officials responded to the verdict stating it was not the outcome they hoped for, and that they would explore their options. Plaintiffs expressed hope the case would empower other survivors to speak out. STORY: Federal jury finds Deming man guilty of possession of child pornography A 47-year-old Deming man has been convicted on two felony charges for possession of more than 90,000 files of child sexual abuse material. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Robert J. Howell Jr. was arrested in July of 2021 after Homeland Security investigators in Blaine traced a tip to an IP address linked to Howell. Authorities say the IP had accessed a website focused on extreme child sexual abuse content, including themes of bondage, sadism, and gore. Following a two-day trial, jurors deliberated for about an hour before finding Howell guilty. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, and could serve up to 20 years in prison. STORY: PeaceHealth employees say changes to hospital’s health insurance limit access to care As labor negotiations continue and the threat of a strike looms, employees at St. Joseph Medical Center are speaking out about changes to their health insurance that they say limit access to care and drive up costs. The hospital is the largest employer in Whatcom County, and recently shifted to a self-insured model that employees claim effectively forces them to receive care within PeaceHealth’s own system or face significantly higher out-of-pocket expenses. Workers allege that the new tiered insurance structure penalizes those seeking care outside of PeaceHealth facilities. While Tier I offers the lowest costs for services within the PeaceHealth network, employees report limited availability of primary care providers and long wait times. Under Tier II, local coverage excludes Family Care Network — the region’s largest primary care provider — which forces many employees to give up longtime doctors. Union representatives argue their contract requires such changes to be subject to collective bargaining, but PeaceHealth has reportedly claimed the alterations weren’t substantial enough to trigger negotiations. Workers are calling for a return to a more affordable and accessible plan or, at the very least, employer support to offset increased costs. In a statement, PeaceHealth defended the changes, citing national healthcare cost increases; they also stated that the organization still covers the majority of plan costs for full- and part-time employees. The issue remains a key point of tension in ongoing labor talks. STORY: Whatcom businesses suffer from decreased Canadian business Whatcom County businesses say they are feeling the sting of a sharp decline in Canadian visitors, as new data shows a dramatic drop in cross-border travel from British Columbia. According to the Whatcom Council of Governments, the number of B.C. residents who crossed into the U.S. fell nearly 43% between March 2024 and last month. Early April figures indicate a decrease of over 50% compared to the same period last year. The slowdown comes amid growing political tensions, as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced plans to quote “drastically reduce” the country’s economic reliance on the U.S. following new tariffs imposed by President Trump on Canadian imports. In response, local residents have organized a series of Solidarity with Canada rallies at Peace Arch Park. The next event is scheduled for Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. Community members say they hope to show support for their northern neighbors and highlight the economic ties that connect the region. STORY: Ballots mailed People who live in the Meridian School District should have received ballots for the upcoming special election. A nearly $71 million bond measure to replace the aging Meridian Middle School is back on the ballot, after failing to pass with the required margin last fall. Registered voters who have not received their ballot should contact the Election Division of the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office to request a replacement. Whatcom residents who need to register to vote or update their address can do so online or by mail until next Monday. After that, voter registration and updates must be done in person. Ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day -– Tuesday, April 22nd — either in one of the five official ballot drop boxes or by mail. Find out more at elections@co.whatcom.wa.us. STORY: Washington becomes first state to recognize Eid In a historic move, Governor Bob Ferguson has signed a bill that officially recognizes Eid al-Fitr (EED al-FITTER) and …
April 9, 2025 News Transcript
Ferndale man arrested on suspicion of attempted kidnapping, Pilot program launches with highway speed cameras in Washington, Trump administration revokes visas of at least 15 college students statewide, Nearly 500 multi-family housing units under construction in Bellingham this spring, Reykdal rejects federal recertification attempts on civil rights compliance, Home prices stabilized in Whatcom over first quarter of 2025, Federal jury finds Deming man guilty of possession of child pornography, Ballots mailed Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, April 9th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Ferndale man arrested on suspicion of attempted kidnapping A 28-year-old Ferndale man was arrested early Monday on suspicion of kidnapping a woman. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office says that deputies contacted the man around 1:15 a.m. at the intersection of Grandview and Kickerville roads, where he appeared disoriented and showed signs of having been assaulted. Authorities say the suspect had convinced a woman he knew to get into his car, then refused to let her leave. He allegedly drove recklessly, made threats, and said he would take her to Canada. The woman later escaped and called her boyfriend, but the suspect reportedly tried to force her back into the car before deputies arrived. The man was booked into Whatcom County Jail on suspicion of first-degree kidnapping, reckless endangerment, and fourth-degree assault. STORY: Pilot program launches with highway speed cameras in Washington A new pilot program launched this week that uses highway speed cameras to detect speeding vehicles launches. The program is the brainchild of the Washington State Department of Transportation. In a news release from yesterday, WSDOT (WASH DOT) says it is rolling out an initiative—in partnership with the state Traffic Safety Commission and the State Patrol—that seeks to help reduce speed-related crashes across the state. The program, funded by one million dollars from the state Legislature, will begin tomorrow and operate on southbound I-5 between Cook and Bow Hill roads in Skagit County and on eastbound I-90 near Liberty Lake in Spokane County. The cameras placed at each site will measure vehicle speed by calculating the time it takes to travel between two points. Registered owners of vehicles observed speeding will receive courtesy notices in the mail—not fines— to encourage them to slow down. Notices will also include the vehicle’s recorded speed and the potential cost of a speeding ticket for that violation. The cameras will remain in place until late June. Following the pilot, WSDOT will evaluate the data and report back to the Legislature. STORY: Trump administration revokes visas of at least 15 college students statewide The Trump administration has revoked the visas of at least fifteen international students at Washington universities, and ordered them to leave the country. Those who do not comply face possible detainment or arrest. The cancelled visas affect students at institutions all across the state. Five are currently enrolled at the University of Washington, while another four participate in postgraduate training programs there. Three are recent graduates currently completing postgraduate training at Seattle University. Washington State University, meanwhile, learned on Tuesday that a recent graduate, previously authorized to seek employment in the United States, has also had their visa revoked; however, that student had already left the country this past December. In addition, a recent status review at Gonzaga revealed that two of their international students have had visas revoked and records terminated. Nationwide, the Department of Homeland Security has stripped hundreds of students of their legal status over the past few weeks. Some have been targeted for previous infractions, or for participating in pro-Palestinian activism. Others say they have not received any indication of why the Trump administration has targeted them. In a statement, UW (U-DUB) spokesperson Victor Balta (BALL-tah) said, quote “we have no indication these actions are due to activism or other protected free speech” unquote. The universities have not revealed the identities, home countries, or other personal information about the students due to federal student privacy laws. STORY: Nearly 500 multi-family housing units under construction in Bellingham this spring State projections show a need for over 34,000 housing units countywide by 2045, but permits have fallen from nearly 1,300 in 2021 to just 534 in 2024. According to the City of Bellingham’s development dashboard, there are now roughly 800 housing units under construction — far below the approximately 920 units the city would be responsible for annually. 