Bellingham man arrested on suspicion of DUI, “The Bellingham Plan,” to be adopted into legislation next year, Bellingham man detained without counsel files motion to have charges dropped, Port of Bellingham moves forward with proposed upgrades to airport and waterfront properties, Whatcom Museum exhibit on French masterworks to open to the public on Valentine’s Day, Blaine Border Patrol adds additional vehicle barrier at border crossing, WA ranked among worst states for retirees Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, February 3rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham man arrested on suspicion of DUI Police announced the arrest of a 24-year-old Bellingham man after a high-speed chase through downtown on January 25th. According to a statement issued by Bellingham Police last Tuesday, Sando I. Cosovic (SAN-dough I. koh-sow-VICH) attempted to evade officers, crashed into multiple vehicles, and continued to flee even after his car lost both front tires. The chase ended when he crashed into railroad tracks. His passenger fled, but was later caught. Cosovic was booked into the Whatcom County Jail on multiple charges, including attempting to elude police, DUI, reckless driving, and hit-and-run. Cosovic was released after posting bail of $2,500 following a preliminary hearing last Monday. STORY: “The Bellingham Plan,” to be adopted into legislation next year A City of Bellingham development strategy with chapters on climate, civic engagement, and community well-being is on track to be adopted by June 2026. The Planning Commission says it will review the project— called The Bellingham Plan— on Thursday as it enters Phase 4. The plan aims to enhance community connections, housing options, sustainable growth, and climate resilience. City officials say public input has played a key role, and they’re planning more opportunities for residents to weigh in. The community can provide feedback between February 20th and March 26th on engagebellingham.org. STORY: Bellingham man detained without counsel files motion to have charges dropped A 48-year-old Bellingham man facing more than 50 felony charges is asking a judge to dismiss his case. The man claims his rights to counsel, due process, and a speedy trial have been violated. Richard Kirkham was held in Whatcom County Jail without access to an attorney for over a month due to court-ordered restrictions on his communication. Despite requesting phone privileges to find legal representation, his access was only partially restored. Kirkham was left without an attorney for a month and a half. His current lawyer, Adrian Madrone (muh-DRONE), argued last Tuesday that this reflects a broader systemic issue and called for County Superior Court Judge Evan Jones to recuse himself due to his prior involvement. The state acknowledged the delay, but argued they made a good-faith effort to find qualified representation. Kirkham, who could face life in prison under Washington’s “three strikes” law, criticized the court for detaining him without immediate legal counsel. Around 30 supporters attended the hearing to advocate for his rights. STORY: Port of Bellingham moves forward with proposed upgrades to airport and waterfront properties The Port of Bellingham says it will advance multiple projects in 2025 with a $36.7 million budget, including $12.4 million in grants. According to an update from Public Affairs Administrator Michael Hogan, the Port is currently working on 200 capital projects. Key initiatives include modernization of the Bellingham Shipping Terminal. In December, contaminated soil was dredged in front of the shipping terminal. This increased navigation depth in the water, allowing larger vessels to use the terminal after years of being unable to do so. Another major effort is the clean up of the I&J Waterway to protect marine life and public health. The Port says additional Bellingham Bay cleanup projects set to begin later this year will help pave the way for Salish Landing, the city’s largest waterfront park. STORY: Whatcom Museum exhibit on French masterworks to open to the public on Valentine’s Day Whatcom Museum will showcase work from renowned French artists starting in February. Three masterworks from Paul Cézanne (say-ZAHN), Henri Matisse (ahn-REE muh-TEES) and Auguste Renoir (uh-GOOST ruhn-WAAR) will come to the museum on loan from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. The exhibit is part of the Across the Nation program, which seeks to share iconic artworks with 10 regional museums nationwide. Whatcom Museum will offer free admission to K-12 school trips to the exhibit, which is titled Verdant (VUHR-din). Whatcom Museum members will be able to see the works beginning on February 13th; the exhibit will open to the public the day after. STORY: Blaine Border Patrol adds additional vehicle barrier at border crossing Additional security has arrived at the Peace Arch border crossing in Blaine. Blaine Border Patrol announced in a social media post last Friday that it installed a new vehicle barrier. The barrier is designed to stop cars from illegally driving through the border. The installation comes days after a truck with four Romanian nationals illegally crossed into Canada, with Blaine Border Patrol saying it has seen over 85 illegal drive-throughs since 2023. STORY: WA ranked among worst states for retirees A new study has ranked Washington among the five worst U.S. states for retirement. The study, conducted by Wallethub, compared and ranked all 50 states based on 46 key metrics including taxes and access to quality medical care. Washington ranked 47th on the list. Wallethub analyst Chip Lupo (loop-OH) says high housing costs and taxes make affordability a challenge, despite the state’s natural beauty, quality public transportation, volunteer opportunities, and access to cultural activities. Washington also ranked low in adult day health care, in-home services, property-crime rate and tax-friendliness. According to the study, the best state for retirees is Florida, followed by Minnesota, Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota. WX: Coldest blood runs through mah veins, you know maaah name And now for your Whatcom County weather, A cold weather advisory is in effect until 10 AM this Wednesday, with chances of intermittent snow showers throughout. Today is expected to be partly sunny, with daytime highs in the low 30s. Be ready for …
KMRE NEWS Transcripts
January 31, 2025 News Transcript
Winter storm warning in Whatcom County, avalanche warning in Cascades, Suspected drug dealer arrested in Bellingham following months-long investigation, Bellingham School District to face $15 million funding gap, likely reductions to programs and staffing, Alton Brown to perform in Bellingham at the end of March, Whatcom unemployment rate rose slightly in December, down from previous year, Construction projects statewide under threat of pause as lawmakers deal with $1 billion transportation shortfall, Free and Cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, January 31st. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY 1: Winter storm warning in Whatcom County, avalanche warning in Cascades Western Whatcom County can expect to see at least two inches of snow by Sunday, with another two inches possible through Tuesday. The National Weather Service in Seattle says rain will transition to snow as temperatures drop. The Cascades will experience moderate snowfall over the weekend. A Fraser Outflow may also bring windy conditions through Tuesday. For those who live at higher elevations, the Northwest Avalanche Center warns of dangerous conditions due to temperature fluctuations. STORY 2: Suspected drug dealer arrested in Bellingham following months-long investigation A 32-year-old Bellingham man was arrested on Tuesday after a months-long drug investigation. The Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force say they made controlled purchases from him last fall as part of a sting operation. Deputies witnessed a suspected drug deal before they arrested him. A search of his home revealed fentanyl, fentanyl-laced pills, meth, a handgun, and a stolen bike. He was released on bail the next day. STORY 3: Bellingham School District to face $15 million funding gap, likely reductions to programs and staffing Bellingham Public Schools says it expects a $15 million budget shortfall this school year because of a drop in state funding. This news comes after $16 million in cuts in the 2023-24 school year. Whatcom County School Superintendent Greg Baker warns of potential program and staff reductions unless state funding improves. Washington’s education budget has shrunk as a percentage of total state spending, and inflation-adjusted funding per student has also declined since 2019. Baker said rising costs, capped local levies, and funding restrictions add to financial strain. Possible solutions include a reduction in the total number of school days, creating four-day school weeks with longer days, and increasing state funding. The legislature’s budget decisions, expected by mid-2025, will determine the district’s next steps. STORY 4: Alton Brown to perform in Bellingham at the end of March Celebrity chef Alton Brown will visit Bellingham on March 30th as part of his “Alton Brown Live: Last Bite” tour. The event at the Mount Baker Theatre coincides with the release of his 10th book, Food for Thought, and will feature stories from his career along with cooking tips. Brown, best known for Good Eats and Iron Chef America, said he plans to take a step back after the tour before deciding his next move. Tickets are available on the Mount