Two arrested following high-speed chase through Bellingham, Ferndale councilmember must pay up, Canadian resident of Point Roberts passes away amid fears of crossing border to seek medical assistance, MIPA issued in Ferndale, Local brewers join Hall of Fame, WSP seeking information on recent rash of police impersonators in Skagit County, WA job count and unemployment rate both continue to fall, Governor issues statement on unanimous budget approval by state worker unions, State launches veterans website, Seattle-based Uawajimaya to expand, Have you voted?, F&C 10/24, Public invited to Port of Bellingham open house (Oct 29) Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for , Webneday, October, 22. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Two arrested following high-speed chase through BellinghamPolice used a Grappler device to stop a high-speed chase through Bellingham. The pursuit began around 11:35 p.m. Monday when a Whatcom County sheriff’s deputy tried to stop a black Kia without license plates. The vehicle traveled onto I-5 and through downtown Bellingham and residential streets, reaching speeds of 80 miles per hour on the freeway. Washington State Patrol troopers and Bellingham police joined the pursuit. Officers deployed the Grappler, which uses a net to catch a vehicle’s rear wheels, ending the chase at the on-ramp near Sunset Drive at around midnight. The Kia’s two occupants were taken into custody, and southbound I-5 lanes were temporarily closed. State Patrol says this was the first field deployment of the Grappler device in Whatcom County. STORY: Ferndale councilmember must pay up A Ferndale city council member is facing legal fallout from a partnership dispute. The Whatcom Business Journal reports a Superior Court judge found Robert Pinkley and two former general managers operated Leader Block Wine Co. & Eatery as an implied partnership rather than an employer‑employee setup. The ruling came after former general manager Amberleigh Brownson sued, saying Pinkley promised her an ownership stake but later reclassified her as an employee and fired her in 2022. After a two‑day bench trial, the court determined she was entitled to one‑third of the restaurant’s value — a judgment totaling $333,333.33 — based on Pinkley’s earlier offer to sell the business for $1 million. Pinkley denied the claims, saying Brownson was simply one of several managers he employed. The judge cited shared signature authority on the business bank account and public representations that the three were partners. Pinkley has 30 days to appeal. A second lawsuit, filed by former manager Brett Wiltse, is still pending. STORY: Canadian resident of Point Roberts passes away amid fears of crossing border to seek medical assistance A recent border detention involving a Point Roberts resident has ended in tragedy. Cascadia Daily News reports 61‑year‑old Paige Adamson — a Canadian citizen and U.S. permanent resident — had been afraid to cross the border for medical care in the days before her death Sunday. Adamson had been held and questioned for six hours by U.S. border agents in September and given a notice to appear for a deportation hearing. Friends and a Blaine immigration attorney said she had recently fallen at home and was in pain but refused treatment, fearing she wouldn’t be allowed back into the U.S. because of the pending case. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office said she died of what appeared to be natural causes. Federal agencies recently requested Washington’s voter files amid increased scrutiny of alleged election violations. Public records show Adamson had voted in past elections — something permanent residents are not allowed to do. She is survived by two sons. STORY: MIPA issued in FerndaleA Missing Indigenous Person Alert has been issued for a 13 year old Ferndale girl. Victoria Mervine was last seen Tuesday evening, October 20th, between 6 and 7 p.m. near South Red River Road. She’s described as five-foot-one, weighing about 115 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black shirt, black shorts and possibly sandals. Anyone who sees Victoria or has information about her whereabouts is asked to call 911. STORY: Local brewers join Hall of Fame Two longtime Bellingham brewing pioneers are being inducted into the Washington Brewers Guild Hall of Fame. According to My Bellingham Now, Ed Bennett and Janet Lightner—co-founders of the original Boundary Bay Brewery— are among this year’s inductees. The couple opened Boundary Bay on Railroad Avenue in 1995, serving craft beer for 30 years before the brewery closed last year after the property was sold. They now own Boundary on State, which is operated by Lightner’s daughter and a local brewer. Bennett and Lightner join Mari and Will Kemper of Chuckanut Brewery in the Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony is November second at the Washington Craft Beer Summit in SeaTac. STORY: WSP seeking information on recent rash of police impersonators in Skagit CountyWashington State Patrol is asking for the public’s help identifying police impersonators in Skagit Valley. Troopers are looking for information about people posing as law enforcement officers, including anyone driving a Ford Crown Victoria equipped with push bars. State law makes it a crime to falsely claim to be a police officer or act in a way intended to make others believe you’re an officer. If you encounter a suspected police impersonator on state highways in the Skagit Valley, contact the State Patrol. STORY: WA job count and unemployment rate both continue to fall Whatcom County’s job market showed some encouraging movement last month. State labor officials say jobs held steady from August to September, but about 11-hundred fewer people reported being unemployed. That pushed Whatcom’s unemployment rate down a full point to 3.5% — its biggest drop since September 2024. Skagit County saw a similar shift, with its jobless rate falling a full point to 3.7%. Both counties are slightly below last year’s levels. Statewide, Washington’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 4.8%, even as employers cut more than 15-thousand jobs in September — the second straight month of losses. Washington’s broader U 6 measure — which counts not just unemployed workers but also people stuck …
October 20, 2026 News Transcript
Mount Baker Middle School student taken into custody after allegedly threatening school shooting, Bellingham man formally charged with child rape, pleads not guilty, Man arrested following assault and standoff with police in Maple Falls, County considers fee for private boat launches, WSDOT allows City to lower road speed, Police investigating missing medications in Sedro-Woolley schools, Whatcom Chief down for several hours Wednesday (MUST RUN ON 10/20), Gas prices dip slightly, Staff at Skagit Valley College file to unionize, WA joins coalition opposing corporate merger, citing potential widespread spiking of costs to operate playgrounds, F&C 10/24, Public invited to Port of Bellingham open house (Oct 29) Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, October, 20. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Mount Baker Middle School student taken into custody after allegedly threatening school shooting A potential threat ended with the arrest of a middle school student in Mount Vernon yesterday. Staff at Mount Baker Middle School alerted their school resource officer yesterday morning to a social media post. That post suggested a possible school‑shooting threat. The officer and school staff immediately launched an investigation. A 14‑year‑old male student was taken into custody in connection with the post. Police believe he acted alone. Mount Vernon Police say quick reporting and close coordination with the school district helped ensure student and staff safety. UPDATE: Bellingham man formally charged with child rape, pleads not guilty A Bellingham man has pleaded not guilty to child rape charges. The Bellingham Herald reports police arrested 29‑year‑old Andrew James Blessington on October 12th after a multi‑week investigation. Court records say a high school principal contacted Bellingham Police last month after a student disclosed she had been raped. Investigators say the girl met Blessington on Snapchat in March, when she was 13. She told police he provided her and her friends with marijuana and alcohol. She allegedly met Blessington again in May; police say he gave her alcohol and raped her in his car while she was intoxicated. Court documents note the girl’s mother reported her daughter “has not been herself” since the assault. Blessington is charged with two counts of second‑degree child rape, and one count of supplying liquor to a minor. He pleaded not guilty and posted bail of $10,000. His trial is set for November 30th. STORY: Man arrested following assault and standoff with police in Maple Falls An argument over WiFi between two neighbors escalated into a stand-off in Maple Falls Saturday afternoon. Investigators said the suspect, a 42-year-old man, smashed a glass bottle over the victim’s head and threatened to kill him. When police arrived, the suspect was armed with a machete and refused to leave the building. The victim was taken to hospital with life-threatening head injuries. The suspect was held in jail without bail. He was expected to be arraigned yesterday. STORY: County considers fee for private boat launches Officials are considering a yearly 60-dollar fee for private boat launches on Lake Whatcom. The charge is part of an effort to prevent the spread of invasive plants and animals. The city already inspects boats launched from public facilities, including Bloedel-Donovan