493 of the developments are multi-family, but currently, only one project — Bellis Fair Family Housing — includes affordable housing, and will offer 65 units for low-income families. Market-rate projects are underway citywide, and include the 111-unit State Street Creamery building downtown, the 84-unit Old Town Heights, and the 79-unit Skyline at Cordata. Additional projects are progressing in Fairhaven, Sehome, York and Barkley, with more in planning. According to the City, interest in accessory dwelling units is also rising, with applications expected to triple in 2025 compared to the previous five-year average. STORY: Reykdal rejects federal recertification attempts on civil rights compliance Superintendent Chris Reykdal (RAKE-dahl) says he will not recertify Washington state’s compliance with the federal Department of Education’s interpretation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. An announcement sent by Reykdal today states that the Department of Education sent a letter last week requiring states to say that they agree with both the Department’s interpretation of federal civil rights guidelines, as well as the Department’s interpretation of the Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard decision, or risk losing federal funding. The SFFA v. Harvard case was a decision that held that the use of race-conscious college admissions policies was illegal. However, according to Reykdal, the Department of Education has stated that they intend to apply the ruling more broadly, which includes evaluating what they think are DEI programs, which they deem quote “insidious” and discriminatory. According to Reykdal, Washington has already submitted the required assurances under Title VI, and will not sign additional certifications that he says lack legal authority, clarity, and appear to misapply a Supreme Court …
April 8, 2025 News Transcript
Whatcom County ambulance struck by bullet along Mount Baker Highway, Woman accused of stealing thousands of dollars from Whatcom business, Ferndale selects next chief of police, Survey shows rising unemployment rates in Bellingham, Whatcom County, and Washington at large, Bill under review in House would grant picketing workers unemployment benefits, E-bike rebate applications open tomorrow, Second sloth removed from highway tree, Home prices stabilized in Whatcom over first quarter of 2025 Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, April 8th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom County ambulance struck by bullet along Mount Baker Highway An ambulance transporting a patient was struck by a bullet Sunday night while traveling on Mount Baker Highway. According to Whatcom Fire District 14, the incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. As the ambulance traveled east of Deming, the crew reported hearing a loud bang as something hit the windshield. Law enforcement later confirmed that the damage appeared to be caused by a rifle round, which ricocheted off the windshield and lodged itself in the vehicle’s sheet metal. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. Fire officials remind the public to exercise caution and responsibility when using firearms, noting that stray bullets have led to injuries and fatalities in the county in previous years. STORY: Woman accused of stealing thousands of dollars from Whatcom business A 37-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree theft after allegedly stealing over $28,000 from a Whatcom County business. According to the County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Deb Slater, the business owner reported the suspected theft last month, after they noticed the former employee had taken an unauthorized draw in January. The woman initially claimed she would repay the money, but later insisted it was owed to her. An investigation revealed that over the past year, multiple checks marked as “draw” — totaling over $28,000 — had been deposited into the woman’s bank account. When questioned by deputies, she was unable to explain how the funds ended up in her account. She was arrested and is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday. The name of the business has not been released. STORY: Ferndale selects next chief of police After an extensive search, the City of Ferndale has announced the appointment of Sean O’Laughlin (O-LOF-lin) as its new Chief of Police. O’Laughlin, who is currently the Deputy Chief of Police at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, is expected to begin his new role on July 2nd, pending a successful background check and other evaluations. He will succeed former Chief Kevin Turner, who left the department in November to take a similar position in Burlington. Interim Chief Matt Huffman, a retired lieutenant from the Ferndale Police Department, has led the department since December 9th and will continue in the role through June. In a statement released yesterday O’Laughlin expressed excitement to serve the city with quote “integrity, dedication and collaboration for a safer community” unquote. He also emphasized the importance of community partnerships and transparency in building public trust and safety. O’Laughlin brings over two decades of law enforcement experience, beginning his career in 2001 with the University of Washington Police Department, where he served as a sergeant for 12 years. A community reception and interviews played a key role in the selection process. Mayor Hansen credited the department’s staff and Huffman’s leadership for allowing time to find the right candidate for the position. STORY: Survey shows rising unemployment rates in Bellingham, Whatcom County, and Washington at large Unemployment rates in Whatcom County, the city of Bellingham and Washington state rose in February. The latest report from the state Employment Security Department shows that Whatcom County recorded a 5.5% unemployment rate in February, an increase from January’s 4.9% rate. Despite the month-to-month rise, the county’s unemployment rate has improved compared to February of last year, when it stood at 6.5%. In Bellingham, the unemployment rate also climbed to 5.1% in February, up from 4.5% in January. Statewide, Washington’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased slightly from 4.3% in January to 4.4% in February. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that Washington now ranks 13th-highest in the nation for unemployment, up from 17th in January. STORY: Bill under review in House would grant picketing workers unemployment benefits As over 900 unionized employees at St. Joseph Medical Center vote on a potential strike, Washington state lawmakers are considering a bill that could provide unemployment benefits to striking workers. Senate Bill 5041, sponsored by State Senator Marcus Riccelli (ri-CHEHL-lee)—a Democrat from Spokane—would allow private sector workers on strike to collect unemployment benefits for up to 12 weeks, starting after the second week of a walkout. SB 5041 has passed the Senate, and is scheduled for its final committee hearing in the House on Monday. The proposed legislation comes amid rising labor tensions in Bellingham, with healthcare workers preparing to hit the picket line if negotiations at PeaceHealth do not advance. Currently, only two states—New York and New Jersey—offer unemployment benefits to striking workers. STORY: E-bike rebate applications open tomorrow Starting tomorrow at 7 a.m., eligible Washingtonians can apply for instant e-bike rebates through the WE-Bike site. Funded through the 2023-to-2025 transportation budget and using revenues from Climate Commitment Act, the pilot program offers over $4 million in rebates, with approximately 10,000 available statewide. Applicants may qualify for either a $300 or a $1,200 rebate based on income eligibility. The rebates can be used toward the purchase of e-bikes and approved accessories. The application window will remain open until noon on April 23rd. STORY: Second sloth removed from highway tree A second stuffed sloth spotted high in a tree along northbound I-5 near Lake Samish was removed yesterday morning, just days after it appeared over the weekend. The plush animal was placed in the same area where the original sloth—nicknamed “Slothy” by online fans—charmed drivers for more than a year before being taken down last month by crews from the State Department of Transportation. While the whimsical roadside mascots brought …
April 7, 2025 News Transcript