Baker Theater’s website. STORY 5: Whatcom unemployment rate rose slightly in December, down from previous year Whatcom County and Bellingham saw slight increases in unemployment rates in December. Whatcom County’s rate rose to 4.7%, up from 4.6% in November. Bellingham’s rate also climbed to 4.7% from 4.5% the previous month. Despite the monthly rise, both rates improved from December 2023. Meanwhile, Washington’s unemployment rate decreased slightly to 4.5% in December from 4.6% in November, but remained the 11th-highest in the U.S. STORY 6: Construction projects statewide under threat of pause as lawmakers deal with $1 billion transportation shortfall Washington state faces a billion-dollar transportation budget shortfall due to rising construction costs and a decline in gas tax revenue. The budget gap is driven by a $1.3 billion cost increase for major projects that includes highway expansions and ferry electrification. The Washington Office of Financial Management says a drop in gas tax revenue—worsened by more fuel-efficient cars and electric vehicle use—has made the crisis worse. State Senate Transportation Committee Chair Marko Liias (LYE-us) says lawmakers are just starting work on the budget, but the early outlook could have devastating effects on some planned projects. Now, legislators are considering delaying or pausing infrastructure projects and looking at alternatives like road usage charges, tolls, and fees to replace the gas tax. They say they’ll work to stabilize funding and keep critical projects on track. 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. This evening, the Skagit Riverwalk Plaza in Mount Vernon will host the 11th annual Illuminight Winter Walk. Community members of all ages are invited to grab a luminary (or make one ahead of time), then follow the procession through downtown Mount Vernon. Music from various groups, including the Skagit Youth Symphony, will start at 5 p.m., while the procession itself is slated to begin at 5:50. Attendance is free! Also this evening, Home, I’m Darling! will begin its run at the Bellingham Theatre Guild at 7:30. The play is a dark comedy centered around Judy and Johnny, a married couple who idolize the 1950s lifestyle by quote “living, dressing, eating, and breathing like it’s the post-war boom” unquote. The truth that some traditions are left behind, however, makes itself evident, and Home, I’m Darling! sets to question the quote “rose-tinted view of the past and what is learned (and lost) when we move forward.” Performances will run through February 16th, and tickets starting at $8 can be purchased at BTG’s website. It’s Family Dinner Night tonight from 6-till-8 pm at Old World Deli in downtown Bellingham. For $15, you can enjoy lasagna, garlic bread, and salad along with live flamenco jazz by the group Cuarto Sueño (QWAR-toe SOO-eh-nyo). Finally, CascadeCon 2025 will continue through Sunday at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. Gamers are invited to bring their favorite board, card or tabletop games; people can also sign up for pre-scheduled games online using a spreadsheet. Those looking to …
January 30, 2025 News Transcript
Bellingham consignment store robbed and vandalized, Former Whatcom caregiver convicted of raping disabled adult sentenced to lifetime in community custody, BPD to increase DUI patrols in wake of recent surge of arrests, County Exec. Sidhu announces timeline for development of new jail, Port of Bellingham seeking to add flights to Mexico from BLI, Lummi Island Ferry will be out of service for two weeks this spring, Guemes Ferry prices to significantly increase at the end of February, Canada ends border crossing permits for hikers on WA stretch of PCT, Bellingham man arrested for posting explicit content involving minors to social media Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, January 30th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY 1: Bellingham consignment store robbed and vandalized A thief broke into the Labels consignment store on James Street early Tuesday morning. Surveillance footage shows a suspect with a dark face covering and green jacket break a window, steal the cashbox, and flee on a bicycle. The store announced the break-in on Instagram and said no merchandise was stolen. The store reopened for business today. Anyone with information should contact the store via their email address. STORY 2: Former Whatcom caregiver convicted of raping disabled adult sentenced to lifetime in community custody A judge sentenced former caretaker Nathaniel Matthew Miller to at least 80 months in prison, followed by lifetime community custody, for raping a developmentally disabled resident under his care at Holly Community Services in Bellingham. Miller, a 47-year-old Ferndale resident, pleaded guilty to second-degree rape a year after being charged. According to court records, Miller was a caretaker at a Bellingham home that housed four disabled adults who required 24/7 care. The assault occurred in July 2023 and was witnessed by another resident. Miller’s nursing license was suspended indefinitely. Judge Robert Olson from the Whatcom County Superior Court acknowledged that Miller took immediate responsibility for his actions, but called the assault one of the worst he had seen, and emphasized the severe betrayal of trust. STORY 3: BPD to increase DUI patrols in wake of recent surge of arrests Bellingham police are warning the public about a rise in impaired drivers after making 40 DUI arrests in the first 28 days of the year. In a series of Facebook posts, police highlighted the troubling trend. One case involved a 24-year-old man who led officers on a chase through downtown last Saturday. He crashed into a parked car and a traffic barrier before his vehicle got stuck on the railroad tracks. Officers arrested him on multiple charges, including DUI. Police say they plan to increase DUI patrols for the Super Bowl weekend. STORY 4: County Exec. Sidhu announces timeline for development of new jail A construction timeline for the new county jail has been announced. County Executive Satpal Sidhu (saht-POW see-DO) announced the updates during a county council meeting Tuesday night. In a memo sent to the council earlier this week, Sidhu said the effort to develop a budget and financing for the jail will be in quote-unquote “high gear” this spring. Discussions are slated to begin with a meeting between bond consultants, the county council and the Finance Advisory Board in mid-February. The Whatcom County Council will decide on the jail’s construction budget based on its capacity. Meanwhile, Sidhu’s office will keep the council informed about the budget, and the Sheriff’s Office will focus on design and construction. STORY 5: Port of Bellingham seeking to add flights to Mexico from BLI Officials with the Port of Bellingham are seeking to add commercial flights to Mexico from Bellingham Airport. Before that happens, however, the Port will need to make safety improvements that will enter their first phase of construction this year. These improvements include a $30 million runway repaving project and a $100 million traffic control tower replacement; both will be federally funded. The Port also said it’s supporting efforts by airlines to recruit more pilots and acquire more planes in an effort to add new flights and destinations. STORY 6: Lummi Island Ferry will be out of service for two weeks this spring The Lummi Island Ferry will be out of service for two weeks this spring. In a news release from earlier today, Whatcom County Public Works announced that the Whatcom Chief will undergo a two-week dry dock outage between April 18th and May 16th. During the outage, Public Works will offer pedestrian-only ferry service. The specific dates for the outage are currently unknown as the county searches for shipyards to submit bids. The dates are expected to be announced in early March after the county decides on a bidder. STORY 7: Guemes Ferry prices to significantly increase at the end of February Skagit County has decided to increase fares for the Guemes (GWEE-mess) Island Ferry starting on February 26th to help cover operating costs. The price hikes vary, with a peak-season adult passenger fare rising from $5.50 to $6.75 and a vehicle fare from $16.75 to $21. Multi-trip pass holders will see even steeper increases. Officials cite the need to reduce reliance on county road funds, which subsidized ferry operations by $1.7 million in 2023 — a number that could rise to $3.2 million in 2025. Many island residents oppose the increases, calling them unfair and excessive. STORY 8: Canada ends border crossing permits for hikers on WA stretch of PCT Canada Border Services Agency announced it will no longer issue permits for Pacific Crest Trail hikers to cross into British Columbia. The 2,650-mile trail, which runs from Mexico to the U.S.-Canada border, has an 8-mile extension into Canada leading to the nearest road. Hikers without permits must now backtrack 30 miles to Hart’s Pass or use an official border crossing, the nearest being Chopaka (cho-PAH-kuh), 50 miles east. Canadian Border Security cited security concerns and alignment with U.S. border policies as reasons for the change. Many hikers, especially Canadians, will need to adjust their travel plans accordingly. WX: So-lar long And now for your Whatcom County …
January 29, 2025 News Transcript
