SWAT team activated in response to Ferndale man threatening police, Whatcom man sentenced for sexual abuse of underage girl, Non-fatal three-car crash in Bellingham impedes I-5 traffic, Free daily ferry launched between San Juans and Anacortes, State lawmakers move forward on bills that would crack down on reckless driving and littering, AG’s office defends state’s sanctuary policies amid congressional scrutiny, Lynden man arrested under suspicion of arson Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, April 23rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: SWAT team activated in response to Ferndale man threatening police Law enforcement in Whatcom County activated SWAT to arrest a Ferndale man who allegedly threatened to engage in a shootout with police over the impounding of his RV. 32-year-old Wayne Eli Moses was taken into custody last Thursday after a standoff involving law enforcement at the site of his RV at Portal Way in Ferndale. According to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, deputies had initially developed probable cause to arrest Moses for allegedly drilling into a vehicle’s gas tank to steal fuel on April 3rd. Deputies later identified an abandoned RV as belonging to Moses. They issued a notice that warned the RV would be impounded if it was not moved. That same day, authorities received information that Moses had allegedly threatened to use firearms against officers. SWAT responded that evening, and Moses complied with commands to exit the RV. Several firearms were found inside—guns that Moses was prohibited from possessing under pretrial release conditions. Moses now faces felony charges of harassment and second-degree unlawful possession of firearms. STORY: Whatcom man sentenced for sexual abuse of underage girl A 56-year-old Whatcom County man was sentenced Tuesday at the Superior Court to six months in jail and lifetime community custody for the sexual abuse of a young girl in Ferndale over a span of several years. Lawrence Scott Cauthorn (CAW-THORN) was arrested in March of 2024 after the victim, who was between the ages of 3 and 9 at the time of the abuse, came forward. Cauthorn, who was known to the victim, posted bail shortly after his initial court appearance, but was taken back into custody after pleading guilty to multiple sex crimes on January 28th. While the victim did not speak at the hearing, her mother reported that the girl continues to struggle with school and mental health challenges, describing the trauma as, quote, “a heavy load that was not fair to her” unquote. Cauthorn expressed remorse during sentencing, and noted that he has been undergoing sexual deviancy treatment. Judge Jennifer Slattery accepted the recommended sentence, and cited the defendant’s apparent sincerity. Cauthorn must register as a sex offender. A no-contact order has also been issued, and the option for restitution remains open. STORY: Non-fatal three-car crash in Bellingham impedes I-5 traffic A three-vehicle crash shut down the I-5 near the Sunset Drive interchange on Monday morning. First responders were dispatched to the scene around 10 a.m. A collision involving a southbound dump truck and two northbound vehicles caused a lane closure in both directions. According to police reports, the impact of the crash displaced a section of the concrete barrier into the traffic lanes. Emergency personnel assessed the occupants of all vehicles at the scene, but no one required transport for further medical care. All lanes were reopened by 2 p.m. STORY: Free daily ferry launched between San Juans and Anacortes San Juan County has launched a free daily passenger ferry service between Anacortes and the San Juan Islands. The ferry is a pilot program and is only scheduled to run through June 30th. It will operate twice a day, seven days a week, and connect Friday Harbor, Orcas Island, Lopez Island, and Downtown Anacortes via Cap Sante (CAP SANDY) Marina. The route includes two round trips per day, traveling from Friday Harbor to Orcas, Lopez, Anacortes, and back. Each person is allowed one backpack; pets, bikes or additional luggage must be noted in the booking due to space limitations. The program is funded by state support from the Governor’s Office, and also includes emergency inter-island passenger and barge services provided by Outer Island Excursions and Pintail Marine. These additional services will be activated during Washington State Ferry disruptions. Passengers must reserve their spot in advance through the San Juan Safaris website, and are asked to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure listed in their confirmation. STORY: State lawmakers move forward on bills that would crack down on reckless driving and littering Washington state lawmakers are advancing two bills aimed at curbing reckless driving and increasing penalties for littering. The state Senate overwhelmingly passed House Bill 1596 on April 15th, a bill that would require certain drivers with suspended licenses — due to reckless driving or excessive speeding — to install a speed-limiting device in their vehicles. The device would restrict the car to the posted speed limit, with drivers allowed to exceed the limit only three times per month. In a separate vote, the Senate approved House Bill 1293, which would raise littering fines for the first time in over 30 years. Under the bill, offenders could face a fine of up to $125 per cubic foot of trash, with an additional $93 penalty for littering on state highways. State Representative Mark Klicker of Walla Walla, who sponsored the littering bill, pointed to the nearly 38 million pounds of trash dumped across Washington in 2022 — well above the national average. Both bills will return to the House for votes on the amended versions before heading to the governor’s desk for final approval. WX: Butch Cassidy and the Sun And now for the weather: An especially bright, sunny day looks to be in the cards for us today, with highs in the mid-60s and an expected UV index of 6. According to the EPA, anything over 3 is considered moderate-to-high exposure to ultraviolet rays, and protection such as sunscreen or a hat is suggested. Skies should remain fairly clear throughout …
KMRE NEWS Transcripts
April 22, 2025 News Transcript