Rep Larsen gives update on ICE activity in Whatcom, Hands Off rallies draw thousands across Whatcom and Skagit, Local state reps seeking additional funding for WWU beginning in 2029, New San Juan Islands ferry schedule to commence in June, New San Juan Islands ferry schedule to commence in June, Bellingham’s Little Squalicum Pier opens to the public, Bill under review in House would grant picketing workers unemployment benefits, Former State Supreme Court Justice passes away, Woman accused of stealing thousands of dollars from Whatcom business, Home prices stabilized in Whatcom over first quarter of 2025 Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, April 7th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Rep Larsen gives update on ICE activity in Whatcom Last Wednesday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conducted a raid at Mt. Baker Roofing and detained 37 individuals. Yesterday, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen sat down with the KMRE News team to give an update on the men detained and what he has been doing to try to help. RL wrote letter Audio :25 The letter demanded detailed information about the raid, including the number of individuals taken into custody, their demographics, immigration status, and any pending asylum claims. Representative Larsen says he also wants clarification on ICE’s collaboration with state and local law enforcement during the operation. Larsen also gave an update on Alfredo ‘Lelo’ (LAY-lo) Juarez, who was detained by ICE agents on March 25th. RL Lelo :21 Larsen, who has consistently advocated for comprehensive immigration reform and humane enforcement practices, says there are things we can do to help. RL what you can do Audio :50 When asked if there is any political will on the part of Congress to do something to address the situation, Larsen was not hopeful. RL any help from congress Audio 1:04 Larsen reiterated his stance that ICE actions undermine trust between communities and law enforcement, ultimately making communities less safe. But, he says, public pushback will be important for any kind of change. RL Hands off work to do Audio :40 STORY: Hands Off rallies draw thousands across Whatcom and Skagit Thousands of people gathered at Bellingham City Hall and the Federal Building on Magnolia Street on Saturday to protest President Trump and his administration. As part of the nationwide Hands Off! movement, protests were also held in Everson, Deming, and Mount Vernon, as well as 1,300 more across the country. The rallies, organized by 50-51 and Indivisible Bellingham, featured a diverse lineup of speakers including teachers, doctors, Planned Parenthood staff, and immigrants. The speeches lasted around 90 minutes, and Bellingham Police reported no incidents or arrests. The Hands Off! protests echo a rising wave of national resistance, as citizens across the country push back against what they view as authoritarian overreach and systemic injustice. Protesters denounced a broad range of federal actions, from mass immigration arrests to the dismantling of government agencies. Hands Off Voices Audio :38 To hear more voices from the Hands Off rally in Bellingham stay tuned to a Special Report today after the 5pm news. STORY: Local state reps seeking additional funding for WWU beginning in 2029 Local lawmakers are pushing for increased state funding for Western Washington University, though the proposed changes wouldn’t take effect for four years. District 42 Representatives Joe Timmons and Alicia (uh-LEE-shuh) Rule, along with District 40 Representatives Alex Ramel (RAM-ul) and Debra Lekanoff (leh-cuh-NOFF), submitted a budget request last Thursday to adjust state funding formulas and quote “ensure parity among state colleges” unquote. The bill could bring WWU an additional $21.4 million — the exact amount requested by the university this legislative session. Currently, WWU receives the lowest per-student funding among all state universities. The proposal would align its funding with that of Central Washington University, the next lowest-funded institution. Timmons said in a statement that the bill addresses longstanding funding disparities and offers WWU financial predictability, while being structured to take effect outside the current four-year budget outlook. He also emphasized his ongoing efforts to shield the university from potential cuts in the current cycle, as Governor Bob Ferguson has proposed a 3% reduction to all four-year institutions. WWU has already cut 74 positions since last fall to manage budget constraints. STORY: New San Juan Islands ferry schedule to commence in June A new summer ferry schedule for the San Juan Islands will take effect on June 15th. According to Washington State Ferries, this marks the first major update to the sailing timetable in over a decade. The route between Anacortes and the San Juans has evolved significantly in recent years, and now includes a vehicle reservation system and steadily growing ridership — over 754,000 passengers traveled the route last summer alone. To address challenges in reliability due to staffing shortages, State Ferries introduced a revised schedule with more realistic crossing and terminal times last December. Following improvements this winter and spring, the updated timetable will now extend into the busy summer season. WSF urges travelers to reserve in advance at WSDOT’s (wash-DOTS) website, especially with 90% of ferry capacity now available for booking, which leaves fewer spots for drive-up passengers. Vehicle reservations for summer sailings open at 10 a.m. on April 15th. STORY: Bellingham’s Little Squalicum Pier opens to the public Little Squalicum Pier is now open for public use. The announcement was made by the City last week, and marks the first time the pier has been accessible to the public since its construction in 1912. Originally built to transport cement via railcars to cargo vessels, the pier has undergone significant renovations funded by a $1.6 million allocation from the Greenways Levy. The improvements include new pedestrian guardrails, deck grating, and wind- and solar-powered lighting. Extending 1,248 feet into Bellingham Bay, the City says Little Squalicum Pier is now the longest public pier in Washington state and the longest on the West Coast between White Rock, B.C., and Pacifica, California. The Park and the pier are open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. …
April 4, 2025 News Transcript
Two arrests made in connection with recent Mount Vernon murder, Bellingham man arrested on suspicion of attempting to break into neighbor’s house, Long-standing Everson nursery to shut down, AG’s office warns WIAA that proposed amendment limiting transgender athlete participation would violate state law, Washington sues Trump administration, Free and cheap, Former State Supreme Court Justice passes away, New San Juan Islands ferry schedule to commence in June Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, April 4th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Two arrests made in connection with recent Mount Vernon murder Mount Vernon Police have arrested two individuals in connection with the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Alan Mora Gomez last March. According to Lieutenant Dave Shackleton, the suspects — a 17-year-old male and a 21-year-old man — were taken into custody in Oak Harbor on Wednesday. Both are facing charges related to second-degree murder. Police were called to East College Way on the evening of March 17th after reports of multiple gunshots. Upon arrival, officers found Mora Gomez with a gunshot wound. He was transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he later died from his injuries. The suspects fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. Investigators located the suspect’s vehicle in Everett and gathered enough evidence to obtain arrest warrants. The 17-year-old was booked into Skagit County juvenile detention, while the 21-year-old is being held at Skagit County Jail. The investigation remains ongoing. STORY: Bellingham man arrested on suspicion of attempting to break into neighbor’s house A 38-year-old Bellingham man was arrested after allegedly attempting to break into his neighbor’s home in Cordata and threatening to kill him. Bellingham Police say that Christopher Scott Rogers rang his neighbor’s doorbell on the night of March 26th. Lieutenant Claudia Murphy said Rogers tried to force the door open by kicking it, yelled that he knew who was inside, and threatened to kill them. By the time officers arrived, Rogers had left the scene. After speaking with the victim, police went to Rogers’ home, where he surrendered without incident. Rogers has been charged with residential burglary and harassment with threats to cause bodily injury or death — both Class C felonies. He is currently being held at Whatcom County Jail. STORY: Long-standing Everson nursery to shut down Cloud Mountain Farm Center’s nursery has announced it will close at the end of June. In a news release on Wednesday, Sustainable Connections, the nonprofit that took over Cloud Mountain six years ago, cited rising operational costs and the loss of a key annual donation. Despite substantial fundraising efforts, the nonprofit stated it was unable to make up for the funding shortfall. Nursery Manager Edward Johnson confirmed he and four other staff members are being laid off due to the closure. The center currently lists nine employees on its website. Executive Director Derek Long was unavailable for comment. The nursery’s closure follows several program setbacks in recent years. Back in November, Sustainable Connections announced the indefinite suspension of the farm’s fruit production, once a model for growing grapes and fruit trees in western Washington. Other recently ended programs include the Incubator Farm Program in 2023 and the internship program in 2020. Cloud Mountain will now shift to a smaller-scale operation and focus on essential site maintenance and its food distribution services. Workshops will finish by the end of May. Storewide sales will run through April and May, with online orders ending this month. Unsold plant materials will be donated or auctioned off after Memorial Day. STORY: AG’s office warns WIAA that proposed amendment limiting transgender athlete participation would violate state law The governing body for high school sports in Washington state says it cannot enforce two proposed amendments that would restrict transgender student participation. According to The Seattle Times, the Attorney General’s office and other state agencies have informed the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (or WIAA) that such rule changes would violate state law. Previously reported by MyBellinghamNow, the proposed amendments — submitted by the Lynden, Lynden Christian, and Blaine school districts — include limiting girls’ sports to students assigned female at birth and creating an open athletic division for transgender and nonbinary students. Current WIAA policy allows students to compete in alignment with their gender identity. The WIAA board will hold an advisory vote on the proposals beginning on Wednesday. STORY: Washington sues Trump administration A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order restoring $11 billion in public health funding to state and local agencies nationwide, including those in Washington state. The decision from the U.S. District Court in Rhode Island comes in response to a lawsuit filed earlier this week by a coalition of 23 states and the District of Columbia. The suit challenges the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and its secretary, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., over the abrupt termination of critical public health grants. The funding, cut off without warning on March 24th, supports efforts to combat infectious diseases, expand access to immunizations, modernize public health infrastructure, and address mental health, and substance abuse. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said the ruling offers reassurance to residents that essential services will continue for now, though legal battles over funding are ongoing. 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 Lynden Fairgrounds will host the 44th annual Whatcom County Home and Lifestyle Show today through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature over 250 exhibitors and is described by the Visit Bellingham website as devoted to “top local businesses, home improvement trends and community living”. Activities will also include a food truck roundup, as well as kids’ activities, speakers, and an appearance from Whatcom County’s own Reptile Man. Attendance is free! Today also marks the beginning of this year’s Sunnyland Garden Party. All weekend; five breweries will be participating in this spring-themed pub crawl. Each will offer …
April 3, 2025 News Transcript
ICE detains nearly 40 people following Bellingham raid, Ferguson rejects tax-heavy state budget, Northwest Youth Services workers call for removal of interim director, Bellingham Port Commission eyes business growth at airport and surrounding areas, Sehome Hill Arboretum access to be interrupted by construction project, State Democrats divided on how to handle school funding, Former State Supreme Court Justice passes away, Washington sues Trump administration Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, April 3rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: ICE detains nearly 40 people following Bellingham raid U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a raid at Mount Baker Roofing in Bellingham yesterday and arrested nearly 40 workers. Employees reported that around 50 masked agents arrived unannounced at 8 a.m., separated workers and loaded those detained onto buses. In total, 37 workers were detained for alleged immigration violations. ICE stated that the raid was part of a criminal investigation into unlawful employment practices. Company owner Mark Kurske expressed concern over the impact on his employees and the local economy, stating that many detained workers had been longtime contributors to the community. Witnesses reported that ICE agents remained masked, refused to identify themselves, and barred onlookers from the premises. The raid follows a similar ICE operation in Ferndale last week, where farmworkers, including political activist Lelo (LAY-lo) Juarez Zeferino, were detained. STORY: Ferguson rejects tax-heavy state budget Governor Bob Ferguson announced on Tuesday that he will not sign either of the state Legislature’s proposed budgets, citing an over-reliance on a wealth tax that could face legal challenges. \With a $16 billion shortfall looming, Ferguson held a press conference in the Governor’s Conference Room and urged lawmakers to take a different approach to avoid financial instability. He emphasized five key conditions for a budget he would approve, which include protection of the Rainy Day Fund, realistic revenue projections, and avoiding dependence on legally uncertain taxes. Ferguson warned that federal funding cuts could worsen the state’s fiscal outlook, and called the situation a “five-alarm fire.” While the Governor acknowledged the need for budget reductions, he also remains opposed to deep service cuts. His stance received support from business groups and some Republican lawmakers, though concerns persist about potential property tax hikes. With the legislative session set to end April 27th, negotiations must accelerate to prevent a special session. STORY: Northwest Youth Services workers call for removal of interim director Workers at Northwest Youth Services have called for the immediate removal of Interim Executive Director Lance Jones and Senior Director Daniel Pry. Staff cite leadership failures that have harmed staff and diminished services for homeless youth. In a public letter released on Tuesday, over half of the nonprofit’s 42 employees signed on, accusing leadership of eroding trust with both staff and the community. The demand comes amid prolonged instability at the organization, and follows the departure of former CEO Jason McGill in September after serious complaints about his leadership. The nonprofit has since struggled to regain stability, losing board members and abruptly closing its Skagit County facility last month with little public explanation. Jones declined to directly address the allegations, but stated that Northwest Youth Services is working toward long-term sustainability. Meanwhile, board members have remained silent despite repeated requests for comment. With only three board members remaining, staff say they want a clear plan to hire a permanent director and restore trust within the organization. STORY: Bellingham Port Commission eyes business growth at airport and surrounding areas The Port of Bellingham is focusing on aeronautical and manufacturing industries as key drivers for future business growth at and around Bellingham Airport. During a three-hour meeting on Tuesday, commissioners and staff discussed strategies to recruit new industries to the airport’s limited development space. Port officials estimate that only about six acres remain available for new projects, which makes careful planning essential. Economic development leaders emphasized the importance of targeting businesses that align with the airport’s current tenants, such as aviation consulting firms, carbon fiber manufacturers, and emergency management agencies. Commissioner Michael Shepard highlighted the need to prepare for the rise of electric aviation, warning that without planning, BLI could lose opportunities to airport hubs like Moses Lake or Everett. Meanwhile, business owners like Lyle Jansma of Six Pack Aero called for better support for small aviation-related companies, and compared their needs to the port’s existing resources for commercial fishermen. In addition to business recruitment, commissioners acknowledged the importance of increasing public engagement, and also discussed new airlines and restaurants as well as the creation of viewing areas for aviation enthusiasts. STORY: Sehome Hill Arboretum access to be interrupted by construction project Access to Sehome Arboretum will be disrupted as construction crews install electrical service for the House of Healing, a Coast Salish-style longhouse. Bellingham Parks and Recreation announced that Arboretum Drive will remain closed through April 15th during the construction. Designed to promote healing and cross-cultural understanding, the House of Healing is set to open this fall and will serve as an educational and cultural center for Western Washington University. The facility will feature a gathering hall, kitchens, and student lounges. In addition to powering the longhouse, the electrical installation will also bring an EV charging station to the Arboretum road. STORY: State Democrats divided on how to handle school funding Washington state lawmakers say they are trying to negotiate the gap in school funding in both proposed state budgets. Key differences include special education spending, grant program cuts, and funding distribution to school districts. The Senate’s $78.5 billion budget allocates roughly 44% of that amount to public schools, while the House’s $77.8 billion plan sets aside 43%. A major gap lies in special education funding, with the Senate proposing a $1 billion increase compared to the House’s nearly $189 million. The Senate also includes $175 million to help schools with rising operational costs, which the House omits. Both budgets seek savings with a cap on enrollment in the Transition to Kindergarten program and cuts to the Office of the Superintendent …
April 2, 2025 News Transcript