Lummi Nation Police searching for missing elder, Whatcom construction worker dies after being struck by crew vehicle, Bellingham makes largest land purchase yet in Lake Whatcom watershed, City of Bellingham forms work group to review enforcement policy on immigration, Puget Sound Bloodworks blood supply at “emergency levels”, Drivers license data indicates migration to WA down from other states, up from other countries Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, January 29th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Lummi Nation Police searching for missing elder Lummi Nation Police have issued an alert for a missing elder. 62-year-old Besalynn M. James was last seen near her home on Balch Road on January 21st. She is 5 foot 1 inches tall, weighs 160 pounds, and has brown eyes and black hair. James has a scar on her right arm, as well as a tattoo that reads “BES” – B (as in Bravo), E (as in Echo), S (as in Sierra) – on one of her arms. Anyone who has seen James or knows of her whereabouts is asked to call 9-1-1. STORY: Whatcom construction worker dies after being struck by crew vehicle A Ferndale man died after being struck by a dump truck at a construction site on East Smith Road yesterday. Washington State Patrol stated that the truck was backing down the right shoulder of Noon Road when it hit 42-year-old Brandon W. Gipson, who was walking in the same area. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is under investigation. STORY: Bellingham man arrested on suspicion of DUI A man was arrested on suspicion of DUI after crashing a red Subaru Forester into two parked cars in Bellingham in the early hours of January 11th. Witnesses saw 34-year-old Vaughn Anton Tufts kick out his windshield, crawl out, and attempt to walk away before being urged to stay until police arrived. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital for evaluation. Officers found no evidence of alcohol, but noted signs of illegal drug use. Tufts had been arrested the day before for drug use, but was cited and released. Tufts has at least 77 arrests in Washington since 2009, including violent assaults, theft, and drug-related offenses. Following the January 11th crash, he was charged with DUI, using a controlled substance in public, and driving without insurance. STORY: Bellingham makes largest land purchase yet in Lake Whatcom watershed The City of Bellingham has decided to purchase 754 forested acres on the southeast side of Lake Whatcom. The addition – the largest single land purchase under the Lake Whatcom Land Acquisition and Preservation Program – brings total watershed conservation purchases to over 3,500 acres since 2001. The goal of the preservation program is to protect the drinking water source for more than 100,000 local residents from pollution. The City says the nearly $4 million purchase is funded by watershed fees, and will be managed to enhance wildlife habitat, forest health, and water quality. No trails are planned for the site, and the land will be left to mature to stabilize slopes and filter runoff. Officials including Mayor Kim Lund and council members praised the deal as a cost-effective investment in drinking water quality. According to the officials, the purchase aligns with the city’s broader conservation goals and the draft Lake Whatcom Management Program 5-Year Work Plan, which is set for adoption in April. STORY: City of Bellingham forms work group to review enforcement policy on immigration The City of Bellingham has formed a temporary work group to review police and dispatch policies for compliance with the Keep Washington Working Act. The act, which became effective in 2019, prevents local law enforcement from acting based solely on immigration status. The city council approved the work group last September as a replacement to the former Immigration Advisory Board, which was disbanded due to conflicts with the city. The group will begin meeting in the first quarter of 2025 to ensure protections for non-citizen residents and compliance with state law. Mayor Lund appointed eight members with experience in immigration-related issues on Monday, while law enforcement and legal officials will serve as non-voting advisors. STORY: Changes made to Bellingham’s bike lane project following community feedback Community feedback has led to updates on Bellingham’s bike lane pilot project on Holly Street. Councilmember Hannah Stone reported that the project has increased bicycle use and reduced vehicle speeds, but also that initial concerns about congestion and visibility have been addressed. Stone said that adjustments to traffic light cycles and visibility improvements at right turns have helped ease concerns. Additionally, a reduction of “streateries” – the pop out dining spaces implemented to help small restaurants during COVID – has improved bike traffic flow at Bay Street. The city says it is now working on a final design plan for downtown bike lanes, with potential extensions planned for Broadway in the future. STORY: Puget Sound Bloodworks blood supply at “emergency levels” Bloodworks Northwest has issued an urgent call for blood and platelet (PLATE-luht) donations, saying local supplies have reached emergency levels. According to the announcement, blood banks are especially in need of Type O and platelet donors. Donations can be made at the Bloodworks donor center on West Bakerview Road, or scheduled at upcoming mobile drives in Whatcom County. More information and appointments are available at bloodworksnw.org. STORY: Drivers license data indicates migration to WA down from other states, up from other countries New driver’s license data shows a shift in migration trends to Washington in 2024. Data from the Washington Department of Licensing shows that while overall numbers remained similar to 2019, fewer people moved from other U.S. states; however, international migration surged. Licenses issued to movers from other states dropped by about 10%, with California seeing the largest decline by about 20%. Oregon, Alaska, Illinois, Virginia, and Michigan also saw declines; however, Texas, Florida, and Arizona all saw an increase in migration. Meanwhile, licenses issued to people from other countries more than doubled— …
January 28, 2025 News Transcript
ICE arrests six people across Whatcom and Skagit counties, Vehicle reportedly flies 50 feet through the air before crashing into Kendall Elementary classroom, Suspect arrested in connection with September Bellis Fair Mall bomb threat, Report indicates price of Bellingham homes has increased by more than 100% across last decade, State lawmakers weigh funding public schools amid budget shortfall, Gov. Ferguson forms rapid response team to aid families affected by mass deportations Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, January 28th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY 1: ICE arrests six people across Whatcom and Skagit counties Border Patrol agents in Blaine assisted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (or I-C-E) in the arrest of six undocumented individuals in Whatcom and Skagit counties last Sunday during a targeted enforcement operation. The arrests involved individuals from Mexico, India and Guatemala, and occurred in Ferndale, Everson, Burlington and Maple Falls. Federal agencies, including the DEA and Homeland Security Investigations, participated in the operation. In an email to Cascadia Daily News, a spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated the detainees were public safety risks with final removal orders. The operation aligns with increased immigration enforcement following President Trump’s inauguration, which includes a daily arrest quota, and a roll back of a Biden-era policy that limited enforcement in protected areas. Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell Tanksley has stated his office will not participate in immigration enforcement. STORY 2: Vehicle reportedly flies 50 feet through the air before crashing into Kendall Elementary classroom Kendall Elementary School in Maple Falls was forced to close Monday after a driver crashed into the building during the weekend. According to the accident report, the driver was traveling south on Kendall Highway on Saturday evening when he missed a corner, went airborne, and hit the school which was about 300 feet from the road. The driver sustained minor injuries and was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center before being arrested on suspicion of DUI. Kendall Elementary has resumed its regular operations today. STORY 3: Suspect arrested in connection with September Bellis Fair Mall bomb threat Police arrested a 41-year-old Bellingham man last week in connection with a bomb threat at Bellis Fair mall. According to police reports, the man allegedly called 9-1-1 on September 25th, claiming a bomb would explode at the mall within 10 minutes. Police and mall security found no evidence of a bomb. Investigators later determined the suspect made the call to distract police from his location near a drug dealer. The man was later identified during a traffic stop last Thursday morning and arrested on an outstanding warrant. He was charged with shoplifting and making bomb threats, and then booked into the Whatcom County Jail. STORY 4: Report indicates price of Bellingham homes has increased by more than 100% across last decade Bellingham home prices have surged by almost 128% over the past decade, which outpaces the national average of 95% during the same period. According to a report by Construction Coverage, the median home price in 2014 was around $287,000. In 2024, that number rose to roughly $656,000. The report points to factors such as recovery from economic recessions, the COVID-19 pandemic, high mortgage rates, and inflation as key markers that impacted affordability nationwide. Local real estate brokers say Bellingham’s rapid price increase reflects strong demand from both locals and newcomers and say they expect home prices will keep going up. STORY 5: State lawmakers weigh funding public schools amid budget shortfall A state Senate panel last Wednesday held a hearing on proposed bills that would boost funding for special education, transportation and operations by $2 billion in the next budget. This comes as the state is trying to solve a deficit estimated to be around $12 billion over the next four years. Back in 2012, the state Supreme Court ruled that Washington was not meeting its constitutional obligation to ensure ample funding for basic education; it took the state six years to comply with the decision. Superintendents of school districts across Washington voiced support for the bills. They say they are currently forced to use local levy dollars to pay for programs and services that fall under the state’s responsibility. Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal (RAKE-dow) said in an interview recently that Washington has lapsed on its investments, and could face future lawsuits. STORY 6: WWU student workers revive union effort For the third year in a row, student workers from WWU are headed to Olympia to advocate for a bill that would prompt the university to recognize their union. Operational student employees (or OSEs), which include over a thousand employees from lifeguards to resident advisors, filed to unionize with Western Academic Workers United in December 2023 after complaints of low salaries and insecure work scheduling. Senate Bill 5119 would grant OSEs at Western, Central and Eastern Washington universities, as well as Evergreen State College, the right to bargain collectively. The bill, primarily sponsored by State Senator T’wina (too-AHN-nuh) Nobles of Fircrest, is currently under consideration in the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee. Senator Sharon Shewmake of Bellingham, herself a professor at Western, is one of the bill’s co-sponsors. While roughly 1,100 educational student employees were granted union protection with a bill that passed in June 2023, Liz Parkes, Western’s Associate Vice President of Human Resources, says the university is unable to recognize the OSE union without a quote-unquote “specific legislative act.” However, in a recent interview with the Cascadia Daily, WAWU organizer Anika Erickson argued nothing prohibits Western from recognizing OSEs right now. STORY 7: Gov. Ferguson forms rapid response team to aid families affected by mass deportations Yesterday, Governor Bob Ferguson announced the creation of a new Family Separation Rapid Response Team to support children of parents targeted for deportation under the Trump administration. According to a recent release, the team is housed within the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, and aims to ensure care and educational continuity for children affected by family separations, particularly if parents are …
January 27, 2025 News Transcript
WWU reveals policy changes meant to protect students from immigration enforcement, City of Bellingham seeking renter’s input ahead of next council meeting, New Bellingham cafe specializes in supporting clientele recovering from addiction, Ferndale police warn motorists of roadside scammers, State reps announce plan to block WA from diverting funds seized from certain foster youth, Suspect arrested in connection with September Bellis Fair Mall bomb threat, Sunsets Sunset tonight in Bellingham should be around 4:56 p.m. Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, January 27th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: WWU reveals policy changes meant to protect students from immigration enforcement Western Washington University has updated its policies to protect students from immigration enforcement. The update follows reports of federal plans to target deportation efforts in sanctuary states like Washington. The new rules, approved by President Sabah Randhawa (suh-BAH run-DAH-wah) earlier this month, prohibit using university resources for immigration enforcement, including surveillance. Employees are restricted from collecting students’ immigration or citizenship information unless necessary. The policy also includes procedures for handling federal immigration officers on campus. The University says the changes align with state law, which bars public universities from supporting immigration enforcement. STORY: City of Bellingham seeking renter’s input ahead of next council meeting The City of Bellingham seeks feedback from renters on potential ordinances aimed at reducing “junk fees.” The first proposed ordinance requires landlords to be transparent and limit fees outside of monthly rent. The second applies similar rules to mobile and manufactured homes, and includes refunding application fees for unaccepted applicants and a cap on late rent fees at 2%—1% for mobile-slash-manufactured homes. Additional hidden costs, such as appliance usage fees, would be prohibited. Renters can share their input through a survey open until February 14th. STORY: New Bellingham cafe specializes in supporting clientele recovering from addiction A new cafe on Flora Street is designed to help those in addiction recovery with hot meals and peer-led recovery circles. Located at the First Baptist Church, guests at the Recovery Café must remain clean and sober while in the space and participate in acts of service. According to reporting by the Cascadia Daily News, the Café has joined a network of 77 Recovery Cafés nationwide — 17 in Washington alone. The approach emphasizes quote-unquote “loving accountability,” where volunteers—many of whom are in recovery themselves—work alongside individuals on their recovery journeys without judgment or clinical case management. Amid increasing demand due to encampment clearings, the organizers of the Café hope to expand its hours before the next cold season. Currently, it operates Tuesdays and Wednesdays from noon to 4 p.m. STORY: City of Bellingham to debate funding Whatcom severe weather shelter The City of Bellingham will consider allocating up to $150,000 from its Affordable Housing sales tax fund to support Whatcom County’s severe weather shelter. The decision will first be reviewed this afternoon by the city council’s Community and Economic Development Committee; the full council will then confirm the funds if approved in committee tonight. The Whatcom County Council requested the funds to expand shelter services. However, even if the funding shift is approved, operational control of the shelter will remain exclusively with the county. STORY: Ferndale police warn motorists of roadside scammers Ferndale Police is warning residents about an increase in roadside scammers who claim they need money for an emergency. The individuals offer fake gold jewelry for sale, and have occasionally become aggressive when refused. Police advise residents not to engage with the scammers— instead, leave the area and call 9-1-1 to report the incident. STORY: State reps announce plan to block WA from diverting funds seized from certain foster youth Washington currently collects around $700,000 a month in federal benefits intended for about 750 foster children— and uses it to fund the agency that oversees their care. Intercepting benefits such as Retirement, Survivors, Disability Insurance, and Supplemental Security Income from foster youth who have lost parents or live with disabilities is legal, and not exclusive to Washington. However, two state lawmakers now hope to end it. State Senators Judy Warnick from Moses Lake and Emily Alvarado from West Seattle say they will bring bills forward this legislative session to ensure funds go directly to foster youth. Warnick’s proposal is modeled on Arizona’s 2023 law, which also provides financial education for foster youth. The Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families supports the reform, but estimates it would require $12 million in the 2025-thru-2027 budget to replace lost revenue. This comes as the state faces a multibillion-dollar budget deficit, with Governor Ferguson calling for a 6% reduction in state agency spending. Efforts to end the practice have faced challenges in previous years. While a related bill passed the House in 2023, it stalled in the Senate. A work group established that same year has since recommended policy changes, which have informed the current legislative push. Critics argue the practice unfairly burdens foster youth, many of whom face financial instability and homelessness after aging out of the system. A 2021 report by The Marshall Project and NPR found that, nationally, states collected over $165 million from foster children in 2018. Arizona, Washington, D.C. and Kansas have recently ended the practice, setting a precedent for reform in Washington state. WX: That weird hole Magnus made upon leaving Mundus And now for your Whatcom County weather, Our streak of sunny days is set to continue for a good chunk of the week. Today’s forecast calls for calm winds and temperatures in the mid-40s. We can expect the clear skies to persist into the evening, with temperatures dropping to lows in the mid-to-high 20s. Continued sunny skies and consistent temperatures are in the forecast for tomorrow, though we may see some rain—or even snow—later in the week. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Paloma Ortiz, Stevie Sjogren (SHOW-gren), and Miguel Garduño (MEE-gel gar-DOO-ño). Our news director is Staci Baird. Tune in to local news on KMRE …
January 24, 2025 News Transcript