Landslide blocks Chuckanut Drive, Blaine man killed in single-vehicle crash near Custer, Bellingham City Council examines proposed hike in utility bills meant to fund expanded irrigation system, WWU-developed soil detoxification method yields promising results for coho salmon habitats, North Cascades Highway reopens, WA Democrats unveil new spending plan following Gov. Ferguson’s wealth tax veto, AG’s office defends state’s sanctuary policies amid congressional scrutiny, State lawmakers move forward on bills that would crack down on reckless driving and littering, Non-fatal three-car crash in Bellingham impedes I-5 traffic Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, April 22nd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Landslide blocks Chuckanut Drive A significant landslide has shut down both directions of Chuckanut Drive near Bow, just north of Blanchard Road. The slide, reported around 9 a.m. today, has completely blocked the roadway at milepost 10 across from Chuckanut Manor. Debris is estimated to be over 20 feet high, including large boulders. Emergency crews are on-site assessing the situation, but there is currently no estimated time for reopening. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes, such as Interstate 5, while the closure remains in effect. The landslide, however, has not impacted nearby rail lines, and Amtrak service through Bellingham continues uninterrupted. For the latest updates, travelers can follow WSDOT (WASH-dot) North on social media or visit their official website. STORY: Blaine man killed in single-vehicle crash near Custer A Blaine man was killed in a car crash in Custer early yesterday morning. Information from the Washington State Patrol states that 34-year-old Mark A. Bunch was driving north on Interstate 5 near Custer School Road when his car left the roadway shortly after 7:30 a.m. The car hit a tree, rolled over and came to a rest in the bushes on the right shoulder of the interstate. Bunch was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the incident. The State Patrol says the incident remains under investigation, and that drugs and/or alcohol were involved. STORY: Bellingham City Council examines proposed hike in utility bills meant to fund expanded irrigation system Bellingham residents may soon see significant increases in their water bills under a new long-term rate proposal. Presented at a City Council committee meeting last Monday, the plan outlines a series of rate hikes needed to fund $532 million in system upgrades over the next 20 years. The proposed increases would raise the average monthly utility bill by 13% annually for the next two years, followed by 11% hikes in 2028 and 2029, and then by over 6% annually for the next five years. If implemented, the average bill could rise from $135 today to $302 in 2035, and reach $444 by 2045. Carollo Engineers, the Seattle-based firm hired to assess the city’s water infrastructure needs, said the increases are necessary to fund new reservoirs, replace aging pumps and pipelines, and comply with environmental regulations — particularly those targeting nitrogen discharge into Bellingham Bay. An alternative plan that more aggressively addresses nitrogen levels would result in even higher costs, potentially raising bills to $350 per month in 10 years and $635 by 2045. City staff are recommending the less expensive option and delaying nitrogen-reduction efforts. The proposal must still go through multiple agency reviews before it heads to the City Council for a public hearing, tentatively set for early August. Any delays could push final action to October or November. STORY: WWU-developed soil detoxification method yields promising results for coho salmon habitats And in more water news, Whatcom County is at the forefront of a promising environmental breakthrough with a stormwater treatment project in the Geneva neighborhood. The neighborhood is one of Washington’s first large-scale test sites for a new soil mixture designed to remove 6PPD-quinone (kwee-KNOWN) — a toxic chemical from tires that has been killing coho salmon in Puget Sound. Though Lake Whatcom doesn’t host coho salmon, the Geneva pilot project offers critical real-world testing of the mixture, made from sand, coconut fiber, and biochar. Developed by researchers, including local stormwater scientist Curtis Hinman and WWU students, the mix has proven nearly 100% effective in stripping 6PPD-quinone and other pollutants from runoff water. Originally built in 2008, the Geneva swale (SWAYL) system had failed by 2022, which caused flooding and contributed to phosphorus buildup in the lake. With nearly $1.5 million in state and local funding, the facility was rebuilt and now effectively filters out harmful substances, including fecal bacteria and phosphorus, while also removing the newly identified salmon toxin. As King County and other partners identify priority salmon habitats near high-traffic roads, the breakthrough could soon be implemented across the region. STORY: North Cascades Highway reopens Travelers headed to Eastern Washington will have a faster and more scenic route option this weekend, as the North Cascades Highway reopens. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, the stretch between the Ross Dam trailhead and Silver Star gate has been closed since last November due to avalanche risks near Washington and Rainy passes. The reopening provides access between Whatcom and Skagit counties and Okanogan County towns like Winthrop and Twisp, as well as hiking and recreation opportunities in North Cascades National Park. WSDOT (WASH-dot) urges drivers to stay alert for changing mountain weather, watch for maintenance crews, and be cautious around bicyclists and motorcyclists. Travelers can check WSDOT’s real-time travel map for updates and road conditions. STORY: WA Democrats unveil new spending plan following Gov. Ferguson’s wealth tax veto Washington Democrats rolled out a revised revenue package last week aiming to raise nearly $12 billion over four years, after Governor Bob Ferguson halted their initial wealth tax proposal. The updated plan still targets the state’s wealthiest residents and large corporations, but avoids the previously proposed wealth tax on individuals with more than $50 million. Key proposals include increased business and occupation tax rates, tiered capital gains surcharges, and reforms to estate and property taxes. Democrats say the changes will fund public education, community safety, and essential state services while making the tax code …
April 21, 2025 News Transcript
Lelo receives court hearing date, Trial begins for man accused of killed brother during Whatcom County pit stop, Lynden School District to pursue legal action against transgender student athlete policy, City posts warnings around Lake Padden following fatal attack on dog, Whatcom County burn ban to begin on June 15th, Air agency allocates funds for clean energy projects in Bellingham, AG’s office defends state’s sanctuary policies amid congressional scrutiny, State lawmakers move forward on bills that would crack down on reckless driving and littering, WA Democrats unveil new spending plan following Gov. Ferguson’s wealth tax veto Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, April 21st. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Lelo receives court hearing date Alfredo “Lelo” (LAY-lo) Juarez Zeferino (zeh-feh-RENO) has now been scheduled to appear at an immigration hearing in November, where he will be advised of his rights and allowed to respond to his removal charges. The prominent farmworker/advocate was arrested on March 25th in Sedro-Woolley during a traffic stop in which, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he failed to comply with federal agents. However, according to advocacy group Community to Community Development — where Lelo volunteers — ICE agents violently detained him, breaking his car window while he attempted to exercise his rights. The group also reported that several other workers were taken into custody that day. Although a Seattle judge issued a deportation order for Juarez Zeferino in 2018, his legal team filed a motion to reopen the case on March 31st. The case was officially reopened earlier this month. Edgar Franks, political director of Familias Unidas por la Justicia (fuh-MEE-lee-ahs ooh-NEE-dahs POR LA whose-TEE-see-ah), stated that Lelo never received notice of the