Park. However, officials say about 60 private launch sites around the lake are not currently regulated. The permit program would require registration and provide education to property owners and their guests. A similar measure is being considered for the portion of the lake under Whatcom County jurisdiction. The Bellingham City Council is scheduled to consider the proposal, which would take effect after final approval. Lake Whatcom provides drinking water to about 100-thousand people. STORY: WSDOT allows City to lower road speed Bellingham drivers will see lower speed limits on Old Fairhaven Parkway starting next summer. The Washington State Department of Transportation has agreed to reduce the limit from 35 to 30 miles per hour between 14th Street and Interstate 5. They will not, however, reduce it to 25. City officials wanted a 25-mile-per-hour limit on a part of the road closer to the Interurban Trail, but the state rejected that request. A state study found most drivers were traveling between about 29 and 40 miles per hour. City officials say they want speed limits to reflect pedestrian safety, bike lanes, and nearby bus stops — not just how fast people are already driving. STORY: Police investigating missing medications in Sedro-Woolley schools Sedro‑Woolley Schools are investigating problems with student medications. A routine audit first flagged missing medication at one campus. When staff expanded the review districtwide, they found more discrepancies — including liquid medications that appeared diluted. The district has turned the matter over to Sedro‑Woolley Police. Families whose medications were impacted have already been contacted, and the district is covering the cost of replacements. No medication from the affected supplies is being administered. The district is now reviewing storage, access, inventory, and accountability procedures. Because the case involves confidential student and personnel information, officials say no further details will be released while police continue their investigation. STORY: Whatcom Chief down for several hours Wednesday (MUST RUN ON 10/20) The Whatcom Chief will be offline for several hours tomorrow for terminal maintenance. Public Works says the ferry will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. to 3 p.m. while crews inspect facilities at both Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point. The last morning run from Gooseberry Point is 9:50 a.m., and the last run from Lummi Island is 10 a.m. No additional morning trips will be made afterwards, in order to allow crews to complete a full inspection. The timing is weather‑dependent, and any changes will be posted on the ferry webpage. STORY: Gas prices dip slightly Washington drivers are seeing lower prices at the pump, continuing a downward trend. Triple-A reports the statewide average for regular gas now sits at $5.37, down 8 cents from a week ago. In Bellingham, the price for a gallon of regular gas has dropped nine cents over the week, averaging $5.18. Triple-A says the national average for regular gas is $4.33, down slightly …
October 19, 2026 News Transcript
Bellingham woman long-suspected in overdose death arrested in connection with investigation into narcotics ring, Ferndale city councilor and restaurateur found liable for damages against former employee, Western acquires old PeaceHealth property, Planned upgrades to Lynden and Sumas border crossings appear to be stuck in limbo, One bridge completed, another reopens in Skagit County, Citizen panel moves against proposed salary increase for Governor Ferguson, AG’s office asks for leave to intervene in court case on behalf of refugees and asylees covered by Medicaid, Whatcom Chief down for several hours Wednesday (MUST RUN ON 10/20), F&C 10/24, Public invited to Port of Bellingham open house (Oct 29) Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, October, 19. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham woman long-suspected in overdose death arrested in connection with investigation into narcotics ringA Bellingham woman awaiting trial for manslaughter is back in jail following a separate investigation. Sixty-two-year-old Kim Ribble was arrested last Thursday in connection with an investigation into a drug ring. Authorities say the investigation, which began in early 2025, involves local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Investigators say there’s probable cause to charge Ribble with drug dealing and maintaining a drug house. She’s being held without bail on those separate charges. This is not Ribble’s first brush with the law; she has pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter and controlled substance homicide. Ribble is accused of facilitating the purchase of the fentanyl-laced pills that killed 31-year-old Evan Parberry in 2020. Her trial is scheduled to begin on November 9th. STORY: Ferndale city councilor and restaurateur found liable for damages against former employeeA Ferndale business owner and City Council member must pay a former manager more than 333-thousand dollars. A Whatcom County judge found that Robert Pinkley, former general manager Amberleigh Brownson, and contractor Brett Wiltse had formed a legal partnership to operate the Leader Block Wine Company and Eatery. This legally entitled Brownson to a one-third share of the business. In her lawsuit, Brownson stated she was promised an ownership stake and a share of the profits. Instead, she claims, she was treated as an employee before her termination in 2022. Pinkley denied that Brownson was a partner in the business. A separate lawsuit by Wiltse, who also claims he was promised an ownership stake and unpaid compensation, is scheduled for trial on December 29th. Pinkley has disputed those claims as well. STORY: Western acquires old PeaceHealth property Western Washington University has reached an agreement to buy the former St. Luke’s Hospital site. The university’s foundation has approved a 12-and-a-half-million-dollar grant to help pay for the purchase. The property includes the former hospital building, a nearby professional building, and an eight-unit apartment complex. Western plans to use the site as a future home for its proposed College of Health Sciences. The new site, in their words, would serve as an anchor to health sciences education, research, outreach, and training. The university also envisions creating a community health hub that would provide physical and behavioral health services for students and the broader community. As part of the deal, PeaceHealth will receive about two-and-a-half acres at Western’s Lincoln Street Park and Ride site. PeaceHealth says it plans to leave that land undeveloped for future health care needs. Western will now begin planning for the former hospital property. Both organizations say they’ll continue working with community partners as plans develop. STORY: Planned upgrades to Lynden and Sumas border crossings appear to be stuck in limbo Senator Patty Murray and Representative Rick Larsen are urging the Trump administration to fund upgrades planned for the Lynden and Sumas border crossings. In a letter sent last month to the General Services Administration, the lawmakers asked the agency to prioritize upgrades at the Lynden and Sumas ports of entry. They say the projects are among nine nationwide that have been temporarily halted. Congress approved three-point-four billion dollars in 2021 to modernize 26 land border crossings. Murray and Larsen say delays could affect trade, supply chains, and national security. They also warn that uncertainty about construction timelines makes it harder for both cities to plan for additional commercial traffic and disruptions to downtown businesses. The lawmakers say they have not yet received a response from the federal agency. STORY: One bridge completed, another reopens in Skagit County East‑county travel just got easier with two major bridge projects now finished. The 96‑year‑old Marblemount Bridge just wrapped up a major rehabilitation, funded by an eighteen-and-a-half-million dollar federal grant. Crews repaired corroded steel, replaced failing deck patches, and restored the bridge to full two‑lane traffic – all while preserving its historic structure. The other bridge – the Jordan Creek Bridge – saw major damage during last December’s flooding. A log jam forced the creek to cut a new path and wipe out about 70 feet of Rockport Cascade Road. To restore access, the county installed a temporary Acrow bridge over the washout. FEMA disaster funding is reimbursing the construction and leasing costs. The span will stay in place as long as needed while a permanent replacement is designed and built — a process expected to take several years. County leaders will mark both milestones with a ribbon‑cutting at the Marblemount Bridge on October 29th. STORY: Citizen panel moves against proposed salary increase for Governor Ferguson Governor Bob Ferguson will not get a pay raise. The Washington Citizens Commission panel has recommended freezing the governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general’s wages for the next two years. Other elected officials, including state lawmakers, would receive raises of two percent in July 2027, followed by another two percent in July 2028. The secretary of state, state auditor, and insurance commissioner would receive five-percent raises in each of those years. Commissioners adopted their recommendation accounting for the state’s tight budget. The belief that the governor and attorney general’s job responsibilities had not changed significantly was also a factor. Finally, many of the commissioners pointed to new state employee contracts that do not include across-the-board raises …