Suspect arrested in connection with Whatcom shelter stabbing, Investigation into Ferndale apartment fire rules it accidental, WWU and WCSO both refuse to aid in immigration enforcement, State Superintendent declares public schools must serve all students, regardless of citizenship status, Local Terrier to compete at Westminster, Local Terrier to compete at Westminster, Free and Cheap, Suspect arrested in connection with September Bellis Fair Mall bomb threat, Sunsets Sunset tonight in Bellingham should be around 4:56 p.m. Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, January 24th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Suspect arrested in connection with Whatcom shelter stabbing A suspect has been arrested after a man was stabbed three times near the Bellingham severe weather shelter on Tuesday morning. Police say the suspect reportedly made threats and tackled the victim, then stabbed him after the victim picked up a metal pole to defend himself. The suspect fled on a bike, but police later located and arrested him in an alley near East Magnolia Street around 12:30 p.m. The knife was not recovered. The victim was treated at St. Joseph Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries. STORY: Investigation into Ferndale apartment fire rules it accidental A fire that claimed the lives of two Ferndale women on December 5th was caused by furniture placed too close to a baseboard heater. According to fire investigator Tiffany Honey, the fire began in the living room of a second-floor apartment on Eastview Place. 53-year-old Kristine Gregory died of smoke inhalation at the scene. 26-year-old Sierra Johnson was initially rescued but later died of smoke inhalation and burns at Harborview Medical Center The incident occurred on a freezing morning with a recorded low of 31 degrees. STORY: WWU and WCSO both refuse to aid in immigration enforcement The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and Western Washington University both announced they will not assist with federal immigration enforcement. Western unveiled its updated policy on Tuesday. While public spaces on campus remain accessible to immigration authorities, restricted areas such as offices, classrooms, and residence halls require legal documentation for entry. According to Communications Director Jonathan Higgins, the policy aligns with state law and reflects the university’s commitment to keeping the community informed about federal changes. President Sabah Randhawa (suh-BAH run-DAH-wah) emphasized the university’s support for undocumented students. In addition, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office announced it will not enforce federal immigration laws. In a public letter released yesterday, Sheriff Donnell (dah-NELL) Tanksley said the focus of the Sheriff’s office is to protect lives and reduce crime without bias. Tanksley said that immigration enforcement is under federal jurisdiction and falls outside the scope of his office, except for violations of state law. Additionally, under the Keep Washington Working Act, state law prohibits local law enforcement from enforcing federal immigration laws or acting solely on a person’s immigration status. Both Western and the Sheriff’s announcements follow President Trump’s immigration crackdown, which include plans for mass deportation and raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. STORY: State Superintendent declares public schools must serve all students, regardless of citizenship status In related news, Washington’s schools chief said the state’s public schools are required to serve all students regardless of immigration or citizenship status. In a statement released yesterday, the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction shared guidance for schools with a roadmap of requirements related to student privacy, access to education, and immigration enforcement on school campuses. The guidance also outlines key practices for public schools including: Superintendent Chris Reykdal (rake-DOW) said the state’s constitution ensures access to basic education for every child living within its borders, and that Washington is “unequivocally committed to supporting all of our students and families”. STORY: Local Terrier to compete at WestminsterA cairn terrier from Blaine is gearing up to compete at the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Tali, a cairn terrier like Toto from The Wizard of Oz, could follow his own yellow brick road to Madison Square Garden. This will be his first appearance at Westminster. Three-year-old Tali started competing at just six months old. He recently won best in show at the Santa Clara Valley Kennel Club. Tali’s owner, Heather Campbell, noted he’s the first cairn terrier to win a best in show in three years and only the 18th ever; Campbell, who is also the owner of Bow Wow and Woofs in Blaine, adds that Tali is “a dog of a lifetime”. To make it to Madison Square Garden, Tali must win his breed category on February 11th. If he advances, he’ll compete in the group category that night. A group win would send him to the best in show competition, streamed live on Fox Sports 1. 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. This Sunday at 12:05 p.m., the Pickford Film Center will host a screening of From Ground Zero. The nearly two-hour documentary consists of a collection of short films by 22 Palestinian filmmakers living through war in Gaza. Through a blend of animation, documentary and fiction, these filmmakers seek to capture the perseverance of the human spirit and the creativity that thrives even in the face of devastation. The screening is co-sponsored by the Bellingham Human Rights Film Association, and a discussion will follow. Tickets can be purchased for $11 at the Pickford’s website. At 3 p.m. Sunday, the Mount Baker Theatre will host Rising Up, the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra’s first concert of 2025. The program explores the relationship between two iconic composers: Franz Joseph Haydn and Maurice Ravel. The program is subject to change, but as of now is due to include two works by Haydn, a violin concerto from Chevalier de Saint-Georges, and a performance of Ravel’s composition for the 100th anniversary of Haydn’s death. Tickets starting at $15 can be purchased at MBT’s website. Finally, Sunday evening will see the Wild Buffalo host the 10th Annual Bellingham Band Lottery …
January 23, 2025 News Transcript
Clearing of Bellingham’s Bakerview encampment begins, State Supreme Court rejects immediate challenge to Whatcom County ballot measure ruling, Washington rent stabilization bill moves forward, Whatcom announces plans to roll back increased ferry rates following court decision, Ferndale School District accepting applications for two education task forces, Whatcom lifts restrictions on most shellfish farming, still in effect in Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo, Burn ban issued for Columbia Valley area, December 2024 Monthly Employment Report Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, January 23rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Clearing of Bellingham’s Bakerview encampment begins Clearing of the encampment on Bakerview Road and Northwest Drive has begun. The Bellingham Herald reports that excavators and a hand crew privately hired by property owners were on scene on Tuesday, gathering items and moving them into large dumpsters. City employees and Bellingham Police were also onsite, and helped to monitor traffic and provide public safety support respectively. Last Thursday, City staff announced that they notified encampment residents of the imminent move, and told them they would be required to vacate the site by Monday. Many of the encampment’s residents had moved to the Bakerview location after the camp behind Walmart was cleared in November. Local homeless advocates initially raised concerns about clearing the Walmart location, and say they remain worried about the displacement of unhoused individuals without offering alternative solutions. Shelters around Whatcom County, including the Bellingham Severe Weather Shelter and Lighthouse Mission Ministries, were open and accepting guests as of Tuesday night. Overnight temperatures are expected to drop below 32 degrees tonight. STORY: State Supreme Court rejects immediate challenge to Whatcom County ballot measure ruling The Washington State Supreme Court declined to review a challenge to a voter-approved property tax supporting child care and early childhood programs. Instead, the case will be heard by the state Court of Appeals Division 1 in Seattle, with no date set yet. According to their website, the goal of the lawsuit, led by Tim Koetje (KEH-chee) of the political action committee Washingtonians for a Sound Economy, is to revive the effort to overturn Proposition 5. The measure narrowly passed in 2022 and imposes a property tax of almost 17 cents per $1,000 of assessed home value. The tax is expected to raise approximately $10 million annually for the county’s Healthy Children’s Fund. Whatcom County officials say they are monitoring the case closely, and express a desire for a fair judicial outcome. STORY: Washington rent stabilization bill moves forward A bill that would cap rent increases for Washingtonians has cleared its first hurdle in the state legislature. House Bill 1217, co-sponsored by 40th Legislative District Representative Alex Ramel and other Washington lawmakers, passed out of the State House’s Housing Committee on Monday. The bill would limit rent and fee increases to 7% during any 12-month period, while also prohibiting rent and fee increases during the first 12 months of a tenancy. The bill will now head to the House Appropriations