original deportation order, and would have appeared in court if he had. Born in Mexico and raised in Washington, the 25-year old has been involved in farmworker rights since his early teens. He helped found Familias Unidas por la Justicia and his activism has earned him recognition — including the Whatcom Peace & Justice Commission’s Peacemaker Award. STORY: Trial begins for man accused of killed brother during Whatcom County pit stop The trial of a 42-year-old Seattle man charged with the shooting death of his brother began Thursday at the Whatcom County Superior Court. Prosecutors allege the shooting occurred in August of 2022, after John Roper Thomson and his 69-year-old brother, Robert, stopped during a drive back from a trip to Republic, where John Thomson was attempting to detox from heroin and alcohol. According to court documents, a conflict escalated at a pull-out along the North Cascades Highway, where Robert reportedly pepper sprayed John. In response, John retrieved an AR-15 from the vehicle and shot his brother with multiple rounds. Defense attorneys Matthew Mearns (MIRNS) and Starck Follis (STARK FALL-is) argued that John acted in self-defense, believing his brother was about to shoot him. Jurors heard testimony from law enforcement and park rangers who responded to the scene. Thomson was located in Newhalem shortly after and, according to multiple rangers, appeared disheveled and intoxicated. Two firearms were later found in his vehicle. The trial was set to resume today. STORY: Lynden School District to pursue legal action against transgender student athlete policy The Lynden School District Board unanimously passed a resolution on Thursday that reaffirmed its opposition to current state policy which allows transgender students to compete in school sports according to their gender identity. The resolution signals the board’s intent to pursue legal action against the state agency overseeing K-thru-12 education in Washington. The move follows controversy from the 2A State Track & Field Championship last May, where a Lynden female athlete competed against — and lost to — a transgender student who won the girls’ 400-meter final. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association policy currently allows students to participate in sports, quote, “in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity” unquote. Superintendent David VanderYacht told the Bellingham Herald that Lynden thinks the WIAA’s current policy is unworkable. Lynden’s resolution is part of a broader effort that includes 13 other school boards across Washington, which includes the Blaine School District and Lynden Christian School. Together, they have proposed amendments to the WIAA policy that would effectively bar transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports. Their alternative framework would establish two categories of competition: Boys-slash-Open and Girls. The board’s action marks a significant escalation in a growing statewide debate over gender identity and student athletics. STORY: City posts warnings around Lake Padden following fatal attack on dog A deadly attack on a dog at Lake Padden Park on April 11th has raised concerns about coyotes in the Bellingham area. The attack occurred during daytime hours on the off-leash trails between the dog park and the Galbraith Trailhead. The dog had wandered away on its own into the trees. Parks and Recreations Operations Manager Steve Janiszewski (YAWN-uh-SHEF-ski) indicated that bite wounds to the dog’s neck suggested an attack by a coyote or another dog. There was no confirmed sighting of a coyote in the area at the time of the incident, but Janiszewski says the Parks Department has recently received reports of coyote sightings at both Lake Padden and Whatcom Falls parks. The City of Bellingham has posted warning signs at both locations, and urges pet owners to remain vigilant. STORY: Whatcom County burn ban to begin on June 15th A burn ban will go into effect in Whatcom County on June 15th. The Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office says that, starting that day, all yard debris burning and land clearing burns will be prohibited in unincorporated parts of the county. Barbecues and recreational fires in approved fire pits will still be allowed. People living within the Point Roberts, Lummi Island or Sandy Point fire districts should refer to their respective departments for outdoor burning restrictions. STORY: Air agency allocates funds for clean energy projects in Bellingham Grants totaling $3 million will be awarded to the City of Bellingham and the Opportunity Council for clean energy …
April 18, 2025 News Transcript
Suspect in 2024 Bellingham robbery arrested, Man in custody following high-speed chase through Bellingham, Mount Baker Imaging confirms data breach, Blaine faces spending cuts and more with declining Canadians, WCSO petitions county for new office, Free, cheap, and eggs, Trump administration launches investigation into OSPI over Clark County pronoun dispute, AG’s office defends state’s sanctuary policies amid congressional scrutiny, Bellingham examining alternate options for mandated organic waste bins following complaints, Whatcom recovery navigator program under threat from federal funding cuts, State lawmakers move forward on bills that would crack down on reckless driving and littering Whatcom County burn ban to begin on June 15th, WA Democrats unveil new spending plan following Gov. Ferguson’s wealth tax vet Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, April 18th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Suspect in 2024 Bellingham robbery arrested A 36-year-old man was arrested earlier this month in connection with a knifepoint robbery that took place over a year ago at a local homeless encampment. Nicholas William Toby was stopped by Bellingham Police for a bicycling violation around midnight on April 10th when they discovered two outstanding warrants for his arrest. According to Bellingham Police Lieutenant Claudia Murphy, Toby is accused of robbing and threatening to kill a man at the former encampment near the Walmart off Meridian Street. The victim told police he encountered Toby outside a tent that morning, where Toby allegedly blamed him for a prior arrest, pulled a knife, and demanded his belongings. He has since been charged with first-degree robbery and felony harassment. Toby remains in custody at Whatcom County Jail. STORY: Man in custody following high-speed chase through Bellingham A man was booked into Whatcom County Jail Tuesday night after leading law enforcement officers on a car chase through Bellingham. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Deb Slater says it began at 10 p.m., when deputies spotted a vehicle traveling at roughly 100 mph at the intersection of Guide Meridian and Kelly Road. The driver refused to stop when police tried to pull him over and continued to drive at reckless speeds until stopping in a parking lot at Sequoia Drive. When ordered by deputies to exit the vehicle, the driver refused and brandished a gun. Crisis negotiators were called in to assist. The driver was eventually arrested on suspicion of multiple charges, including threats to bomb or injure property and attempting to elude a police vehicle. STORY: Mount Baker Imaging confirms data breach Mt. Baker Imaging and Northwest Radiologists quietly acknowledged a cyberattack that potentially compromised sensitive patient information, including names, addresses, and Social Security numbers. In a blog post from March 26th, the imaging provider disclosed that a “computer network disruption” discovered in late January was actually a data breach involving an “unauthorized party.” The company is still reviewing who was affected and has not yet notified patients. Despite no confirmed misuse of the data, Northwest and MBI say they have hired identity protection firm IDX to assist concerned individuals. According to records, the breach has not been reported to the Washington State Attorney General’s Office, which is required under state law for incidents affecting over 500 residents unless doing so interferes with an ongoing investigation. According to a report by Cascadia Daily News, Seattle-based law firm Tousley Brain Stephens is reportedly exploring a class action lawsuit but has declined to comment publicly. Northwest and MBI say they have implemented additional security measures and are still working with the FBI and third-party investigators. STORY: Blaine faces spending cuts and more with declining Canadians With the arrival of tariffs (AKA import taxes) as well as provocative statements aimed at Canada, visits to Blaine from across the border have declined dramatically. KMRE News had a chance to sit down with Mayor Mary Lou Seward to find out more about what’s happening in this small Whatcom County community. SEWARD AUDIO 1 For a town that relies on tourism, Seward says there’s not a lot they can do, but– they are doing what they can. SEWARD AUDIO 2 To hear more about how Blaine is dealing with the changing economic environment, be sure to listen to the entire interview today after the 5 O’clock news. STORY: WCSO petitions county for new office Employees from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office are urging county leaders to prioritize the construction of a new sheriff’s facility. During a council meeting on Tuesday, Detective Derek Jones unfurled a plastic tarp used to protect case files and computers from leaking sewage — one of many examples shared by current and former staff about deteriorating conditions at the office. Issues include flooding, lack of privacy for sensitive interviews, broken plumbing, and makeshift workarounds for basic functions like soundproofing and meal breaks. Sheriff Donnell Tanksley stressed the office was originally a storage space, was never meant to house law enforcement operations, and has long needed replacement. While plans for a new sheriff’s office have been discussed repeatedly — and shelved — for years, financial constraints tied to rising construction costs and stagnant revenue have made progress difficult. Currently, the county is advancing a $64 million redevelopment of the Northwest Annex, but officials said they should consider prioritizing the sheriff’s office instead — potentially adding public safety offices to the new annex design. The sheriff’s office relocation is estimated to cost $40 million. County officials plan to revisit the conversation in the coming weeks as they weigh options. STORY: Free, cheap, and eggs It’s Friday – here are some free or cheap things to do around the county! The Buffalo Exchange has a $1 Sale tomorrow to celebrate Earth Day. Proceeds from the cash-only sale will go to American Wild Horse Conservation. The store at 1209 N State St, opens at 11 a.m., so be sure to show up early for the sale! Art in a Pickle Barn, the Skagit Art Association’s annual month-long art show, will continue through April 30th. Every day, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors can browse works of over …
April 17, 2025 News Transcript
PeaceHealth nurses set picket date for April 29th, Man in custody following high-speed chase through Bellingham, Bellingham Food Bank reports empty shelves amid federal funding cuts, WWU creates new sustainable investment policy, AG’s office defends state’s sanctuary policies amid congressional scrutiny, Bellingham examining alternate options for mandated organic waste bins following complaints, Trump administration launches investigation into OSPI over Clark County pronoun dispute, Whatcom recovery navigator program under threat from federal funding cuts, State lawmaker move forward on bills that would crack down on reckless driving and littering, WCSO petitions county for new office, Free, cheap, and eggs, WSDOT seeking public feedback on updated rail plan Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, April 17th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: PeaceHealth nurses set picket date for April 29th PeaceHealth nurses, represented by the Washington State Nurses Association, have announced an informational picket on April 29th if a contract agreement has not been reached before then. After three months of contract negotiations, no agreement has been reached. However, both parties will sit down for further mediation today and tomorrow. Key issues include a proposed insurance plan that nurses say offers less coverage at a higher cost, as well as wage concerns and what nurses describe as a broad sense of disrespect from hospital management. Kristin Malmo is a labor and delivery nurse at PeaceHealth, where she’s worked for the last ten years. She is also a part of the WSNA board that comprises the bargaining team. Malmo says wages are a key factor. MALMO audio closer to the ballpark :36 According to Malmo’s numbers, the hospital pays nurses $10-to-$12 less per hour than comparably sized Washington cities, such as Longview and Vancouver. However, wages are not the only issue. A restructuring of PeaceHealth’s self-insured health care plans for staff has resulted in a large number of nurses losing affordable health care options with their local doctors. MALMO AUDIO health care hit :15 Nurses have recently spoken out during meetings at both the Bellingham City and Whatcom County councils, and expressed frustration with what they see as declining support from PeaceHealth, which is the largest employer in Whatcom County. Malmo agrees. MALMO AUDIO nurses demand autonomy :36 In a show of support, the Bellingham City Council unanimously approved a letter on Monday that urged all parties to continue negotiations in good faith, and emphasized the importance of fair compensation, safe staffing levels, and a strong healthcare workforce. Negotiations are scheduled to resume today and tomorrow. Malmo says union members are committed to the process and are hopeful, but she says local healthcare workers say stronger measures are not off the table. MALMO AUDIO strike is an option :46 STORY: Man in custody following high-speed chase through Bellingham A man was booked into the Whatcom County Jail Tuesday night after leading law enforcement officers on a car chase through Bellingham. County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Deb Slater says it all started at 10 p.m., when deputies spotted a vehicle traveling at roughly 100 mph at the intersection of Guide Meridian and Kelly Road. The driver refused to stop when police tried to pull him over, and instead continued to drive at reckless speeds until stopping in a parking lot at Sequoia Drive. When ordered by deputies to exit the vehicle, the driver refused and threatened them