October 15, 2026 News Transcript
Lynden teachers authorize first labor strike in nearly 50 years, Bellingham man arrested on suspicion of child rape, Bellingham resident accused of aiding Canadian school shooter indicted by grand jury, Break-in at Bellingham restaurant, Ballots mailed for Whatcom residents, Whatcom drug overdoses continue to decline from summer spike, down significantly from last year, Washington’s top schools official urges governor to reject a new federal K-12 tax credit program. F&C 10/17-18, F&C `10/18, F&C 10/24, Public invited to Port of Bellingham open house (Oct 29) Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, October, 15. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Lynden teachers authorize first labor strike in nearly 50 years Lynden teachers have voted to authorize a strike. Cascadia Daily News reports educators approved the move after months of bargaining without a new contract. Teachers have been working under the old agreement since the start of the school year, and more than 100 rejected the district’s latest offer Tuesday. The union says core issues include more planning time, competitive pay and respect for teachers’ professional judgment. Superintendent David VanderYacht says the district is facing financial headwinds, including reduced enrollment, rising insurance costs and continued state underfunding of special education. The district says Lynden teachers have received nearly a 25‑percent salary increase since 2022 and offered a 3‑percent total raise next year, which the union rejected. Educators are also asking for more support for psychologists and counselors, and flexibility in how they use late‑arrival time. Both sides return to bargaining Monday morning. STORY: Bellingham man arrested on suspicion of child rape Bellingham police have arrested a man accused of raping a child. Officers say the assault happened in May. According to investigators, the suspect met the victim through social media and had been providing alcohol and drugs to the victim and friends as early as March. Police say he gave alcohol to the victim — who was under 14 — and then raped the child. The victim later reported the assault, and police identified the suspect. Officers arrested him on Tuesday and booked him into the Whatcom County Jail. He has since been released on bond. UPDATE: Bellingham resident accused of aiding Canadian school shooter indicted by grand jury A grand jury has indicted an alleged accomplice in a deadly school shooting in British Columbia. Federal prosecutors say 30‑year‑old James Cody Bryant spent months communicating with shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar before the February attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where six people were killed and others injured. Bryant is charged with conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country and is scheduled for arraignment on Oct. 22. According to the indictment, Bryant agreed to record and livestream the attack, tested the setup multiple times, offered advice on targets and weapons, and sent money for supplies used in an improvised explosive device. Prosecutors say he also discussed ways to hide their communications, acknowledging the planning was illegal. If convicted, Bryant faces up to life in prison. STORY: Break-in at Bellingham restaurant Police are investigating an early‑morning break‑in at a Bellingham restaurant. Officers say the burglary happened around 5:19 yesterday morning at Lilia’s Mexican Cuisine on East Bakerview. An unknown suspect broke through the front door, went inside, and stole the restaurant’s cash register. Staff say the drawer doesn’t hold money, but it does contain credit and debit cards left behind by customers. Anyone who thinks they may have left a card there is urged to contact their bank and cancel it. Police say they’re reviewing evidence and working to identify the suspect. STORY: Ballots mailed for Whatcom residents Ballots are now in the mail for Whatcom County voters. The Auditor’s Office says all registered voters should receive their November election ballots within the next few days. Anyone who doesn’t get one by early next week is asked to contact the Elections Division. Ballot drop boxes across the county are open, and voters can also return ballots through the mail with no stamp needed. The county reminds voters to sign their envelopes and return ballots early to avoid last‑minute delays. Election information and sample ballots are available through the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office. STORY: Whatcom drug overdoses continue to decline from summer spike, down significantly from last year Overdose incidents are declining in Whatcom County. New data from Whatcom Hope shows fewer EMS calls for overdoses, fewer emergency‑department visits, and fewer opioid‑related incidents compared with recent years. The county’s EMS dashboard also reports a drop in overdose‑related dispatches, including calls involving opioids. The opioid data tools linked through Whatcom Hope — including dashboards from the Washington Department of Health, the CDC, and the UW Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute — reflect the same trend: overdose activity has fallen from earlier peaks, though fentanyl remains the primary driver of deaths statewide and locally. The data points to a clear pattern: fewer severe overdoses are reaching EMS and emergency rooms, more people are being stabilized before an overdose becomes fatal, and opioid‑related incidents are down across all reporting systems. Health officials say the regularly updated dashboards give residents a real‑time look at overdose patterns, treatment needs, and the impact of local prevention efforts. STORY: Washington’s top schools official urges governor to reject a new federal K-12 tax credit program. Washington’s top schools official is urging Governor Bob Ferguson to reject a new federal K-12 tax. Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal says the Education Freedom Tax Credit would expand school choice without addressing public school funding needs. The program would offer federal tax credits to people who donate to scholarship funds. While the scholarships are primarily intended for private school students, they could also pay for tutoring, books, supplies, and disability services for public school students. The Washington State Standard reports Ferguson has not yet decided whether Washington will participate and is reviewing new federal guidance. Supporters say the program could bring significant new funding for tutoring, after-school programs, and other student services. Reykdal argues the state would have limited oversight of …
October 14, 2026 News Transcript
Cof& owner announces release from ICE detention, Bellingham winter shelter contract approved, will operate nightly from December to February, Car collision with power pole in Ferndale leaves one hospitalized and hundreds without electricity, Lighthouse Missions appoints interim CEO to permanent role, Ferndale paraeducator honored, Mayor announces official city bird, PeaceHealth announces northwest region chief to step down at end of year, AG’s office joins coalition letter opposing FCC cuts to school and library internet access, Washington’s top schools official urges governor to reject a new federal K-12 tax credit program. F&C 10/17-18, F&C `10/18, F&C 10/24, Public invited to Port of Bellingham open house (Oct 29), Health department cider pressing safety (weak story – break glass only in emergency) Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, October, 14. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Cof& owner announces release from ICE detention A Bellingham business owner has been released from ICE custody. Cof& (“Coffee”) owner Oscar Quintero Frias (keen-TARE-o FREE-us) says he’s been released after several difficult weeks, and is now working to return to everyday life. In a social media post, Quintero Frias said he is physically doing well, but is still dealing with fears and uncertainties as he adjusts to his circumstances. He thanked the community for its messages and support, and asked people to continue supporting his coffee shop by visiting, sharing its social media pages, and spreading the word to potential customers. Quintero Frias described the community’s support as an important source of encouragement as he works to keep the café open and move forward. STORY: Bellingham winter shelter contract approved, will operate nightly from December to FebruaryWhatcom County will move to a nightly winter shelter for people experiencing homelessness in Bellingham. County Council members approved a contract with the organization Road2Home to operate the shelter from December through February, with the option to extend into March if funding remains. The shelter will offer beds for 60 people, from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m., at Lutheran Community Services Northwest on North Forest Street, the same location used for severe-weather sheltering last winter. An additional 10 beds may be added during extreme weather. The county will reimburse Road2Home up to 585-thousand dollars for the three-month operation. In previous winters, the county opened the emergency shelter only on the coldest nights. Officials say a nightly schedule will give people more reliable access to shelter and allow staff to build relationships with guests. Other winter shelter options include facilities in Ferndale and Bellingham operated by local service organizations. Information about local shelters is available through Whatcom County’s winter shelter website. STORY: Car collision with