Two hospitalized following rollover crash on I-5 near Slater Road, City of Bellingham begins annual water main flushing, Lake Whatcom annual meeting tonight, Bellingham Public Library seeking donations for proposed upgrade to children’s section, Results are in from 38th Whatcom Business Awards, State lawmakers reveal bipartisan “basic needs,” budget proposal, Trump administration guts health care programs, Former State Supreme Court Justice passes away Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, April 2nd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Two hospitalized following rollover crash on I-5 near Slater Road First responders were dispatched late Saturday night to a rollover crash on northbound I-5, north of the Slater Road interchange. According to State Patrol Trooper Kelsey Harding, the incident occurred when an SUV, which was stopped on the shoulder for a tire change, was struck by another car that veered off the road. The impact pushed the SUV and its driver into a ditch. Both drivers were transported to St. Joseph Medical Center for treatment. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and no information on citations or charges is available. STORY: City of Bellingham begins annual water main flushing Residents may notice changes in their tap water as the City of Bellingham begins its annual water main flushing. According to Public Works officials, the flushing may cause temporary discoloration or reduced water pressure, but the water is still safe to drink. The maintenance helps remove natural mineral deposits from pipes. If tap water appears cloudy, residents are advised to run cold water for a few minutes to clear it. The process will continue across the City through May. STORY: Lake Whatcom annual meeting tonight In other water-related news– the annual Lake Whatcom Joint Councils and Commissioners Meeting will be held tonight at 6:30 p.m. Local leaders from the Lake Whatcom Management Program will gather to share presentations and discuss our area’s primary drinking water source. Residents can attend in person at City Council Chambers or join online via Zoom to listen and provide comments. STORY: Bellingham Public Library seeking donations for proposed upgrade to children’s section The next phase of a major renovation at the Bellingham Central Library is set to begin this year, and community partners are fundraising to help. The 75-year-old library, which saw nearly half a million visits in 2024, is undergoing a multi-phase remodel. The first phase, completed in 2021, updated the main floor, restrooms, and study rooms. The second phase will focus on an upgrade of youth spaces, meeting rooms, and staff areas, with an estimated total cost of $7 million. The library has requested $2 million from the state’s Library Capital Improvement Program; however, even with grant funding, additional private donations are needed. The fundraising campaign, launched yesterday on National Library Giving Day, aims to raise three-and-a-half million dollars, with $1.4 million already committed. A donor has pledged to match up to $100,000 in new gifts this year. Pending full funding, construction is expected to start next year. For more information or to donate, visit bellinghampubliclibrary.org. STORY: Unfinished WWU research points to means of protecting salmon from road-borne pollutants Researchers at Western Washington University may have discovered a way to protect salmon from a deadly pollutant found in tire dust. A 2020 study identified a toxic chemical in tire debris that washes into urban streams, proving lethal to migrating coho (COE-hoe) salmon. Scientists have since been working to prevent this pollution from reaching waterways, and early results are promising. WWU researchers tested water collected from under Seattle’s I-5 Ship Canal Bridge, filtering it through four soil mixes before introducing juvenile salmon. While fish exposed to the untreated water died, those in filtered water survived. The most effective filtration materials included coconut fiber, sand, and a charcoal-like fertilizer. One mix is currently being tested near Bellingham, with hopes for broader implementation if it proves safe and effective. STORY: Results are in from 38th Whatcom Business Awards The 38th annual Whatcom Business Awards took place on Saturday, celebrating outstanding local businesses and entrepreneurs. Each year, the awards are presented at the Whatcom Business Awards Black & Gold Gala, and recognize 15 individuals whose contributions to the business community might otherwise go unnoticed. This year’s winners include: STORY: State lawmakers reveal bipartisan “basic needs,” budget proposal Washington lawmakers unveiled their proposed capital budgets on Monday. Both proposals emphasize bipartisan cooperation to bridge the state’s essential needs. The House and Senate proposals allocate $7.6 billion and $7.3 billion respectively for construction projects over the next two years. Key investments include: The Senate plan includes $391 million from Climate Commitment Act funds, while the House plan incorporates $299 million. Lawmakers must finalize the capital budget before the legislative session ends on April 27th, alongside negotiations for the state’s operating budget. STORY: Trump administration guts health care programs The Trump administration has shut down the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services regional office in Seattle, which affects public health services across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. The closure is part of a broader effort to downsize HHS, including thousands of layoffs and billions in budget cuts. The Region 10 office, located in Columbia Center, was among five regional HHS offices closed nationwide. According to U.S. Senator Patty Murray, approximately 200 Seattle employees were fired, along with 90 at a Spokane research lab. Murray criticized the move, calling it dangerous, thoughtless, and callous. U.S. Representative Suzan DelBene (SOO-san del-BEN-ay) also criticized the move, calling it quote “an irresponsible decision that will harm public health” unquote. The closures leave the region without key federal support for public health programs, including disease prevention, affordable health coverage, and civil rights protections. Nationwide, up to 10,000 HHS employees, including researchers and health experts, are expected to be laid off. WX: We booked the part. And now for the weather: It’s mostly sunny skies today, with temperatures hovering around the mid-50s. Skies are expected to stay fairly clear throughout the afternoon and into the evening, when temperatures will drop to lows …
April 1, 2025 News Transcript
Military transport plane in Bellingham NOT an ICE flight, Amtrak hopes to partially restore rail service today, Whatcom County man accused of videotaping minors while changing sentenced to four years in prison, Unfinished WWU research points to means of protecting salmon from road-borne pollutants, Bellingham projected to bear majority of precipitous population growth in Whatcom over coming decades, Affordable mobile dental clinic set to visit Whatcom three times over six weeks, WA State Parks set to expand same-day reservations in parks with bookable campgrounds Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, April 1st. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Military transport plane in Bellingham NOT an ICE flight Last week, a C-130 military plane that landed at Bellingham International Airport caused a stir on social media when rumors linked it to ICE activity in our area. Yesterday in an interview with KMRE News officials confirmed the plane was not associated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. According to Rob Fix, Executive Director of the Port of Bellingham, there has been no ICE activity on Port property, nor discussions about using the facilities for immigration enforcement. Fix clarified that the aircraft merely landed, refueled, and departed. Fix also said that, as a federally funded, public airport, Bellingham International cannot deny federal use of the airport. Any attempt to block such activity could result in the suspension of federal funding and licensing. A recent ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals last November, also determined that King County could not block ICE flights from Boeing Field, which makes attempts at similar restrictions in Whatcom County unlikely. STORY: Amtrak hopes to partially restore rail service today Amtrak says it plans to resume some roundtrip train service between Seattle and Vancouver today. Last week, the company removed 26 Horizon rail cars from service between Eugene and Vancouver due to corrosion concerns. Since then, Amtrak has relied on bus connections to cover parts of its Cascade route, and ordered temporary replacement cars from across the country. The first cars to arrive will be placed on the 516 and 519 routes between Seattle and Vancouver. Amtrak spokesperson Kelly Just told the Seattle Times that additional replacement cars will allow for the restoration of the entire Cascades route, but with reduced capacity while the Horizon cars undergo repairs. It is not yet clear how many fewer seats will be available, and Amtrak has not announced a timeline for the return of the Horizon cars. STORY: Whatcom County man accused of videotaping minors while changing sentenced to four years in prison A Whatcom County man was sentenced to 50 months in prison yesterday for secretly recording minors. 