Committee. Its companion bill, Senate Bill 5222, had a public hearing in the State Senate yesterday. STORY: Whatcom announces plans to roll back increased ferry rates following court decision Whatcom County has announced its intention to lower ferry prices. The decision comes after a citizen complained to the County Superior Court that non-operating costs were included as part of the Lummi Island ferry fare increase – a decision which, the court says, violated the current Whatcom County Code. A statement released yesterday by the county’s Ferry Division says that the county will be required to refund the portion of dolphin repair costs – “dolphins”, in this case, being components of the ferry docking system – previously paid by the fare box to the Ferry Fund. In total, a little over $430,000 will be credited to the fare box. All fares will also be temporarily rolled back to rates effective as of May 31st of last year. The changes must be implemented by February 20th. STORY: Ferndale School District accepting applications for two education task forces The Ferndale School District is accepting applications until the end of the month for two task forces. The goal of the Family Engagement Task Force is to develop a multi-year action plan to enhance district-wide family engagement, review policies, and analyze engagement data. Meanwhile, the Highly Capable Learning Committee will focus on ensuring compliance with statewide policies for equitable screening of highly capable K-8 students. More details on the openings are available on the Ferndale School District website. STORY: Whatcom lifts restrictions on most shellfish farming, still in effect in Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo Shellfish harvesting closures have been lifted for most of Whatcom County. However, areas affected by water pollution or near wastewater treatment plants still remain closed. Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo waters also will remain closed until next Monday due to norovirus-related illness. Harvesters are advised to check for closures before going clamming. STORY: Burn ban issued for Columbia Valley area A burn ban is in effect for the Columbia Valley area. Northwest Clean Air Agency announced yesterday that residents living in Columbia Valley, Peaceful Valley and Paradise Lakes are now under a stage 2 burn ban. Wood burning is banned indoors and outdoors for now. Stagnant air and no wind are trapping smoke in the area. NWCAA added that burning is only allowed if a wood stove is a home’s only source of heat. The ban is expected to remain in effect for at least a few days. STORY: December 2024 Monthly Employment Report Washington’s economy gained 11,800 jobs in December, pushing the unemployment rate down to 4.5 percent — the lowest of the year. During 2024, the state added a total of 30,600 jobs. Construction led the way with 4,000 new jobs, followed by leisure and hospitality with 2,900. Despite the growth, unemployment claims in December rose to more than 70,000, up by more than 7,000 from November, primarily in construction and agriculture. Nationally, the unemployment rate dropped to 4.1 percent in December. Economists say …
January 22, 2025 News Transcript
Assault in front of Whatcom severe weather shelter to lead to increased security, Suspect in recent Custer shooting formally charged with second-degree murder, Free assistance with tax preparation to be available in Bellingham beginning in February, WWU repatriates nearly 300 items of significance to indigenous communities, including human remains, Whatcom Racial Equity Commission releases first annual report, State AG sues Trump administration over order to end birthright citizenship, Whatcom lifts restrictions on most shellfish farming, still in effect in Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, January 22nd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Assault in front of Whatcom severe weather shelter to lead to increased security Whatcom County Health and Community Services say they will increase security at the severe weather shelter in Bellingham after an alleged assault yesterday morning. An argument between two guests from the previous night broke out inside the shelter and escalated, leaving one person hospitalized with a stab wound and another in custody on suspicion of first-degree assault. In response, Bellingham Police says it will provide extra patrols, and the shelter says it will add more security guards. Guests must sign a code of conduct that includes a no-weapons policy. Health officials emphasized that guest and staff safety is the top priority, with strict rules prohibiting violence. The shelter has been open since Friday, and provides services to individuals affected by cold weather and the cleanup of the homeless encampment at Northwest Avenue and Bakerview Road. On Monday night, the shelter housed 90 people and assisted seven others in the lobby. STORY: Suspect in recent Custer shooting formally charged with second-degree murder Whatcom County authorities have charged 43-year-old Valentin (val-un-TEEN) Rivera with second-degree murder and domestic violence-related assault following a fatal shooting on January 12th. Deputies responded to Valley View Road in Custer after a witness reported multiple gunshots. They found 52-year-old Angel Rodriguez lying inside an open closet with multiple gunshot wounds. Court records reveal that Rivera and Rodriguez, who were friends, had been drinking with two others for about five hours when they started to argue. Deputies later found Rivera unresponsive in the hallway with a handgun under his head and shell casings nearby. He was taken to the hospital and later booked into Whatcom County Jail on a two-million-dollar bail. Rivera’s arraignment is scheduled for Friday. STORY: Free assistance with tax preparation to be available in Bellingham beginning in February It’s tax time again, but free assistance with tax preparation will be available in Bellingham from February 1st till April 12th. Tax-Aide, a free tax preparation service by the AARP Foundation, will be offered at First Congregation Church (on Cornwall Avenue) Mondays through Wednesdays from 3–6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. Spanish translators will be available on Saturdays. IRS-certified volunteers will assist taxpayers regardless of age or income; however, those with taxable farm income, rental property, or complex returns (i.e. over $35,000 in business expenses) are ineligible. Last year, over a thousand families in Whatcom County benefited from the program. Participants should bring W-2 and 1099 forms, tax information, a copy of last year’s returns, Social Security cards for all individuals, and a photo ID for the primary taxpayer and spouse. Those with health insurance through WA Health Plan Finder must bring their 1095-A form. Doors open 15 minutes before the start time. STORY: WWU repatriates nearly 300 items of significance to indigenous communities, including human remains Western Washington University says it has repatriated 41 Indigenous remains and 238 cultural items to their ancestral communities. Repatriation aligns with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act – or NAGPRA (nag-PRUH) – and requires institutions who receive federal funding to return cultural items and remains to Indigenous communities. In a recent interview, Western’s NAGPRA program manager Alyson Rollins announced that the University has worked with 34 Native American tribes and Canadian First Nations to return items in its possession. Rollins says they are making headway – they have transferred five remains to ancestral communities, including three to the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. She says the university continues to store others based on tribal requests. According to Rollins, university staff have conducted detailed reviews of collections alongside tribal experts to ensure no ancestors or sacred items are overlooked. STORY: Whatcom Racial Equity Commission releases first annual report The Whatcom Racial Equity Commission has released its first annual report. The commission was formed by the Whatcom County Council in late 2022, and says it spent its first year focused on organizational groundwork. The goal of the organization is to promote diversity and advise local policymakers on ways to address systemic racial disparities. The commission held its first meeting last June, and identified 12 focus areas, some of which were economic mobility, justice, education, mental health, and systemic racism. The commission says it plans a retreat next month to refine priorities and finalize its website. Once finalized, the annual report will be available online via the Chuckanut Health Foundation’s website. STORY: State AG sues Trump administration over order to end birthright citizenship Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship. The order, issued on Trump’s first day in office, attempts to reinterpret the Citizenship Clause of the Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to all individuals born in the U.S. Brown contends the president lacks the authority to amend the Constitution or overturn over a century of legal precedent that affirms birthright citizenship. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington and joined by three other states, is part of a wave of challenges from 18 states, the District of Columbia, and various advocacy groups. The Attorney General also requested an immediate court block on the order, comparing it to the Dred Scott decision – an overturned Supreme Court case which denied citizenship to enslaved people and their descendants. Trump’s order states that individuals born to non-citizen parents without …