power pole in Ferndale leaves one hospitalized and hundreds without electricity A crash in Ferndale knocked out power early Tuesday morning. Whatcom News reports first responders were called around 3 a.m. to LaBounty Drive after a vehicle hit a power pole. Crews said the pole was resting on the car with lines draped over the roadway, and the area was briefly shut down. PulsePoint’s EMS log shows at least one patient was taken by ambulance to PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Responders also reported darkened traffic signals on Main Street as the outage spread. Puget Sound Energy said more than 1,000 customers lost power. The utility cited a traffic accident as the cause. STORY: Lighthouse Missions appoints interim CEO to permanent role The Lighthouse Mission has named a new CEO. Interim chief executive Alvin Helms is now the permanent President and CEO of Lighthouse Mission Ministries. Helms brings more than 35 years of ministry and nonprofit leadership experience, including senior roles at Tacoma Rescue Mission and pastoral work in Whatcom County. He holds a Doctor of Ministry in strategic leadership from Corban University and a master’s in social ethics from Yale. Board chair Marty VanDriel (VAN DREEL) says the Mission is grateful for Helms’ leadership and looks forward to continued growth as the organization expands services for people experiencing homelessness. Helms says he hopes to build on the Mission’s century‑long work supporting neighbors in need. STORY: Ferndale paraeducator honored A Ferndale paraeducator has been honored for her exceptional work. Kelly Toner has been named the region’s Classified School Employee of the Year by Northwest Educational Service District 189. She works at Cascadia Elementary with students who have complex support needs. Colleagues say she’s known for helping students build confidence, independence, and meaningful learning moments. Toner says her approach is shaped by her own experience as a student who struggled but was supported by caring adults — support she now works to pass on through collaboration and structured communication tools. Toner now advances to the statewide competition for Washington’s Classified School Employee of the Year. STORY: Mayor announces official city bird Bellingham has picked its official bird. Mayor Kim Lund announced the winner during a Bird Week event Friday night. The public cast votes in a community poll organized by the North Cascades Audubon Society and Audubon Washington. The Great Blue Heron came out on top. The tall shorebirds are a familiar sight along Bellingham Bay, with long‑established nesting at Post Point and a new colony forming near the Little Squalicum Estuary project last year. A heron biologist is helping the city learn more about the colonies and how to protect them. The city says nesting areas are sensitive to disturbance and asks people to give the birds plenty of space. STORY: PeaceHealth announces northwest region chief to step down at end of year PeaceHealth’s top Northwest leader will retire at the end of the year. Chuck Prosper, chief executive of the PeaceHealth Northwest Region, is stepping down after nearly 40 years in healthcare leadership. Prosper joined PeaceHealth in 2019 and led the region through the COVID‑19 pandemic, major operational shifts, and a series of large capital projects at St. Joseph Medical Center. During his tenure, Prosper helped advance the hospital’s master facilities plan, including the 120,000‑square‑foot Peter Paulsen Pavillion. He also oversaw upgrades to existing patient towers, infrastructure improvements along Squalicum Parkway, …
October 12, 2026 News Transcript
Ferndale man arrested in connection with Bellingham mugging last month, RFA Public Hearing Oct 14, WWU releases datamap detailing Whatcom’s decline in Canadian visitation and shopping over last several years, Governor names new justice to Skagit Superior Court in court’s first expansion in twenty years, Flood Preparedness Open House (run 10/9 or 10/12), Crypto company ordered to shut down (run 10/12), WA UTC issues apology following hate speech at PSE rate increase hearing, Head of state DCYF questioned over allegations of racial bias in agency, Orca Recovery Day happens Saturday (Oct 17), BFA public meeting, Bellingham Swimmer, 60, Breaks Pacific Northwest Masters Record at National Championships, Bellingham to hold public hearing over proposed regional fire authority (run 10/9 or 10/12), Bellingham to hold public hearing over proposed regional fire authority (run 10/9 or 10/12), Public invited to Port of Bellingham open house (Oct 29), Health department cider pressing safety (weak story – break glass only in emergency) Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, October, 12. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Ferndale man arrested in connection with Bellingham mugging last month A man faces charges after a strong‑arm robbery. Bellingham Police say the victim was walking on East Bakerview Road on September 9th when a man confronted him, claimed to have a knife, and forced him into a wooded area across the street. Officers say the suspect threatened to kill the victim if he didn’t hand over his wallet, then took it and told him not to call 911. The victim ran out of the woods and called police immediately. Officers found a woman nearby with the cart described by the victim, but the suspect wasn’t located that day. An officer spotted the suspect on Meridian on October 8th. He was arrested without incident and booked into the Whatcom County Jail. STORY: RFA Public Hearing Oct 14 A public hearing on Bellingham’s proposed Regional Fire Authority is set for Wednesday. City leaders and Whatcom County Fire District 8 commissioners are considering forming a Regional Fire Authority to provide fire and EMS services within their shared service areas. The Bellingham Regional Fire Authority Planning Committee will outline its proposed structure and funding plan, which has been in development since April. Any final decision — including the tax rate — would go to voters. The hearing will also take public comment on a possible Fire Benefit Charge, a fee based on the cost of providing fire protection to buildings on a property. The meeting will be held in City Hall’s Council Chambers at 6pm. Residents can speak in person by signing up outside the chambers between 5:30 and 6pm. There is no virtual option. Written comments can be submitted by email to fire@cob.org or by mail to City Hall. STORY: WWU releases datamap detailing Whatcom’s decline in Canadian visitation and shopping over last several yearsWhatcom County has lost an estimated 64-million-dollar in Canadian spending between the last two years. According to a new analysis by Western Washington University’s Border Policy Research Institute about 510-thousand Canadians visited Whatcom County primarily to shop in 2025, down from 1.8 million in 2019 — a drop of roughly 71 percent. Researchers say the decline accelerated in 2025 amid tensions over tariffs and U.S.-Canada relations. The impact varies across the county. In Bellingham, inflation-adjusted retail sales fell about one percent between 2019 and 2024, with clothing sales down 22 percent and general merchandise down 12 percent. Blaine and Sumas also saw declines in local fuel-tax revenue, which helps pay for transportation projects. Researchers say fewer Canadian shoppers mean less sales-tax revenue for county services, including emergency medical services, criminal justice, the new jail and behavioral health treatment center, and affordable housing. The study also finds that Canadian visitors are increasingly crossing the border for recreation and family visits rather than shopping. Researchers say the changing travel patterns add pressure to local businesses and will be important to monitor as cross-border relations continue to evolve. STORY: Governor names new justice to Skagit Superior Court in court’s first expansion in twenty years Skagit County Superior Court is adding a new judge to the bench. Governor Bob Ferguson has appointed Haley Wolcott Sebens to fill the new position created earlier this year — the first expansion of the court in two decades. Sebens is a longtime Skagit County litigator with more than 16 years of experience. She currently serves as a Superior Court Commissioner, handling calendars in family law, child welfare, guardianship, probate, and juvenile matters. She previously spent over a decade in the Prosecutor’s Office, specializing in felony cases involving women and children, and has tried more than 80 jury trials. Sebens will take the bench on January 1st. STORY: Flood Preparedness Open House (run 10/9 or 10/12) It’s Water Week in Whatcom County. Officials are inviting residents to a Flood Preparedness Open House on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Nooksack Valley Middle School. The event includes a short presentation from Public Works and local leaders on this year’s flood outlook, current mitigation projects, and how flood‑management decisions are made. The open house brings together county flood experts, emergency responders, and community partners and offer practical preparedness tools and information. STORY: Crypto company ordered to shut down (run 10/12)A Seattle cryptocurrency company has been ordered to shut down by the end of this year and pay a two-and-a-half-million-dollar fine. The Washington Department of Financial Institutions says the order against Coinme resolves a multi-state lawsuit launched last year. The lawsuit alleged the company failed to meet state financial requirements, including accounting standards and safeguards against money laundering. The impact will be felt locally. According to Coinme’s website, the company operates 17 cryptocurrency kiosks in Whatcom County and 10 in Skagit (SKA-jit) County. Coinme must also remove its kiosks from six other states: Ohio, Georgia, Alaska, Arkansas, North Carolina and Illinois. STORY: WA UTC issues apology following hate speech at PSE rate increase hearingThe Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission has apologized after a public …