37-year-old Donald Eddy Feliciano (fuh-lee-cee-AHN-no) was arrested in March 2021 and charged with multiple counts of voyeurism (VOY-ur-i-zm) and explicit depictions of minors. Court records show that one of the victims discovered a hidden camera disguised as a cellphone charger in a shared bathroom, which led to the recovery of 38 videos. Footage dating back to November 2020 included a clip showing Feliciano installing the camera. At sentencing, two victims spoke about the emotional toll of the crime. Feliciano entered an Alford (AL-fuhrd) plea in October. An Alford plea allows a defendant to acknowledge the evidence against them while still maintaining their innocence. Judge Lee Grochmal (GROCK-mall) sentenced Feliciano to 50 months in prison, followed by three years of community custody. He must also register as a sex offender and comply with a two-year protection order for the victims. STORY: Unfinished WWU research points to means of protecting salmon from road-borne pollutants Researchers at Western Washington University may have discovered a way to protect salmon from a deadly pollutant found in tire dust. A 2020 study identified a toxic chemical in tire debris that washes into urban streams, proving lethal to migrating coho (COE-hoe) salmon. Scientists have since been working to prevent this pollution from reaching waterways, and early results are promising. WWU researchers tested water collected from under Seattle’s I-5 Ship Canal Bridge, filtering it through four soil mixes before introducing juvenile salmon. While fish exposed to untreated water died, those in filtered water survived. The most effective filtration materials included coconut fiber, sand, and a charcoal-like fertilizer. One mix is currently being tested near Bellingham, with hopes for broader implementation if it proves safe and effective. STORY: Bellingham projected to bear majority of precipitous population growth in Whatcom over coming decades Whatcom County is expected to grow by nearly 70,000 residents by 2045—a 30% rise from its current population of nearly 235,000. According to the most recent data being discussed by officials, the city of Bellingham will absorb nearly half of that growth, adding more than 30,000 residents and which will require an estimated 18,390 new housing units. Mayor Kim Lund emphasized the challenge of balancing sustainable development with affordability. Other cities, including Ferndale, Blaine, and Lynden, are also preparing for substantial increases in population, jobs, and housing needs. Smaller communities like Everson, Nooksack, and Sumas (soo-MUHZ) say they will manage growth while addressing infrastructure and environmental concerns. County officials plan to focus development within urban areas to prevent suburban sprawl. The county’s comprehensive plan, updated every 10 years, outlines strategies to accommodate new residents while maintaining Whatcom County’s quality of life and economic opportunities. STORY: Affordable mobile dental clinic set to visit Whatcom three times over six weeks A mobile dental clinic is working to provide essential dental care to individuals who lack easy access to services. Founded by former Lummi Tribal Health Center dental director Dr. Jessica Dubek (DOO-beck), DentALL initially provided portable services before it became a mobile clinic in January. The bright blue van now brings dental care directly to patients, which reduces barriers such as transportation and insurance complexities. Washington faces a severe shortage of dental providers, with 38 out of 39 counties designated as Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas. In 2021, only 23% of Medicaid-eligible residents received dental care. DentALL currently serves Maple Falls, Recovery Café Skagit, the Whatcom …
March 28, 2025 News Transcript
Whatcom County activist detained by ICE transferred to Tacoma facility, Trial begins surrounding handling of Bellingham police officer’s domestic abuse, Blaine School District seeking new superintendent, New data shows wages in Whatcom County among fastest-growing in state, Whatcom Museum hosts Lego contest, Free and Cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, March 28th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom County activist detained by ICE transferred to Tacoma facility Hundreds of union members and community supporters gathered outside the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma on Thursday evening to protest the detainment of Alfredo “Lelo” Juarez and Lewelyn Dixon. Juarez, a 25-year-old union farmworker and activist, was arrested Tuesday in Sedro-Woolley— supporters allege he was targeted for his advocacy. Dixon, a 64-year-old lab technician and SEIU Local 925 member, has been detained since February after returning from the Philippines. ICE officials state that Zeferino, who has lived in the U.S. since the age of 13, had a deportation order from 2018, though supporters argue he may not have been aware of it. Witnesses claim ICE agents forcibly removed him from his vehicle. Community leaders, including Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund and U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, condemned the arrest, highlighting Zeferino’s role in advocating for immigrant and farmworker rights. Protesters framed the detentions as attacks on both immigrants and union workers, with signs calling Juarez a “political prisoner.” Union leaders and lawmakers, including Sen. Patty Murray and Gov. Bob Ferguson, expressed concern over their arrests. The Tacoma detention center, which is near capacity, has seen a rise in detainees, and activists warn of poor living conditions. A class-action lawsuit has also been filed, which challenges prolonged detentions without bond hearings. Activists warn that his detention is part of a broader crackdown that they say is designed to inspire fear among local immigrant communities. Organizers say they will continue to fight for the release of Juarez, Dixon, and other detained immigrants. STORY: Trial begins surrounding handling of Bellingham police officer’s domestic abuse A trial is underway in Whatcom County Superior Court to determine whether the City of Bellingham is liable for failing to prevent domestic abuse. The lawsuit, filed by Amanda DeBruin and others in 2020, alleges that Bellingham police ignored warnings about former Bellingham Police Department Cpl. Brooks Owen Laughlin’s abuse, and allowed it to continue. Laughlin was arrested in 2018 on domestic violence-related charges and sentenced to eight years in prison, which was later reduced in 2021. DeBruin’s attorney argued that police failed to act on a 2017 memo from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office as well as other warnings, which is a violation of domestic violence protocols. The city’s attorney countered that police lacked firsthand evidence and were limited in their ability to intervene. Opening statements were heard Wednesday. The trial is expected to include expert testimony on trauma and abuse, as well as statements from DeBruin, Laughlin’s ex-wife, and other witnesses. The plaintiffs are seeking millions in damages from the city. STORY: Blaine School District seeking new superintendent The Blaine School District has scheduled a special Board of Directors meeting for next Monday, March 31st, to develop a plan to recruit and hire a new Superintendent. The current Superintendent, Dr. Christopher Granger, has held his position since the fall of 2019, but will become the Superintendent of Snohomish County’s Sultan School District on July 1st. His departure comes amid challenging times for the District. On Wednesday, for the third consecutive year, the Board approved significant budget cuts that will eliminate as many as 46 positions, merge Blaine Primary School’s first and second grade classes into Blaine Elementary School, reshuffle the administration, and discontinue all third-level C-team high school sports. Granger told the Northern Light that the cuts reflect the quote “unfortunate reality”, unquote, of public education in the region. Washington state has decreased the percentage of the state budget devoted to education in each of the past five years, and ranks below the national average for percentage of K through 12 funding. STORY: New data shows wages in Whatcom County among fastest-growing in state New data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that Whatcom County’s average wage grew nearly 6% last year, making it the second-fastest growing in Washington and 26th among large U.S. counties. The county’s average weekly wage reached $1,233 in the third quarter of 2024. Statewide, wages grew just over 5.5%, ranking Washington fourth among states. Employment in Whatcom County also saw a modest increase of just over 1%, placing it in the top third of large counties nationwide for job growth. STORY: Whatcom Museum hosts Lego contest The Whatcom Museum has announced it will bring back their LEGO® competition for a second year. Entries must be original creations (no kits) and will be displayed at the museum from April 23 to May 4. Visitors can vote for a People’s Choice Award, while judges—including LEGO® Master TV contestants Brad Bergman and Mike Tarrant—will announce winners on May 2nd during Free First Friday. In addition to the contest, Free First Friday will feature LEGO® building challenges, children’s art activities, face painting, and performances. Visitors can also support Bergman’s LEGO® model of Old City Hall, currently up for votes on the LEGO® Ideas website. The deadline to register is April 18th, and there are three age-group categories: families with children 5 – 10; teens 11 – 17; and adults 18 and over. More details and registration are available on the Whatcom Museum website. STORY: Free and cheap It’s Friday, and here are some free or cheap thing to do around Whatcom County: Tonight, from 9-930pm, it’s Laughs at Larrabee– with a talented lineup of some of the hottest comedians in the PNW. The event is hosted at the Larrabee Lager Company 4151 Guide Meridian Rd – tickets are $10. On Saturday and Sunday, the Mt. Baker Rock & Gem Show will be held at Pioneer Pavillion Community Center in Ferndale. The event is free and doors open at 10:00AM. On Sunday, …
March 27, 2025 News Transcript