January 21, 2025 News Transcript
Swinomish Wellness Center partners with WCHCS to bring opioid treatment and counseling to Bellingham, Unhoused student population on the rise in Bellingham, $10 million of state money allocated to affordable housing in Bellingham and Mount Vernon, PSE customers set to see increased rates for electric and gas, WA lands commissioner freezes sale of state land containing unprotected old growth forests, Whatcom lifts restrictions on most shellfish farming, still in effect in Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, January 21st. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Swinomish Wellness Center partners with WCHCS to bring opioid treatment and counseling to Bellingham Whatcom County Health and Community Services teamed up with the Swinomish Tribe to tackle opioid use in Bellingham, announcing a new partnership last week. Starting January 27th, mobile medical units will travel to Bellingham to dispense medications like methadone and buprenorphine (bew-pre-NOR-fin) six days a week. The partnership with the didgʷálič (deed-GWAH-leech) Wellness Center will also offer on-site addiction counseling. Free transportation to didgʷálič’s main campus in Anacortes to access additional services like mental health, primary, cultural and dental care, as well as social service case management, will also be available. Swinomish Development Authority Chairman Jeremy Wilbur says the didgʷálič Wellness Center is the first clinic in the country to provide integrated, whole-person care in one location for people with opioid use disorder. The initiative aims to combat overdose deaths in Whatcom County, which saw 80 probable cases last year. The partnership emphasizes collaboration and investment in community health, and offers hope for more effective solutions to the opioid crisis. STORY: Unhoused student population on the rise in Bellingham Student and youth homelessness in America is on the rise, and Whatcom County is no exception. The Bellingham Herald reports the number of students experiencing homelessness in Bellingham has risen sharply. As of January 2025, Bellingham Public Schools identified 606 students as unhoused. The number is on track to surpass previous years. Unhoused students face significant barriers to education, with lower graduation rates compared to low-income but stably housed peers. The Bellingham Public Schools Family Engagement team helps identify student and family needs to support them in any way necessary, district staff told The Bellingham Herald. This includes providing clothing and food, as well as assisting families working their way through local systems to secure housing and services. In addition to federal protections provided by the McKinney-Vento (ven-TOE) Education of Homeless Children and Youth Assistance Act, Bellingham Public Schools, in partnership with the Bellingham Public Schools Foundation, provide extensive and specific support to families in need. The foundation, a separate entity from the district, helps fund efforts to support students experiencing homelessness or unstable housing. 90 percent of the funds come from donations by the community, including individuals and corporations. STORY: $10 million of state money allocated to affordable housing in Bellingham and Mount Vernon Washington will award nearly $10 million to two local affordable housing projects. The Opportunity Council will receive $5 million for its senior housing project near the Bellis Fair mall. The project, which combines affordable housing and child care, is anticipated to cost a total of $60 million. It will provide up to 120 affordable rental units for families and seniors, 64 units of senior housing, and a child care center for around 100 kids. Meanwhile, Community Action of Skagit County will receive about $4.7 million for its Kulshan View project in Mount Vernon. The Skagit Valley Herald reports that this project will provide 48 units for families at risk of homelessness on a property next to LaVenture Middle School; the grant itself will help fund the first phase of 23 low-income units. In total, 22 state and five federal awards were announced by the Department of Commerce last Thursday, which will result in nearly 1,300 new affordable housing units statewide. STORY: PSE customers set to see increased rates for electric and gas Puget Sound Energy customers face a rate increase for electricity and gas utilities starting this year. The Utility and Transportation Commission approved the hikes last Wednesday. They will be implemented over the next two years. The increases include a 12 percent increase this year for residential electric customers using 800 kilowatt-hours per month. In 2026, that will jump a further 6.3 percent. This year, average monthly bills are expected to increase by about $20 a month for electric users, and about $10 a month for gas users. PSE says the rate hikes are driven by the need for more renewable resources, reliable power and to offset inflation. The Utility Commission approve – for the first time – a request from PSE to recover the money spent on specific power purchase agreements under the Clean Energy Transformation Act. However, several requests were rejected until further review by the Commission— including requests to recover accelerated depreciation for gas plants and to include alternative fuel projects like renewable natural gas and hydrogen in the rate structure—- as Initiative 2066, which restricts state limits on natural gas use, is currently being litigated. PSE says that, with the rate increases, its return on equity will increase to 9.9 percent by 2026. STORY: WA lands commissioner freezes sale of state land containing unprotected old growth forests Dave Upthegrove, Washington’s new commissioner of public lands, has put a six month pause on the logging of unprotected, older forests on state trust land. The hold affects 23 timber sales in the first half of 2025, nearly 30 percent of proposed sales for the year. In a recent release, Upthegrove says his goal is to better understand the location, extent, and characteristics of these forests. While some areas may still be logged during the pause, he says the focus is on ensuring a greater percentage of diverse forests across the landscape. The forests are valued for their biodiversity, carbon storage, and timber quality. Reactions to Upthegrove’s decision are mixed. Industry representatives expressed concerns about economic impacts and predictability but say they appreciate his accessibility and …
January 17, 2025 News Transcript
Drug overdose deaths across Whatcom dropped sharply across 2024, Whatcom Councilmember proposes controversial changes to severe weather shelter, Proposal to lower state blood alcohol limit for driving under consideration in House and Senate, Free and Cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, January 17th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Drug overdose deaths across Whatcom dropped sharply across 2024 Drug overdoses and overdose deaths in Whatcom County have decreased significantly over the past year. In 2024, there were 83 confirmed or probable overdose deaths, down from 137 in 2023, which marks a reversal of a five-year rising trend of deaths largely fueled by fentanyl. Whatcom County Health and Community Services say that’s largely due to coordinated efforts on the part of local government, as well as various agencies focused on intervention, treatment, and follow-up care initiatives. Programs that train medical staff on opioid treatment and the introduction of substance abuse professionals in emergency departments are two efforts that have contributed to the drop in local opioid deaths. While the decline is encouraging, officials stress that overdose remains a significant issue, with about 1,250 suspected cases reported last year. Local law enforcement and Whatcom’s health department say they are addressing the crisis through targeted interventions, such as drug task force operations, public safety directives, and expanded human services. Despite the progress, officials acknowledge that broader systemic factors, like housing insecurity and poverty, must also be addressed to ensure continued success in combating the fentanyl epidemic. STORY: Whatcom Councilmember proposes controversial changes to severe weather shelter A heated debate unfolded at a Whatcom County Council meeting after councilmember Kaylee Galloway proposed changes to the severe weather shelter policy. Galloway brought a letter to the full council and proposed that the council vote on making it a formal proposal to County Executive Satpal Sidhu (saht-POW see-DO). In the letter, Galloway called for the shelter to be opened during encampment clean-ups, an extension of operations to 14 consecutive days, and an increase in the temperature at which the shelter opens to 35 or 40 degrees. Currently, the shelter opens whenever 4 or more hours of temperatures at or below 32 degrees are projected. The letter also proposed local entities collaborate to construct another tiny home village. Council supporters such as Jon Scanlon highlighted health risks at lower temperatures and advocated for shared responsibility with local organizations. However, critics including councilmember Ben Elenbaas (ell-in-BUS) and County Executive Sidhu raised concerns about budget constraints. Sidhu emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility and noted that additional funding would require reallocation from other services. The letter was narrowly approved in a 4-to-3 vote and has been sent to Executive Sidhu for a formal response. STORY: Proposal to lower state blood alcohol limit for driving under consideration in House and Senate Washington’s proposal to lower the legal blood alcohol level has cleared its first legislative hurdle. If passed, Washington would join Utah as the only state with this stricter limit — a reduction of the blood alcohol limit from .08% to .05% — which proponents argue would reduce impaired driving and fatalities. Utah experienced a 20% drop in fatal crashes after adopting the .05% limit in 2018. Sponsored by state senator and former state trooper John Lovick, the bill addresses a sharp rise in traffic deaths in Washington, which hit 809 in 2023 — the highest since 1990. Impaired drivers were involved in about half of those fatalities. Supporters argue that drivers with blood alcohol levels over .05% are significantly more likely to crash, and the change could save lives. Opponents, including the hospitality industry, worry about financial impacts on bars and the challenges for servers to identify impaired behavior at the lower limit. Some suggest a two-tier penalty system, as seen in other states, to address these concerns. The bill includes public education efforts and requires an impact evaluation. If enacted, the new limit would take effect on July 1st of next year. Despite resistance, the proposal has gained momentum, with a House version set for a committee hearing soon. 