October 9, 2026 News Transcript
Arrest warrant issued for Lynden woman accused of animal cruelty, Blaine inches toward de-annexation, Whatcom sees uptick in DUI arrests across September, Governor nominates 99 low-income areas for state Opportunity Zones program, three in Whatcom and Skagit, Mt. Vernon debating new stadium, Supreme Court order could lead to mass redrawing of WA’s congressional districts, Freap, Crypto company ordered to shut down (run 10/12), Flood Preparedness Open House (run 10/9 or 10/12), Orca Recovery Day happens Saturday (Oct 17), BFA public meeting, Bellingham Swimmer, 60, Wins Three Medals and Sets Pacific Northwest Masters Record, Bellingham to hold public hearing over proposed regional fire authority (run 10/9 or 10/12), Public invited to Port of Bellingham open house (Oct 29), Health department cider pressing safety (weak story – break glass only in emergency) Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, October 9th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. UPDATE: Arrest warrant issued for Lynden woman accused of animal cruelty An arrest warrant has been issued for the founder of a dog rescue in Lynden. Ashley Georgia who founded Pittie Project PNW faces 30 counts of animal cruelty. The sheriff’s office said they rescued 17 dogs from the center in early October and volunteers had previously removed 13 dogs. Most of the dogs are now in foster care. STORY: Blaine inches toward de-annexation Blaine is one step closer to shrinking its city limits. The County Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve an agreement regarding road repairs tied to the city’s de-annexation. Blaine residents voted in 2025 to remove about 570 acres of undeveloped rural land from the city’s eastern boundary. The area includes roughly a mile and a half of H Street Road, which county officials say needs pavement, signage, and drainage work done. Under the agreement, the county will oversee a $1.25M road improvement project, with Blaine covering 20 percent of the cost. The city will also remain responsible for maintaining the road until construction begins or July 2030, whichever comes first. The project could take up to 10 years to complete. Blaine’s de-annexation still requires approval from the Whatcom County Boundary Review Board. STORY: Whatcom sees uptick in DUI arrests across September According to reporting from My Bellingham Now, the number of DUI arrests in Whatcom County is up this September compared with last year. There were 34 arrests, most of them alcohol related, according to Washington State Patrol data. However, Bellingham police said DUI arrests were trending lower, with 28 last month, compared with 45 in September of last year. Bellingham police lieutenant Claudia Murphy attributed last year’s higher arrest numbers to having more patrols. STORY: Governor nominates 99 low-income areas for state Opportunity Zones program, three in Whatcom and Skagit Three local areas have been nominated for a federal program designed to encourage private investment in underserved communities. In Whatcom County, Governor Bob Ferguson selected the Salish Village area in the Lummi Nation and the downtown waterfront redevelopment area in Whatcom County for nomination. In Skagit county, downtown Mount Vernon was selected from among 99 nominations statewide for the Federal Opportunity Zones 2.0 program. This program offers tax incentives to encourage investors and developers to put money into real estate projects and businesses in economically distressed areas. The state selected the 99 proposed zones from 152 applications, including 36 in rural communities. The updated program offers enhanced tax benefits for rural investments and adds reporting requirements intended to better measure the economic effects. The nominations now go to the U.S. Treasury Department for review. If approved, the new Opportunity Zones are scheduled to take effect on January 1st, next year. STORY: Mt. Vernon debating new stadiumThe Mount Vernon School District is considering millions of dollars in upgrades to its outdoor athletic facilities, including a covered stadium. A district advisory committee has unanimously recommended a six-year, $14.45 million capital levy to pay for covered stadium seating, accessible bleachers, a multipurpose turf field, and stadium lighting. A second option would cost nearly $18M and include a six-lane track at a middle school. The district says its 25-year-old stadium lacks covered seating and cannot currently host graduation ceremonies or regional tournaments. The smaller levy would cost about $140 a year for the owner of a half-million dollar home. The larger option would cost about $184 annually. The committee recommends the smaller levy but wants the district to gather more community input on the larger option. The district held a community meeting Wednesday and says it will determine next steps based on feedback. STORY: Supreme Court order could lead to mass redrawing of WA’s congressional districtsWashington state’s legislative district maps may have to be redrawn… again. A recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court narrowed part of the federal Voting Rights Act, and now a new order from the High Court has returned two cases challenging the state’s political boundaries back to a federal appeals court for another review. The legal fight centers on a Yakima Valley district where a federal judge ruled in 2023 that Latino voting power had been diluted. A court-ordered map was used in the 2024 elections and upheld by the Ninth Circuit last year. The Supreme Court’s latest action revives a separate challenge arguing the district was created through unconstitutional racial gerrymandering. The decision won’t affect this fall’s elections, but it could lead to Washington’s legislative boundaries being redrawn for a third time in a decade. Republican state Representative Jim Walsh welcomed the order, while the Campaign Legal Center, which supports the current map, says it will continue fighting to preserve Latino voting power in Yakima Valley. STORY: Freap 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 2026 Ski Swap starts today in the Bloedel Donovan Gym at 2214 Electric Ave. The swap runs until 9:30pm tonight and continues tomorrow from 8 to 2pm. Ferndale’s Zombie Fun Run goes from 9 to 11:30 tomorrow morning at Pioneer Pavilion. It’s a …
October 7, 2026 News Transcript
Sheriff’s office investigates animal cruelty case, Bellingham man arrested in connection with B.C. school shooting, Bellingham woman arrested in connection with July hit-and-run in Birch Bay, Ranch Quarry EIS scoping phase complete, Lynden man survives hippo attack on honeymoon, writes book about experience, Whatcom County Flood Preparedness Week, WSDOT reports all ferries back in service, WA joins coalition seeking settlement from two drug companies accused of artificial price inflation, Flood Preparedness Open House (run 10/9 or 10/12), Bellingham to hold public hearing over proposed regional fire authority (run 10/9 or 10/12), Public invited to Port of Bellingham open house (Oct 29), Health department cider pressing safety (weak story – break glass only in emergency), F&C Oct 10 Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, October, 7. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Sheriff’s office investigates animal cruelty case A Whatcom County dog rescue has been accused of animal cruelty. Detectives say they found roughly 30 dogs living in severe neglect at a property on Russet Avenue, where the group had been housing animals. The rescue, Pittie Project PNW, is run by 38‑year‑old Ashley Georgia of Bellingham. Deputies reported seeing dogs with open wounds, signs of parasites, matted fur soaked with urine and feces, and animals so underweight their bones were visible. Investigators say many had no access to clean water or adequate food. The property owner cooperated and allowed detectives inside the property. A search warrant was later issued so the dogs could be seized and receive immediate medical care. It was found that volunteers had previously removed 13 dogs from the property after seeing the animals’ condition. Investigators say Georgia had received food donations and thousands of dollars intended for the animals’ care. All remaining dogs are now being treated by the Whatcom Humane Society. The sheriff’s office says criminal charges are pending. STORY: Bellingham man arrested in connection with B.C. school shooting A Bellingham man is facing federal charges for allegedly helping plan a deadly school shooting in British Columbia. Prosecutors say 30‑year‑old James Cody Bryant spent months advising and assisting the shooter, 18-year old Jesse Van Rootselaar (ROT-sell-er), before the attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in February. Court documents allege Bryant provided money, technical help and tactical guidance, and that he agreed to record and broadcast the shooting. Additionally, investigators say Bryant tested livestreaming equipment with the shooter, sent funds for items used in the attack, and even gave advice on how to start a car moments before the shooter left for the school. Canadian authorities say Van Rootselaar killed two people at home, then drove to the school and