with a gun. Crisis negotiators were called in to assist. The driver was eventually arrested on suspicion of multiple charges, including felony charges of threat to bomb or injure property and attempting to elude a police vehicle. STORY: Bellingham Food Bank reports empty shelves amid federal funding cuts Federal funding has been cut for the Bellingham Food Bank, as part of larger cuts to the USDA by the Trump administration to limit federal spending. Mike Cohen, the Bellingham Food Bank’s executive director, says they expect to lose 600-to-800 thousand dollars for the year, which they say will greatly impact their ability to support those facing food insecurity in the city. According to recent reporting, the Food Bank has secured funding from both the Whatcom County and Bellingham City councils, but are still seeking personal donations and funding at a local level to make up the rest of the lost federal support. An estimated 5,000 households in Bellingham are currently supported by the Food Bank. STORY: WWU creates new sustainable investment policy Western Washington’s Board of Trustees approved a new policy last Friday that provides protocols for directing the university toward quote, “socially responsible investment”, unquote. The policy, written by WWU’s new Advisory Committee on Socially Responsible Investing, prohibits Western from buying shares or investing in companies linked to weapons production, fossil fuels, human rights violations, and other concerns. The Advisory Committee was formed last year as part of the agreement to end the two-week encampment protest that took place on campus last May. The protest, driven largely by pro-Palestinian students, ultimately led to a Memorandum of Understanding between university administrators and the WWU Divest Apartheid Coalition, which includes leaders of the campus’s Arab Student Association, Jewish Voice for Peace, and Associated Students organizations. Assistant professor of anthropology and Advisory Committee member, Natalie Baloy, spoke with KMRE News about the process. NATALIE: NEGOTIATING :32 Baloy says that, although their work was guided by the Memorandum, there was much to be learned. NATALIE: LEARNED A LOT :25 Although the hard work of finding a compromise has been successful, Baloy says the work is not yet done. NATALIE: IMPLEMENTATION :18 The Foundation for WWU and Alumni, a separate entity, is not bound by the current agreement. However, the Memorandum explicitly urges the Foundation, quote, “to work to align its investment activities” with the guidelines. WWU administrators say they will post the university’s full investment portfolio on the Western website. WX: Sun-DMC And now for the weather: It’s another warm, sunny day for us, with temperatures remaining around the low-to-mid 60s. The skies should remain fairly clear throughout the afternoon and evening. Expect nighttime lows of around …
April 16, 2025 News Transcript
Bellingham man sentenced for knowingly establishing online relationship with minor, Whatcom drug dealer with ties to Mexican crime organization sentenced, Trial of 2019 campsite murder suspect ends in second hung jury, PeaceHealth union calls for termination of St. Joseph’s department director, State rep launches bill that would create WA’s own DOGE, City of Mount Vernon institutes hiring freeze amid budget shortfall, Bellingham examining alternate options for mandated organic waste bins following complaints, Trump administration launches investigation into OSPI over Clark County pronoun dispute, WSDOT seeking public feedback on updated rail plan Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, April 16th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham man sentenced for knowingly establishing online relationship with minor A Bellingham man has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for exchanging explicit content with a Mississippi girl who he knew was a minor. Court records show that 46-year-old Daniel Koval exchanged sexually explicit messages, images, and videos with the 15-year-old girl over Discord in 2022. At his sentencing in the Whatcom County Superior Court, prosecutor Caleb Nagel called Koval’s behavior “predatory,” saying the crimes were more serious than simple possession of child sexual abuse material. In addition to jail time, Koval’s sentence also includes three years of community custody. STORY: Whatcom drug dealer with ties to Mexican crime organization sentenced A Whatcom County man with connections to a Mexican crime organization has been sentenced to over 18 months in prison for drug trafficking and money laundering. 29-year-old Jamie Lopez Laz Cano (LAS KAHN-no) was arrested in September after an investigation by the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force. Authorities seized approximately three-and-a-half pounds of fentanyl powder from his home and vehicle. Investigators say undercover detectives also observed Lopez Laz Cano conducting multiple international money transfers, indicating a broader network of criminal activity. His arrest followed a coordinated crackdown that saw five other individuals taken into custody in connection with similar fentanyl and money laundering operations. STORY: Trial of 2019 campsite murder suspect ends in second hung jury A second jury has failed to reach a unanimous verdict in the trial of Alexander Vanags (VAN-knicks), prompting another mistrial in Whatcom County Superior Court. Vanags, a 35-year-old man from Arlington, was charged with second-degree murder in the 2019 killing of his friend, 28-year-old Mark Stebakov (STEH-buh-kov), during a camping trip at Baker Lake. Prosecutors allege Vanags fatally slashed Stebakov at least 14 times with a machete while the two were under the influence of LSD. Vanags’ defense team argued he acted in self-defense and should not be found guilty. The retrial, which began March 19th and spanned nearly four weeks, featured testimony from multiple witnesses and over 500 pieces of evidence. This is the second mistrial in the case. Vanags was first tried in 2022, but that jury also deadlocked after less than two full days of deliberation. Jury decisions in criminal cases must be unanimous. It remains unclear whether prosecutors will seek a third trial. STORY: PeaceHealth union calls for termination of St. Joseph’s department director A union representing hospitalists at PeaceHealth has called for the removal of the director of Sound Hospitalist Services at St. Joseph Medical Center. According to recent reporting by Cascadia Daily News, union members alleged in a letter sent to Sound Physicians leadership that Dr. Stephanie Carr has punished staff who raised concerns, refused constructive feedback, and created a hostile environment that prompted requests for chaperones during meetings. The union claims this has severely damaged morale (more-AL) and productivity. The letter, unsigned out of fear of retaliation, urges Sound Physicians to investigate and consider terminating Dr. Carr. The 30-member union—representing clinicians in Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley—won the right to unionize last June, but bargaining has yet to begin due to PeaceHealth’s ongoing challenge to a National Labor Relations Board ruling that deemed it a joint employer alongside Sound Physicians. Since March of 2024, the Union of American