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 Chicago Experience will be performing at the Skagit Casino Resort tonight and tomorrow. The tribute band is led by Danny Seraphine (SEH-ruh-fin), the original drummer and a founding member of the iconic rock band Chicago, known for hits such as “25 or 6 to 4,” “Saturday in the Park,” and “If You Leave Me Now.” Both shows will take place at 8 p.m., and tickets can be purchased for $40 at the Skagit Casino’s website. Another Skagit offering will take place tomorrow at 6pm at the Lincoln Theatre in Mount Vernon. The venue will host the first Skagit Drag Show of 2025, a series of events emceed by local performer Gina Touchè. Unlike most Skagit Drag shows, however, this one will showcase live vocals by its performers. Tickets starting at $25 can be purchased at the Lincoln Theatre’s website. And, finally, we’re back in Bellingham for Mount Baker Theatre’s Bellingham Winter Wedding Show on Sunday, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is the ideal occasion for those just beginning to plan their wedding or are finalizing the details of their special day. The event, which will unite the local wedding industry under one roof, will feature 30 vendors, from photographers to caterers, venues, makeup artists and more. Tickets for the show can be purchased at MBT’s website for just $12; the theatre’s website also features the full list of vendors for the event. WX: SUN OF MAN, LOOK TO THE SKY! LET YOUR SPIRIT SET YOU FREE! And now weather, The work week is expected to close out with another day of partial sunshine, with light and variable winds, and daytime highs in the low-to-mid 40s. Cloud cover will steadily increase over the evening, which should result …
January 16, 2025 News Transcript
Bellingham man pleads guilty to charges related to forming online relationship with minor, Bellingham man sentenced in connection with 2022 Halloween murder, Charges dismissed for two men involved in Bellingham drive-by shooting last year, Bellingham dog-friendly bar burglarized a second time in two months, Eamonn Collins assumes role as chair of Whatcom Democrats, Expansion plans for port entry will require Sumas, Lynden landowners to sell property, Healthy Children’s Fund distributes over $5 million to Whatcom contracts, Gov. Ferguson calls for bipartisanship in inaugural address Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, January 16th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham man pleads guilty to charges related to forming online relationship with minor A Bellingham man pleaded guilty on Monday to charges related to the exchange of explicit content with a 15-year-old Mississippi girl he knew was a minor. According to court records, 46-year-old Daniel Koval (co-VALL) faces up to 15 years in prison for felony charges of possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, as well as communication with a minor for immoral purposes. Police say they found 18 images that depict the sexual exploitation of children after they executed a search warrant on Koval’s electronic devices. He turned himself in to Bellingham Police one year after the investigation began. A sentencing date has not been set yet. STORY: Bellingham man sentenced in connection with 2022 Halloween murder A man has been sentenced to over 21 years in prison for murder at a Bellingham Halloween party in 2022. 24-year-old Brian Pantoja (pun-TOH-ha) murdered 21-year-old Xyrone (ZY-rone) March-Walker of Ferndale after they got into a fight at a Halloween party on East Myrtle Street. During the altercation, Pantoja fatally shot March-Walker in the chest. This was not Pantoja’s first brush with the law; he was found guilty in two separate cases of vehicle theft and robbery in 2020. STORY: Charges dismissed for two men involved in Bellingham drive-by shooting last year Charges against two Seattle men accused of a drive-by shooting on East Bakerview Road last year have been dismissed. 42-year-old Michael Raymond King and 41-year-old Chomreun Sok (CHUM-roone SOH) were arrested for the incident last February; however, charges against King were dismissed without prejudice last June. Charges against Sok were also dismissed without prejudice on December 19th, after a jury had initially found him guilty in July. A new trial was ordered after the defense claimed that misleading statements during the state’s rebuttal closing prejudiced the jury. Prosecutors eventually dismissed Sok’s case due to insufficient evidence. Both men may face these charges again in the future. STORY: Bellingham dog-friendly bar burglarized a second time in two months Paws For A Beer, a Bellingham beer garden on Harris Avenue, has been targeted by the same burglar twice in two months. The most recent break-in occurred early Sunday, when the suspect stole cash, destroyed merchandise, and smashed a window. Co-owner Amy Schoen says she believes the suspect, described as a 6-foot-tall man weighing about 200 pounds and dressed in all black, is the same person who broke into the business on Thanksgiving and stole all the cash. STORY: Eamonn Collins assumes role as chair of Whatcom Democrats The Whatcom Democrats have a new chair. Eamonn (A-mun) Collins, a former federal policymaker and current science teacher at Lummi Nation School, will take the reins of the local Democratic Party after former chair Andrew Reding (RED-ing) withdrew his nomination. Reding, who was originally set to run unopposed for the position, said in an online announcement last week that two hallmarks of good stewardship are quote “preparing others for leadership, and passing on the top office from a position of strength and solvency” unquote. In a unanimous decision last Saturday, elected precinct committee officers chose Collins to take over the chair position. Collins, who has experience on the Whatcom Democrats executive board and campaign experience, says he would like to grow and engage the party membership. STORY: Expansion plans for port entry will require Sumas, Lynden landowners to sell property The Lynden and Sumas ports of entry are expandeding. The U.S. General Services Administration selected the north-south-oriented expansion for the Lynden port, and the multi-story construction expansion option for Sumas. The projects aim to reduce traffic at both ports and expand processing areas, especially for commercial vehicles. Both projects require the federal government to acquire land. In Lynden, that land includes farmland commercial facilities, a business and a residence; in Sumas, several businesses along Cherry Street would have to be sold to the government. Sumas residents have expressed concerns about the project’s potential impact on the town’s tax base, economy and community. Christi Votisek (vo-TEE-shek), a public affairs officer for the GSA, said the federal government expects to begin the real estate acquisition process in the first half of next year, with construction slated to begin in September 2026. STORY: Healthy Children’s Fund distributes over $5 million to Whatcom contracts The Healthy Children’s Fund distributed over $5 million to child-centered organizations throughout Whatcom County, according to the county’s Health and Community Services. The fund’s two main goals are to increase kindergarten readiness and reduce child abuse; Whatcom County currently has the highest rate of child abuse in Washington. A recent report on last year’s Children’s Fund investments includes expanded child care capacity in the county’s facilities, an increased amount of infant care supplies at the food bank, therapy services for individuals with developmental delays, as well as increased access to doula (DOO-la) services for low-income residents. Doula care — which provides support to women throughout pregnancy and the early months of childhood — has been shown to increase early childhood health and wellness, as well as reducing the risk of low birth weight and preterm babies. This year, county officials say they plan to create a childcare subsidy program to help stabilize the childcare market. STORY: Gov. Ferguson calls for bipartisanship in inaugural address After 12 years as attorney general, Bob Ferguson was sworn in yesterday as …