killed five students — as well as an educational assistant — before committing suicide. U.S. prosecutors say Bryant faces a conspiracy‑to‑murder persons in a foreign country, a crime that can carry a life sentence. STORY: Bellingham woman arrested in connection with July hit-and-run in Birch Bay A Bellingham woman has been arrested months after a hit‑and‑run in Birch Bay. Deputies say the crash happened on Birch Bay Drive on July 27th. The driver made a sudden U‑turn, braked hard, and swerved toward the shoulder. A passing cyclist hit the back of the vehicle, suffering a small laceration on the knee and soreness in their head, neck and leg. Investigators say the driver — 56‑year‑old Michelle Jarrell‑Orr — briefly got out of the car, but left after a male passenger told her to get back in. Three witnesses backed up the victim’s account, and the victim managed to photograph the vehicle. Deputies identified Jarrell‑Orr as the owner, and the victim picked her out of a photo lineup. Sedro‑Woolley Police arrested Jarrell-Orr on Monday; she was booked into the Whatcom County Jail without incident. STORY: Ranch Quarry EIS scoping phase complete The proposed Ranch Quarry project in Whatcom County continues to advance. County staff and consultants say they have reviewed all public comments and finished the scoping phase of the project’s Environmental Impact Statement. The EIS will study two options: the Proposed Action, allowing the quarry to move ahead, and a No Action alternative. The project would create a long‑term surface mine on a 108‑acre site near Sumas (SOO-mass), supplying rock and gravel for regional construction and infrastructure. It’s planned to operate in phases over several decades, with on‑site crushing and hauling. The EIS will look at potential impacts to the land, water, air, wildlife, cultural resources, and transportation. The public will have a chance to comment on the draft EIS later this year. STORY: Lynden man survives hippo attack on honeymoon, writes book about experience A Lynden man is sharing his story of being attacked by a hippo on his honeymoon. As reported by the Cascadia Daily News and Newsweek, Samuel and Anna McKee were canoeing in Botswana in September 2025 when a hippo charged their boat and dragged Samuel under. Anna ran towards the hippo and managed to scare the animal off, helping her husband to safety. Samuel endured the night without rescue after the attack before a helicopter flew him to a hospital in South Africa. He spent weeks recovering overseas and months in therapy back home. The couple, both raised in Whatcom County, say the ordeal reshaped their first year of marriage and deepened their gratitude. The McKees have written a book about the attack and their relationship, and plan to seek a publisher soon. STORY: Whatcom County Flood Preparedness Week Flood Preparedness Week starts next Monday in Whatcom County. County Executive Satpal Sidhu issued the Flood Preparedness Week proclamation, saying early action can save lives and reduce damage when high water arrives. The county will share simple steps like how to assemble a grab‑and‑go kit, sign up for emergency alerts, and protect your home from flood damage, along with updates from its annual storm briefing and flood newsletter. Officials say the goal is to give residents practical tools before the winter storms return. UPDATE: WSDOT reports all ferries back in service Ferry service is back to normal today after …
October 6, 2026 News Transcript
Large-scale “sickout” throws Puget Sound ferry service into chaos, Bellingham PD to rollout new “Drone as First Responder,” program following state grant, Misconduct lawsuit against deceased Bellingham therapist to move to trial, U.S. Supreme Court will not hear Bellingham vaccine mandate case, Gatorade recall due to undeclared food dyes, U.S. Supreme Court will not hear Bellingham vaccine mandate case, Gas prices in Whatcom and greater WA fall slightly, Public invited to Port of Bellingham open house (Oct 29), Health department cider pressing safety (weak story – break glass only in emergency), F&C Oct 10 Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, October, 6. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Large-scale “sickout” throws Puget Sound ferry service into chaos Ferry services across Puget Sound were at a standstill yesterday. 23 engine room employees called in sick; at one point, only five out of the system’s 18 ferries were running. State law prohibits strike by ferry workers. The ferry workers’ union, the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association, said they had not coordinated the sickout, and instead described it as a, quote, “frantic cry for help from an abused and frustrated group of highly-skilled and committed workers,” unquote. Their collective bargaining agreement is such that they will not be getting any pay rises, and the next round of bargaining will not happen until next July. Governor Bob Ferguson said he expected the ferries to be running today, but it is unclear whether the stoppage will continue. STORY: Bellingham PD to rollout new “Drone as First Responder,” program following state grant Police in Bellingham will be using more aerial drones. A half-a-million dollar state grant will be used to start a Drone as First Responder program. Police and firefighters may survey locations before responders arrive. Chief of Police Rebecca Mertzig told the City Council yesterday that a drone could be sent to a scene of a 9-1-1 call within minutes. This, she said, will help to gather critical information so that the right kind of help is provided. STORY: Misconduct lawsuit against deceased Bellingham therapist to move to trial A misconduct lawsuit against a deceased Bellingham therapist will proceed to trial. Court documents show that Whatcom resident Damian Cordova Jr. started receiving mental health therapy from Reverie Shunny at Sunrise Services Inc in November 2020. Cordova alleged that Shunny “crossed professional and personal boundaries,” and that the two had an intimate relationship. Before her death last year, Shunny denied there was any personal relationship with Cordova, and petitioned for a restraining order against him. The Department of Health found that evidence did not support a violation by Shunny. A Whatcom Superior Court judge, however, decided the case should go to trial. STORY: U.S. Supreme Court will not hear Bellingham vaccine mandate case The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to revive a 2024 lawsuit over Bellingham’s COVID‑19 vaccine mandate. According to the records, the court declined to take up the case, leaving in place earlier rulings that upheld former Mayor Seth Fleetwood’s 2021 order requiring city workers to be vaccinated. A group of employees — including EMTs, police officers, firefighters, and other staff — had argued the mandate violated their constitutional rights and amounted to wrongful termination. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit last year — a decision upheld by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in May. With the Supreme Court declining to review the case, those decisions now stand, and the lawsuit is officially over. As the case was dismissed with prejudice, the former employees cannot file the same claims again. STORY: Gatorade recall due to undeclared food dyes If you’ve got Gatorade in the fridge, you may want to check the label. ABC News reports more than 122,000 cases of Gatorade are being recalled because the drinks contain undeclared food dyes. The FDA says the recall covers 28‑ounce bottles of Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange, and Orange Zero distributed across over two dozen states, including Washington. The affected lots — which run through April, May and June of 2027 — failed to disclose the presence of Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6. Federal officials classify this as a Class II recall, meaning the drinks could cause temporary or medically reversible reactions — including mild rashes or asthma‑like symptoms — mainly in people who already have sensitivities, such as those with aspirin allergies. A full list of lot codes and distribution states is available on the agency’s website. STORY: Gas prices in Whatcom and greater WA fall slightly Gas prices in Bellingham slipped this week, giving drivers a bit of relief. Regular now averages $5.32, down 4 cents from a week ago but nearly a dollar higher than a year ago. Statewide, regular gas averages $5.48, also slightly below last week’s level. Patrick De Haan with GasBuddy says average gasoline prices fell in 48 states over the last week, with diesel dropping in 48 states as well. In a blog post, De Haan called it a “broad‑based retreat” that’s bringing relief to drivers. He says the biggest declines were in Georgia and Ohio, where fuel‑tax cuts amplified the drop, and that most states may continue to see lower prices — though some Midwest markets could swing back up. De Haan also notes that while oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are rising, the refineries behind the strait are yet unable to move products freely, keeping gas and diesel prices higher than crude oil levels alone would suggest. STORY: Judge’s ruling blocks new state law establishing standards for county sheriffs A Thurston County judge has permanently blocked Washington’s new sheriff‑standards law. The Washington State Standard reports Judge Christine Schaller struck down the most controversial parts of Senate Bill 5974 — the measure that would have required elected sheriffs to meet the same eligibility standards as appointed police chiefs. Critics, including a dozen sheriffs who sued the state, argued the law amounted to state overreach, and that it would allow for an administrative commission to remove sheriffs elected by …