Physicians and Dentists has filed nine unfair labor practice complaints—seven involving Sound Physicians—alleging retaliation and other violations. Two members, including union leader and nurse practitioner Rachel May, have resigned, citing Carr’s conduct and concerns for their safety. Dr. Carr and Sound Physicians, which employs the clinicians, did not respond to multiple requests for comment. PeaceHealth declined to comment, stating the clinicians are not its direct employees. STORY: State rep launches bill that would create WA’s own DOGE Washington state could see the creation of its own Department of Government Efficiency — or DOGE — if a bill introduced by State Representative Jim Walsh gains traction in Olympia. House Bill 2076, introduced by Walsh and co-sponsored by five other Republicans, aims to rein in bureaucratic inefficiency by establishing a temporary watchdog agency under the Legislature. Modeled after the federal DOGE proposed under President Trump’s second administration, the state version would audit agencies, identify waste, and recommend outdated or redundant regulations for repeal. Under the proposal, state agencies would need to propose the repeal of two existing rules for every new one they introduce. Each agency would also see 6% of its budget held in reserve until it completes a DOGE audit. That reserve matches recent recommendations by Governor Bob Ferguson to cut agency spending amid a looming multi-billion-dollar budget shortfall. The bill earmarks $750,000 for DOGE operations through July of 2028, after which a final report would be submitted to lawmakers and the governor. Despite its intention to improve government accountability, HB 2076 faces steep opposition in the Democrat-controlled Legislature. House Speaker Laurie Jinkins declined to comment on the bill, and Walsh himself acknowledged the proposal is unlikely to be signed by Governor Ferguson if it reaches his desk. Still, he insists the measure is “well thought-out” and could return as a future bill or citizen initiative. STORY: City of Mount Vernon institutes hiring freeze amid budget shortfall A hiring freeze is in effect for Mount Vernon. The freeze was announced by Mayor Pete Donovan through an email sent out to city employees last Thursday, and impacts all vacant …
April 15, 2025 News Transcript
State house approves limited draft of bill granting unemployment benefits to striking workers, Maintenance will close two stretches of Bellingham I-5 this Thursday and Friday, Bellingham Municipal Court to hold Law Day events over coming weeks, Whatcom County Council proposes electoral boundary changes in and around Lynden, AG’s office joins coalition in support of law firms targeted by Trump executive orders, Ferguson to appeal FEMA denial of WA bomb cyclone relief, Trackside to reopen in coming weeks Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, April 15th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: State house approves limited draft of bill granting unemployment benefits to striking workers Organized labor scored a significant legislative victory Saturday as the Washington State House passed a bill granting unemployment benefits to striking workers. However, the final version was met with mixed reactions after lawmakers added a four-week cap on benefits—eight weeks shorter than the Senate’s original proposal. Senate Bill 5041 passed the House with a 52-to-43 vote. Seven Democrats joined Republicans in opposition. The bill now returns to the Senate, where lawmakers must decide whether to accept the House’s amendment or push to restore the longer benefit period. The Senate had previously rejected a similar four-week cap before passing the bill 28-to-21. Supporters argue the measure would ease financial stress during labor disputes, leveling the playing field for workers in prolonged negotiations. Republicans oppose the bill, and warn it would incentivize strikes and unfairly burden taxpayers and businesses not involved in labor disputes. An attempt to exclude teachers and hospital workers from eligibility failed. If enacted, Washington would join New York and New Jersey as the only states offering unemployment benefits to workers on strike. The new policy, including the four-week benefit limit, would take effect January 1st of next year and sunset at the end of 2035. STORY: Maintenance will close two stretches of Bellingham I-5 this Thursday and Friday The Washington State Department of Transportation will close lanes and ramps along southbound I-5 in Bellingham on Thursday and Friday to conduct maintenance work. From 3:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Thursday, the left lane of southbound I-5 will be closed between the West Bakerview Road and Sunset Drive interchanges for an overhead sign replacement. At the same time, the Northwest Avenue and Guide Meridian on-ramps to southbound I-5 will also be closed. From 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Friday, the right lane of southbound I-5 will be closed between the Meridian Street and Sunset Drive interchanges for pavement repairs. Drivers are advised to expect delays and plan alternate routes during the scheduled maintenance windows. STORY: Bellingham Municipal Court to hold Law Day events over coming weeks The Bellingham Municipal Court will host a series of public events between April 22nd and May 5th to educate the community about the local court system. The events, held in honor of Law Day, will include court proceedings, meet-and-greets with judges and legal professionals, as well as demonstrations involving canines and drones. Eighth-grade students from Bellingham middle schools will participate in some of the events as part of an educational partnership. All events will take place at the Bellingham Municipal Court building. Find out more information at the City of Bellingham website — c.o.b.org. STORY: Whatcom County Council proposes electoral boundary changes in and around Lynden The Whatcom County Council will propose changes to Lynden’s electoral boundaries at their regularly scheduled meeting today. According to the county councilors, the changes have become necessary because the city of Lynden annexed over 36 acres of land from the county last year, and has continued to sustain steady population growth. Over 16,000 people currently live within city limits. Whatcom County law dictates that precinct boundaries should contain a maximum of 1,500 registered voters. If approved, the proposal would split the 128th precinct, covering property north and east of Lynden, into four sections. In addition, the 611th precinct, to the south and west, would divide into two sections. The boundaries for county, legislative, and electoral elections would not change. STORY: AG’s office joins coalition in support of law firms targeted by Trump executive orders The Washington State Attorney General’s Office announced yesterday it would join 21 other states in a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s current actions against law firms. Recent executive orders from President Trump target two particular firms in the District of Columbia Court District whose advocacy, clients, and staff he claims are a threat to national security. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown compared the president’s actions to an attack on the rule of law. In a recent press release, the coalition claimed Trump’s executive orders are unconstitutional, and are motivated by a personal dislike for the law firms. They say their goal is to maintain a judicial system that is free to support controversial cases or unpopular clients. STORY: Ferguson to appeal FEMA denial of WA bomb cyclone relief The Trump administration denied Washington state’s request for federal disaster relief following last year’s destructive bomb cyclone, which caused tens of millions of dollars in damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a brief, one-page letter on Friday stating that federal assistance “is not warranted,” without further explanation. Governor Bob Ferguson announced plans to appeal the decision, calling it quote “another troubling example of the federal government withholding funding” unquote. Last November’s storm caused widespread destruction; it damaged hundreds of homes and businesses, and left large areas without power. Additionally, two people were killed by the storm. Then-Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency across multiple counties, unlocking one million dollars in state recovery funds for King, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties. Low-interest federal disaster loans were also made available in several others. Locally, Whatcom County saw at least 16 homes damaged in Sudden Valley, with six families displaced. However, the county did not meet FEMA’s damage threshold to qualify for federal assistance. The state has 30 days to submit an appeal. FEMA indicated it would work with Washington officials to identify additional damage information …
April 14, 2025 News Transcript
Lummi Nation member sentenced to 51 months for strangulation assault, Bellingham man facing 7 felonies in Superior Court for thefts against former employers, WWU announces university money to no longer be directed to companies connected to human rights violations, Whatcom County Library System approves levy lift resolution for August election, North Cascades Hwy expected to open this month, Trackside to reopen in coming weeks Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, April 14th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Lummi Nation member sentenced to 51 months for strangulation assault A Lummi Nation man was sentenced to 51 months in prison on Thursday. 36-year-old Joseph Michael Quincy Jefferson was found guilty by a jury in January for attacking a woman identified as Jane Doe in April of 2023. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Jefferson punched, pushed, and strangled the victim. Judge Lauren King ultimately sentenced Jefferson to 51 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He must also complete a domestic violence treatment program and have no contact with the victim. Restitution will be determined at a later date. STORY: Bellingham man facing 7 felonies in Superior Court for thefts against former employers A Bellingham man is facing several felony charges for alleged thefts against former employers. 32-year-old Kintorious (kin-TOH-ree-us) Dwayne London worked as an outside salesperson for a Bellingham construction company during 2024. According to affidavits filed in the Whatcom County Superior Court, London was reported to Bellingham Police last July for cashing fraudulent checks. An investigation found that at least four customers reported having their prepayment checks cashed by London either without any work being completed or after cancelling work. London’s name was reportedly substituted for the company’s in these checks, with London later endorsing and depositing them into a personal account. Three other construction companies reported fraud-related thefts to BPD. In two instances, London was accused of depositing company checks into his personal account, and another occurred when he continued to use a company gas card after his employment had been terminated. London currently faces seven felony charges in the County Superior Court, including two counts of forgery and two counts of first-degree theft exceeding $5,000. STORY: Work begins on expansion of St. Joseph’s Whatcom County’s only hospital is set to undergo a major $400 million expansion to address growing patient needs. PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center has announced plans to build the new six-story, 120,000-square-foot Peter Paulsen Pavilion, which will feature a rooftop helipad, a modernized emergency department, and upgraded childbirth and pediatric facilities. The expansion, which was outlined during a community meeting on Thursday, is expected to increase inpatient capacity to 322 beds and expand emergency department capacity to 56 private rooms, plus 12 fast-track stations. Nearly 70,000 emergency visits were recorded from July of 2023 to July of 2024. Peter Paulsen, a prominent local developer who died last year, donated $50 million toward the project. Construction is slated to begin next year and conclude in 2028. Preparatory site work will begin this spring, along with improvements to Squalicum Parkway. STORY: WWU announces university money to no longer be directed to companies connected to human rights violations Western Washington University’s Board of Trustees approved a new ethical investment policy on Friday. The new policy will align university-held funds with Socially Responsible Investing and Environmental, Social and Governance principles. The move comes after years of student and faculty activism, including pro-Palestine protests last spring. The policy prohibits investments in companies linked to fossil fuels, tobacco, weapons, and human rights violations, and applies to the university’s $78 million in fixed-income investments. It does not extend to the university’s endowment of roughly $144 million, which is managed by the independent Foundation for WWU & Alumni. However, the foundation says it is reviewing its own investment policy and expects to propose changes by May. In the meantime, Western says it will begin publicly disclosing its investment portfolio online, and allow divestment requests backed by students, faculty, or staff coalitions. The board also voted to separate and reinvest a $15 million professorship trust fund in line with the new SRI policy. A proposal to remove the foundation’s voting role on the investment committee was tabled for further discussion. STORY: Nooksack water adjudication seminars to begin April 22nd Whatcom County Public Works has scheduled a series of eight online seminars to help residents understand the water adjudication (uh-joo-duh-KAY-shn) process. The webinars will each last an hour, with the first of them planned for next Monday at noon. Each session is limited to 50 households that use residential wells. The webinars will be led by Aspect Consulting, a water rights consultant, and will include demonstrations and detailed information about adjudication. For those unable to attend virtually, two in-person seminars will be hosted by the Washington State Department of Ecology in Ferndale and Lynden in late May. More information and resources are available on the Whatcom County website. STORY: Whatcom County Library System approves levy lift resolution for August election The Whatcom County Library System is asking voters to approve a levy lid lift in the primary election on August 5th. The Library Board of Trustees recently passed a resolution to place the measure on the ballot, and proposed an increase to the property tax rate from 26 cents to 42 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. This would mark the first levy rate increase in 16 years. Library officials say the boost is needed to keep pace with rising costs for materials, staffing, and operations. Without additional funding, WCLS warns it will face staff reductions and shorter open hours. Only residents living outside Bellingham city limits will vote on the measure, which requires a simple majority to pass. More information is available at wcls.org. STORY: North Cascades Hwy expected to open this month The North Cascades Highway is reopening this month. Last Thursday, officials with the state Department of Transportation made an announcement over social media that their east and west side clearing crews …