Many PNW train riders to be shuttled by bus instead as Amtrak takes cars out of service, Whatcom County moves forward with temporary director of health and community services, City moves forward with Post Point upgrades, Annual meeting on Lake Whatcom announced, New ownership set to revive shuttered Bellingham restaurant, Nationwide protests scheduled for April 5th, Two Skagit school boards approve staff reductions Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, March 27th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Many PNW train riders to be shuttled by bus instead as Amtrak takes cars out of service Amtrak passengers in Bellingham will be riding the bus this week. Amtrak removed all of its Horizon cars from service yesterday due to concerns about corrosion in the equipment; the cars are all around 35 years old. In total, 70 cars are affected, including 26 on the Cascades route. Only one non-Horizon car remains in service on the route. According to Amtrak, buses will cover all trips through Sunday. Service will be provided at the same stations where the trains stop, bicycle reservations will be honored, and business-class riders downgraded to coach will be refunded for the price difference. Amtrak says it plans to eventually replace the Horizon cars with other trainsets from the national fleet. STORY: Whatcom County moves forward with temporary director of health and community services Whatcom County has unanimously appointed Charlene Ramont (ruh-MAWNT) as the interim administrative director of health and community services. Her appointment follows the recent firing of former director Erika Lautenbach (lot-n-BOCK), who called the dismissal a surprise and plans to contest what she describes as a wrongful termination. Meanwhile, the county says it is working to hire a recruitment consultant and gather stakeholder input before launching the search for a permanent director. Ramont, who has been the department’s assistant director since last September, says she has not yet decided whether she will apply for the permanent role. STORY: City moves forward with Post Point upgradesThe City of Bellingham says it will move forward with a 40 million dollar investment to upgrade the sewage sludge incinerators at the Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant. According to a recent announcement, the project is needed to meet air quality regulations and fulfill the City’s commitment to maintain the incinerators’ long-term operation. The City says it will equip the plant’s two incinerators with upgraded emission control equipment. The investment will specifically address carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, dioxins-slash-furans (FUR-uhns) and cadmium (KAD-mee-uhm) to ensure compliance into the future. Back in 2022, the City explored completely replacing the aging wastewater treatment plant, which was originally built in the 1970s. However, the decision was made to shift focus to the repair and upgrade of the existing facility due to concerns about project costs and the introduction of ‘forever chemicals’ like PFAS (PEE-fass) into the environment. While the upgrade will improve air quality, the City says it recognizes that quote “incineration, like all solids handling processes, has its own risks and tradeoffs” unquote. A website has been created for the public to learn more about the project and track its progress. STORY: Annual meeting on Lake Whatcom announced The public is invited to attend the annual Lake Whatcom Joint Councils and Commissioners meeting on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in person at the Bellingham City Council Chambers, and will also be available online via Zoom and livestreamed on BTV. Officials from the Bellingham City and Whatcom County councils, as well as the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District Board of Commissioners, will review the progress in protecting Lake Whatcom and discuss future initiatives. Topics will include water quality monitoring, phosphorus (FAA-sfr-uhs) reduction, stormwater management, and aquatic (uh-KWAA-tuhk) invasive species prevention. Community members can participate during the public comment period at the start of the meeting. Those who wish to speak must register in advance via an online form or in person before 6:30 p.m. Written comments can also be submitted via email or by mail. More information and meeting details is available at the Lake Whatcom Management Program website. STORY: New ownership set to revive shuttered Bellingham restaurant Bayou (BYE-you) on Bay has found new ownership. The popular Creole (KREE-ol), Cajun (KAY-jn) and Southern restaurant in downtown Bellingham originally announced its closure through a social media post in January. The post listed the end of the restaurant’s lease, the rising costs of sustaining the business and its owner’s wish to retire as the reasons for Bayou’s closure; their last day of business was on Mardi Gras (MAAR-dee GRAA). However, a Facebook post from yesterday stated that the Painter family had quote “stepped forward to carry the Bayou torch and keep this beloved restaurant alive” unquote, and that they will give the restaurant a refresh before reopening its doors. No reopening date has been announced. STORY: Nationwide protests scheduled for April 5th The progressive group Indivisible and a coalition of liberal organizations have announced nationwide protests on April 5th. The flagship march is taking place at the Washington Monument in D.C. at noon (Eastern time). Organizers say in social media posts that they aim to build on previous demonstrations opposing federal cuts linked to the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s DOGE (DOWZH) project. Additional protests will take place across the country and Washington state, including noontime gatherings at the State Capitol building in Olympia and at the Seattle Center. Here in Bellingham, demonstrators will meet at noon at the Federal Building on Magnolia Street. Organizers say they hope for broad participation. STORY: Two Skagit school boards approve staff reductions Ongoing budget shortfalls and challenges have driven two more regional school districts to cut teachers. According to a recent release, the Burlington-Edison School Board approved the elimination of as many as thirteen certified staff members on Monday. The cuts come on the heels of a plan enacted this past December, through which the Board closed one elementary school and consolidated others. Instead of four kindergarten-through-eighth-grade schools, the District will …
March 26, 2025 News Transcript
Whatcom County man arrested on charges of assault and no-contact order violation, State patrol seeking location of driver linked to Skagit hit-and-run, Protest emerges at ICE facility in Ferndale after Whatcom County activist is arrested, Family of Options HS student targeted by sexual harassment file federal lawsuit, Construction to begin on Bakerview-James roundabout next week, WCSO warns residents of scam calls, WA AG joins lawsuit to block dismantling of Dept of Ed, City moves forward with Post Point upgrades, Two Skagit school boards approve staff reductions Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, March 26th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom County man arrested on charges of assault and no-contact order violation A Whatcom County man was arrested after allegedly entering a Lynden home in violation of a no-contact order and assaulting a woman inside. The incident occurred around 1 a.m. on March 15th along Abbot Road. According to court records, 27-year-old Leodegario (lay-oh-de-GAR-ee-o) Medina Sanchez allegedly prevented the woman from calling authorities, dragged her outside into his truck, and injured her when she tried to escape. She managed to get back inside and called 9-1-1, but Sanchez fled before officers arrived. Sanchez faces charges of first-degree burglary, unlawful imprisonment, and interfering with domestic violence reporting. He has since bonded out of custody. STORY: State patrol seeking location of driver linked to Skagit hit-and-run The Washington State Patrol would also like public assistance in identifying the driver involved in a hit-and-run incident near the Skagit River bridge. At around 9:20 a.m. on Monday, a Toyota Avalon struck a tow truck driver assisting a semi truck on the right shoulder of I-5 near milepost 228. After the collision, the Avalon continued northbound and exited at George Hopper Road. The Avalon is described as a 2000s gold-colored model with black front wheels and silver wheel covers on the rear wheels. Anyone with information is urged to contact the State Patrol. STORY: Protest emerges at ICE facility in Ferndale after Whatcom County activist is arrested About 150 people gathered at an ICE holding facility in Ferndale yesterday to support the Lelo (LAY-lo) Juarez and several farmworkers who were taken into custody on their way to work. Liz Darrow, Participatory Democracy Coordinator at Community to Community Development and a friend of Lelo, spoke with us about the raid and the confusion surrounding immigration activity in our county. LIZ DARROW AUDIO Listen to the entire interview today, after the 5pm news. STORY: Family of Options HS student targeted by sexual harassment file federal lawsuit The family of a former Options High School student filed a federal lawsuit against Bellingham Public Schools on Monday, alleging Title IX violations and negligence in handling a sexual harassment complaint. According to records, the lawsuit stems from a 2022 incident when the student, then 15, reported she had been repeatedly sexually harassed by a peer, both in person and via text messages. The harassment escalated to physical assault in a classroom after she told the student to stop. The accused student allegedly then violated a no-contact order multiple times, including following her off-campus. According to reporting by the Cascadia Daily, the family claims district administrators, including Principal Katie Jones and former Assistant Principal Kevin Terpstra (turps-TRA), mishandled the complaint, which led to further distress for the student. Within two months of reporting the harassment, she dropped out, citing the district’s failure to protect her. The lawsuit