October 5, 2026 News Transcript
Two hospitalized after car crashes into fence near Maple Falls, New high school in Bellingham, Bellingham considers changes in code, Stretch of I-5 construction south of Bellingham set to wrap up this week, Bellingham Bird Week (Air OCT. 5), Whatcom County announces flood preparedness week, Library closed Oct. 8, WDFW to recommend classifying burrowing owl as endangered, seeking public comment, WA leaders push back against Canadian pipeline, AG’s office establishes permanent Sexual Assault Investigations Support Team, Public invited to Port of Bellingham open house (Oct 29), Crud comes early, Health department cider pressing safety, F&C Oct 10 Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, October, 5. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Two hospitalized after car crashes into fence near Maple FallsTwo Maple Falls men were injured Saturday night in a crash on Kendall Road. The Washington State Patrol says an 18-year-old Maple Falls man was driving northbound around 7:25 p.m. when he attempted to pass another vehicle, struck a fence, and came to rest on the east side of the road. The driver, as well as a 20-year-old male passenger, were not wearing seatbelts; both of them were injured. The driver was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center, while the 20-year-old man was transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Two other passengers, a 20-year-old Bellingham woman and a 25-year-old Maple Falls man, were wearing seatbelts and were not injured. The State Patrol says drugs or alcohol were involved. STORY: New high school in Bellingham Families in Whatcom and Skagit counties will have a new private high school option next fall. Cascadia Daily News reports the region’s first Catholic high school will open in Bellingham for the 2027–2028 school year, after the Archdiocese of Seattle approved the project in August. The school will begin its operations at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall, while leaders work through permitting and search for a permanent site. They expect 18 to 25 ninth-graders in the first class, and plan to add grades each year. Tuition will likely begin around $14,000. Students do not have to be Catholic, but the school will include religious education and regular Mass. It will also run a four‑day school week, with Mondays set aside for teacher planning and optional student support or internships. The school’s board will spend the next several months hiring staff, choosing curriculum, and applying for state private‑school approval. STORY: Bellingham considers changes in codeBellingham is proposing changes to its home occupation rules. The changes would give home-based businesses more flexibility by allowing them to operate in accessory buildings, sell goods made on-site, and have up to three employees. The city says the proposal is a first step toward potentially allowing more small-scale commercial activity in residential neighborhoods. That broader change could be introduced as early as 2027, with the goal of supporting walkability, neighborhood gathering places, and local employment. STORY: Stretch of I-5 construction south of Bellingham set to wrap up this week Travel on I-5 near Chuckanut Creek should return to normal soon. WSDOT (wash-DOT) says the northbound main lanes are expected to reopen by Friday morning. Drivers have been using a bypass lane since June, while crews built a new, fish-passable bridge over Chuckanut Creek. Meanwhile, work continues on the nearby Old Samish Road bridge, which has been closed since April. WSDOT expects that road to reopen by December. STORY: Bellingham Bird Week (Air OCT. 5)Welcome to Bellingham Bird Week! The North Cascades Audubon Society, in cooperation with Audubon Washington, is hosting an array of bird-themed activities starting today. These activities include storytimes at the Bellingham Public Library and a bird-drawing session, as well as a screening of Lights Out Texas at the Whatcom Museum – followed by a panel discussion. Residents can also vote for Bellingham’s official bird. Mayor Kim Lund will announce the winning bird this Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. STORY: Whatcom County announces flood preparedness week Whatcom County is getting ready for flood season this week. The county says Flood Preparedness Week is designed to share information on how to prepare for floods. This information includes how to build an emergency kit, sign up for local alerts, and protect your home from flood damage. The county will also highlight ongoing flood mitigation projects. A Flood Preparedness Open House will be held Wednesday, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Nooksack Valley Middle School. STORY: Library closed Oct. 8All Bellingham Public Library locations will be closed this Wednesday for the library’s annual Staff Learning Day. The day gives staff from different branches a chance to meet for professional development and training. The library will reopen Thursday on its regular schedule. STORY: WDFW to recommend classifying burrowing owl as endangered, seeking public commentWashington’s burrowing owl might be listed as an endangered species. The Department of Fish and Wildlife has asked for public comment on a draft report recommending the state list the burrowing owl as endangered. WDFW estimates fewer than 100 breeding pairs remain in Washington, mostly in the Yakima Valley and Columbia Basin. The owls once lived across much of Eastern Washington, but habitat loss and degradation have sharply reduced their numbers and range. The public can comment on the proposal through December 31st. The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is expected to consider the recommendation next February. STORY: WA leaders push back against Canadian pipelineGovernor Bob Ferguson and Department of Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller are criticizing Canada’s decision to fast-track a proposed oil pipeline project. The Canadian Major Projects Office has designated the West Coast Oil Pipeline a project of national interest — a move that could limit environmental reviews and public input. Ferguson and Sixkiller say the project would significantly increase the amount of crude oil and the number of tankers moving through the Salish Sea. They say the proposed supertankers could carry up to 92 million gallons of oil — about 260 percent more than the largest tankers currently using these waters. Washington officials say existing spill-response resources would …
October 2, 2026 News Transcript
Lummi man pleads guilty to ownership of illegal firearms and shooting two bald eagles, Bellingham-based healthcare provider formally names interim CEO to long-term position, Bellingham mayor to address city’s response to recent ICE activity, Fairhaven sidewalks under repair, Mount Baker Ski Area staff gear up for potentially historic season amid Super El Nino conditions, Blaine-based cookie restaurant to celebrate grand opening of Bellingham location this weekend, Western WA U.S. attorney removed by Trump after less than an hour last July reinstated following judicial injunction, Free and cheap, Whatcom County announces flood preparedness week (run sometime week of Oct. 5th), Public invited to Port of Bellingham open house (Oct 29), Bellingham considers changes in code, Crud comes early, Bellingham Bird Week (Air OCT 5), Library closed Oct 8, WA leaders push back against Canadian pipeline, F&C Oct 10 Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, October 2nd. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Lummi man pleads guilty to ownership of illegal firearms and shooting two bald eagles In U.S. District Court Seattle on Thursday, 39‑year‑old Lummi Nation man Joel David Ridley pled guilty of killing two bald eagles. He was arrested last February after Lummi Nation Police responded to gunfire and found a dead eagle in his SUV. Court records say a witness on the Lummi Reservation heard two shots and saw someone pick an eagle up off the ground. Moments later, another eagle fell from a tree on the witness’ property, badly injured. Officers later found Ridley’s SUV nearby, with a dead eagle inside, then arrested him. A search warrant turned up a .22‑caliber rifle. Ridley is barred from possessing firearms because of a 2003 first‑degree assault conviction in Whatcom County. Ridley faces up to 15 years in prison for unlawful firearm possession and up to a year for each eagle killed. STORY: Bellingham-based healthcare provider formally names interim CEO to long-term positionUnity Care NW has named Bonnie Ross as its new CEO, effective October 5th. Ross joined the Bellingham health system in 2021 as chief financial and compliance officer and has served as interim CEO since June. She previously led a rural community health center in Oregon and has 20 years of experience in health care finance and operations. Ross succeeds Jodi Joyce, who retired in June after six years as CEO. During Joyce’s tenure, Unity Care NW expanded to nearly 25,000 patients a year and opened the Way Station Health and Hygiene Center. STORY: Bellingham mayor to address city’s response to recent ICE activity Bellingham mayor, Kim Lund, will speak next week about the city’s response to ICE enforcement. She’s giving a presentation titled “Protecting the Rights and Dignity of All,” focusing on how Bellingham is addressing ICE overreach. Organizers note Whatcom County has the highest per‑capita rate of ICE detentions in Washington. Indivisible Bellingham says her talk will headline