April 11, 2025 News Transcript
Blaine woman arrested following high-speed chase, Federal government cancels $4M grant to WA libraries, Barkley Village seeks urban village designation in pursuit of major development project, Home prices stabilized in Whatcom over first quarter of 2025, Free and cheap, Trackside to reopen in coming weeks Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, April 11th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Blaine woman arrested following high-speed chase A high-speed motorcycle pursuit last Wednesday ended with a dramatic foot chase and escape attempt in Ferndale. According to court records filed in the Whatcom County Superior Court, the incident began around 3:20 p.m., when a State Patrol trooper spotted a motorcycle traveling at high speed northbound on I-5 near the Meridian Street interchange. The motorcyclist, 41-year-old Tina Marie Blotsky (BLAH-ski) of Blaine, reportedly accelerated to 120 mph after spotting the trooper’s vehicle. Despite attempts by multiple troopers to stop her, the pursuit was called off for safety reasons after the motorcycle exited at Main Street in Ferndale. Troopers later found the abandoned motorcycle near 1st Avenue and Cherry Street, along with a discarded pink helmet. Witnesses directed them toward the nearby VanderYacht Park, where Blotsky had been seen. Blotsky tried to evade arrest by wading into the Nooksack River, but was apprehended in knee-deep water by pursuing troopers. Authorities discovered the motorcycle had been reported stolen, with a damaged ignition switch and a license plate registered to a utility trailer. Blotsky also had a suspended license, and was required to use an ignition interlock device. Blotsky now faces multiple charges including possession of a stolen vehicle and attempting to elude police, among others. She was released from custody on Monday after posting bond, and her arraignment is scheduled for today. STORY: Federal government cancels $4M grant to WA libraries Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs is speaking out forcefully after the federal government abruptly rescinded a nearly $4 million annual grant to the Washington State Library. The decision came in an April 1st notice from Keith Sonderling, the Acting Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which stated the grant was, quote, “inconsistent with IMLS’ priorities” unquote. On the official Secretary of State Instagram channel, Hobbs did not hold back his criticism. Libraries Audio In another Instagram video posted on Sunday, he warned that the freedom to read and access information is under threat from government decisions like this one. Deputy Secretary of State Randy Bolerjack (BOWLERJACK) said the terminated grant makes up nearly one-third of the State Library’s annual budget. The decision comes amid broader federal cutbacks under President Trump’s administration, which supporters say are designed to improve government efficiency. Critics argue the sweeping reductions are dismantling essential services, with this library funding cut cited as a key example. STORY: Barkley Village seeks urban village designation in pursuit of major development project Barkley Village is on track to become the city’s seventh official urban village. The 250-acre, mixed-use area in northeast Bellingham is often seen as an urban hub, but its status as an urban village would mean the neighborhood could be designated under unified zoning as an area that would absorb future population and commercial growth. The Talbot Group, primary owner of the Barkley Village, says it is working with the City of Bellingham to finalize the designation. The proposed plan would enable up to 2,420 multi-family units, 100 single-family homes, and millions of square feet in new retail, office, and industrial space — all supported by new roads, sidewalks, bike infrastructure, and a 40-acre forested park. An environmental impact statement for the entire area was completed earlier this year, which developers say will streamline future project approvals. The build-out is expected to ramp up within the next two to five years. Final approval of the urban village designation could come as soon as this summer, and will follow public hearings with both the Planning Commission and the Bellingham City Council. STORY: Home prices stabilized in Whatcom over first quarter of 2025 Home prices in Whatcom County stabilized during the first three months of 2025. Peter Ahn, the co-owner of The Muljat Group in Bellingham, says the median selling price in the county was $625,000, which represents a 3.4% decrease from the same quarter last year. The median price for a house in Bellingham was $770,000, a decrease of over 6% from a year ago. Birch Bay, Blaine and Lynden also saw slight drops in their home prices. Conversely, Ferndale, Sudden Valley and the Nooksack Valley School District saw modest increases in their home prices. The Mount Baker School District saw a price increase of over 17%, but remains the most affordable area in the county with a median price of $400,000. Ahn says that home prices should remain mostly steady throughout the year, thanks to relatively stable mortgage rates. STORY: Free and cheap It’s Friday – if you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s a little of what’s going on around the county. WWU’s Performing Arts Center is hosting the university’s 33rd Annual Drag Show tonight at 7:30. The event, which will be hosted by Western alum Sage Valentine, is described by LGBTQ+ Western’s Instagram account as dedicated to, quote, “prioritizing queer joy during these uncertain times” unquote. A mix of university students and established drag artists will be featured. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for the general public — but please do not forget to tip the performers! Tomorrow afternoon will see the Mount Baker Theatre host a screening of Charlie Chaplin’s The Circus at 2 p.m. The silent film classic will feature a live musical accompaniment by MBT organist Dennis James. Tickets starting at $10.75 can be purchased at the Theatre’s website. Finally, Gruff Brewing at East Maple Street will host a plant swap on Sunday from 1-to-4 p.m. to celebrate International Plant Appreciation Day. Gruff will provide a few starter plants, but the rest is up to the participants; attendees are welcome to bring …
April 10, 2025 News Transcript
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 …