also highlights systemic issues within Bellingham Public Schools, alleging the district had been out of compliance with state and federal sexual harassment policies for years. The district acknowledged procedural errors, but denied violating the student’s rights. The family’s complaint also alleges a broader pattern of misclassifying sexual harassment complaints as bullying, bypassing mandatory state oversight. Their concerns were further reinforced by past allegations of mishandling sexual assault cases within the district. District officials say they have since implemented training and policy revisions as part of a state-mandated resolution agreement. They declined to comment on the pending litigation, but reiterated their commitment to student safety and compliance with Title IX regulations. STORY: Construction to begin on Bakerview-James roundabout next week Construction on a new roundabout at the intersection of James Street and Bakerview Road will begin next Monday. According to the City of Bellingham, the 4.25 million dollar project is contracted to Faber (fay-BURR) Construction, and will replace the traffic signal with a roundabout and add sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, streetlights, and stormwater facilities. During construction, James Street will experience temporary single-lane closures and a detour onto Deemer Road, while Bakerview Road will remain open. The Bellingham City Council granted a noise variance to allow 24/7 work in April and May. This project is expected to be done in 50 days and is part of the broader James and Bakerview multimodal (muhl-tie-MOW-dl) corridor plan. STORY: WCSO warns residents of scam calls The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of a surge in scam calls where individuals impersonate law enforcement officers to extort money. In an incident last December, a resident was defrauded of $14,000 by a caller who claimed to be a deputy. The scammer falsely informed the victim of a missed jury duty summons and an active arrest warrant, and coerced them to make the payment. Authorities say that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never solicit payments over the phone for warrants or missed jury duties. Residents are advised to hang up immediately if they receive such calls and to contact the agency directly using official contact information. To verify jury duty obligations, individuals can reach out to the Whatcom County Courthouse by phone. STORY: WA AG joins lawsuit to block dismantling of Dept of Ed Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has joined 20 other state attorneys general in an effort to stop the dismantling of the Department of Education. According to a recent announcement from the AG’s office, the coalition filed a lawsuit on March 13th after the Trump administration announced it would cut half of the Department’s …
March 25, 2025 News Transcript
First week of Baker Lake murder retrial wraps up, Part of I-5 closed today and tomorrow, Mt. Baker Ski Area expected to reopen tomorrow following avalanche advisory, Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood anticipates heavy financial headwinds, Projects aimed at reducing carbon footprint of commercial fishing in Bellingham stall as EPA grants freeze, WA AG joins lawsuit to block dismantling of Dept of Ed, Construction to begin on Bakerview-James roundabout next week, WCSO warns residents of continuing scam calls, WSDOT removes eight-foot stuffed sloth from stretch of I-5 North, City celebrates salmon this week Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, March 25th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: First week of Baker Lake murder retrial wraps up The first week of a homicide trial in Whatcom County has wrapped up. The trial in question concerns 35-year-old Alexander Vanags (vuh-NAGS) of Arlington, who is accused of murdering his friend, 28-year-old Mark Stebakov (stuh-buh-KOV), while the two were camping at Baker Lake in 2019. Prosecutors say Vanags murdered Stebakov with a machete while the two were under the effect of LSD, while defense attorneys say Vanags acted in self-defense after Stebakov attacked him. Seven witnesses were called during the first week of the trial. These included Peter Knowlton, a policeman with the Stillaguamish (still-a-GUAM-ish) Tribe who responded to a 9-1-1 call placed by Vanags hours after the incident; Dr. Everett De Leon (deh-leh-YON) from the Cascade Valley Hospital, where Vanags was taken for an examination before his booking in jail; the two officers who first responded to the scene, including Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Stanley Streubel (STROO-bow); and former Whatcom County medical examiner Dr. Gary Goldfogel (gold-FOE-go), who performed Stebakov’s autopsy. Photos of Stebakov’s bloodied body were projected to the court. According to Dr. Goldfogel, Stebakov died after bleeding out from at least 14 “sharp force” injuries made with the machete. Dr. Goldfogel’s testimony was scheduled to continue this morning. STORY: Part of I-5 closed today and tomorrow The right lane of northbound I-5 between Iowa Street and Sunset Drive will be closed today and tomorrow from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m. Crews from the state Department of Transportation will work on a slope that eroded during heavy rains last October. The on- and off-ramps at Iowa and Sunset will remain open. Drivers should plan for delays. STORY: Mt. Baker Ski Area expected to reopen tomorrow following avalanche advisory Officials at Mt. Baker Ski Area announced they will be closed today due to possible avalanche conditions. The ski area plans to reopen tomorrow, with more snow in the forecast. However, officials warn that facilities will not be maintained during closure, and access is at visitors’ own risk. Warming temperatures and rain are expected to create hazardous avalanche conditions. Skiers and snowboarders are urged to avoid steep slopes, gullies, and runout zones. STORY: Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood anticipates heavy financial headwinds Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood says they are bracing for potential funding challenges amid nationwide uncertainty over federal support for reproductive health care. According to recent reporting by the Bellingham Herald, services remain unaffected for now; however, Director of Public Affairs and Strategic Initiatives Eowyn Savela (AY-uh-win SAH-vuh-lah) warns that the nonprofit’s funding streams are at risk. One of those includes the possible loss of Title X funding, which previously affected Planned Parenthood under the Trump administration. With Washington now facing a 12 billion dollar budget shortfall, Savela says they are preparing contingency plans should federal funding be reduced. Additionally, looming Medicaid cuts could significantly impact the organization, as about 30% of its patients rely on Medicaid for health care services. In 2023, Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood provided 33,500 clinical services, including STI testing, family planning, cancer screenings, and abortions. STORY: Projects aimed at reducing carbon footprint of commercial fishing in Bellingham stall as EPA grants freeze Several projects in Bellingham aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of commercial fishing have stalled after federal grants were frozen. The Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County reports that five engine replacement projects for three companies are now on hold due to the Environmental Protection Agency grant freeze. According to Dan Tucker, the coalition’s executive director, the uncertainty has left fishers unable to move forward with planned upgrades. Many rely on grant reimbursements to afford engine replacements, and without guaranteed funding, they risk financial hardship. Some vessels still operate with engines that date back to the 1960s, and the planned upgrades would improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance profitability. Bellingham’s fishing industry is among many affected nationwide, as fishers and processors face uncertainty over previously promised funding. While there is some hope that diesel-to-diesel engine conversions might still receive support, the future of the projects remains unclear. STORY: Dems explore tax options to address shortfall Washington Democrats say they are exploring a range of tax proposals that target wealthy residents and businesses to help close a multibillion-dollar budget gap. Proposals include a wealth tax on individuals with more than 50 million dollars in financial assets, expected to impact about 4,300 residents and generate up to 4 billion dollars annually for public schools. Lawmakers say they may also lift the property tax cap, which would allow for annual increases tied to inflation and population growth. Business tax changes are also on the table, with a proposed payroll tax on companies with over 7 million dollars in payroll from Senate Democrats, while House Democrats suggest a tax increase on businesses with taxable income above 250 million dollars. Governor Bob Ferguson’s stance on the wealth tax remains uncertain, as he previously expressed skepticism about the idea. STORY: WA AG joins lawsuit to block dismantling of Dept of Ed Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has joined 20 other state attorneys general in an effort to stop the dismantling of the Department of Education. According to a recent announcement from the AG’s office, the coalition filed a lawsuit on March 13th after the Trump administration announced it would cut half of the Department’s workforce. The attorneys general …