its All Hands meeting, which has been shifted to Tuesday at 7pm at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship at 1207 Ellsworth St. A Q&A will follow. The event is free and open to the public. STORY: Fairhaven sidewalks under repair Sidewalk and street-tree work is about to get underway in Fairhaven. Crews begin work Monday on the 1100 block of 11th Street in Fairhaven. Crews will repair sidewalk tripping hazards, replace dead or damaging trees, and enlarge some tree wells to give them room to grow. The project is expected to take about two weeks Businesses will remain accessible, but on-street parking will be limited during construction. New trees will be planted after the work is complete. STORY: Mount Baker Ski Area staff gear up for potentially historic season amid Super El Nino conditionsMount Baker Ski Area is preparing for what could be a big snow season. Season passes go on sale tomorrow at 7am, with an online waiting room opening at 6am. General Manager Mike Trowbridge says snowfall patterns from past strong Niños suggest the area could see hundreds of inches of snow this season. Meanwhile, WSDOT crews will close part of Mount Baker Highway Monday and Tuesday, October 5th and 6th, from 7:30am to 4pm. The closure will be between Silver Fir Campground and Heather Meadows for seasonal road preparation. STORY: Blaine-based cookie restaurant to celebrate grand opening of Bellingham location this weekendBlaine-based Chewzy Cookies will open a store in Bellingham this weekend. The new drive-thru location will hold its grand opening tomorrow at 1259 Barkley Blvd across the street from Lowe’s. The shop will offer free cookie samples all day, with more than a dozen varieties, including gluten-free options. Chewzy Cookies says they will also serve Dirty Sodas, energy drinks, and coffee made with locally roasted organic beans. STORY: Western WA U.S. attorney removed by Trump after less than an hour last July reinstated following judicial injunction A federal judge has stepped in to reverse a sudden shake‑up in Washington’s top federal prosecutor’s office. Roger Rogoff was dismissed less than an hour after being sworn in as the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington, even though federal judges had appointed him to the job after it sat vacant. UPI reports that Judge Stanley Bastian [BAST-yin] ruled that a court‑appointed U.S. attorney cannot be removed unilaterally, saying Rogoff has been the rightful officeholder since July 15th. He ordered Rogoff reinstated until the Senate confirms a replacement. Trump has nominated Simon Peter Serrano for the position. The Justice Department says it will appeal and seek to pause the ruling immediately. STORY: Free and cheap 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. Bluegrass First Fridays returns to Stones Throw Brewery at 1009 Larrabee Ave in Fairhaven tonight from 6 to 8pm. Admission is free. Allied Arts opens a new free exhibition today at its 1213 Cornwall Avenue gallery, featuring painting, jewelry, and woodburning inspired by nature and story. There’s a reception tonight from 6 to 9pm with live music. Exhibit hours are 11 to 4pm Saturday and …
October 1, 2026 News Transcript
WA minimum wage to rise to nearly $18 an hour next year, Bellingham Bay closes for recreational shellfish harvesting after spike in biotoxin detected, New mixed-use building proposed on site of former Terminal Building in Fairhaven, Election Logic and Accuracy Test, WHCS publishes recommended list of fall vaccinations, Whatcom outdoor burn ban lifted, Local man launches nonprofit supporting local children, Library use spikes in WA, locally, Whatcom County announces flood preparedness week (run sometime week of Oct. 5th) Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, October, 1. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: WA minimum wage to rise to nearly $18 an hour next year A statewide minimum‑wage increase next year will push Bellingham’s rate to nearly twenty dollars an hour. Washington’s minimum wage will rise to $17.73 on January 1st. The State Department of Labor and Industries says the change happens automatically each year through an inflation adjustment. A voter‑approved rule keeping Bellingham’s wage two dollars above the state rate will push it to $19.73 at the start of 2027. The rule applies to all hours worked inside Bellingham city limits, regardless of employer size. City officials say the annual adjustment is meant to keep wages in step with rising costs and provide predictability for workers and businesses. STORY: Bellingham Bay closes for recreational shellfish harvesting after spike in biotoxin detected Part of Bellingham Bay is closed for shellfish harvesting. Whatcom County Health and Community Services says the closure covers all recreational harvest of clams, mussels, oysters and scallops. The Washington State Department of Health ordered the shutdown after detecting unsafe levels of a naturally occurring marine toxin that can cause numbness, tingling and, in severe cases, death. The closure also applies to Chuckanut Bay and all of Larrabee State Park. Health officials say people should check state and county advisories before collecting any shellfish. STORY: New mixed-use building proposed on site of former Terminal Building in Fairhaven A new development is being proposed for the former Terminal Building site in Fairhaven. Cascadia Daily News reports the Kenoyer family and their investors bought the lot at Harris and 11th last July for $850,000. Project lead Jess Kenoyer says they’re planning a three‑story mixed‑use building with commercial space on the ground floor, offices on the second level and apartments on top. The proposal would bring new activity to a corner that’s been empty since the old Terminal Building was demolished. The development team is holding an online neighborhood meeting today to share details and take questions. People who live or work nearby were notified directly about how to join. STORY: Election Logic and Accuracy Test Whatcom County will test its voting equipment before the November election. The Logic and Accuracy test is scheduled for October 5th at 10 a.m. The Auditor’s Office uses the test to confirm the voting system counts ballots correctly and that every contest and ballot style is programmed as expected. Election staff will scan a stack of test ballots with a known outcome and make sure the system reports the same results. They also check that ballots are read properly, that tabulation settings match the ballot design, and that no contests are missing. The test will take place in the Election Center inside the Whatcom County Courthouse. Observers are welcome. STORY: WHCS publishes recommended list of fall vaccinations It’s time to get vaccinated for flu, COVID and RSV. Whatcom County Health and Community Services says Washington is already seeing positive flu tests, a sign the season may start early. Officials warn that flu, COVID and RSV often circulate at the same time, and getting vaccinated now gives your body time to build protection before cases rise. The updated COVID‑19 vaccine is designed to better match the strains expected this fall. RSV vaccines and antibody treatments are available for older adults, pregnant people and young children — the groups most at risk for severe illness. Vaccines are free for everyone under 19, and most insurance plans cover them for adults. The county notes that uninsured adults can still get recommended vaccines at no cost through state programs. Health officials say the best time to get vaccinated is now, before viruses start spreading widely. STORY: Whatcom outdoor burn ban lifted The burn ban has been lifted in unincorporated Whatcom County. The Fire Marshal’s Office said the start of seasonal rains have increased the overall moisture level. That means small recreational fires less than 3 feet wide and 2 feet high are allowed. Larger fires still require a permit. A permanent ban on open burning remains in effect inside all cities and Urban Growth Areas across Whatcom County, where local rules prohibit burning year‑round. Officials say residents should double‑check local regulations before burning. STORY: Local man launches nonprofit supporting local children Bellingham’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year has turned years of service into a new nonprofit supporting local children and teens. Longtime school volunteer Naaman Hinton has launched Naaman’s Necessities, a new nonprofit focused on providing backpacks filled with essential items to kids experiencing homelessness, living in foster care or facing limited resources. Hinton is known for volunteering weekly at more than 15 Bellingham schools — work that connected him with students, educators and families across the district. Those relationships inspired the nonprofit’s mission and highlighted how many young people need basic support. A small launch celebration is planned for October 3rd from 2 to 5 p.m. at Stemma West. Admission is free, with music, raffles and family‑friendly activities. More information and RSVPs are available at naamansnecessities.org. STORY: WA insurance commissioner fines two major insurance companies a combined $230,000 Washington is taking action against two major insurers. The Insurance Commissioner’s Office has fined USAA $140,000 for unfair or deceptive auto‑claim practices. The violations include slow responses, missed deadlines, and failing to include required taxes and fees in settlements. It has also fined Allstate $90,000 for claim‑handling violations. The office says Allstate failed to clearly explain to customers why their premiums were increasing. Updated minimum claim‑handling …
