Three sentenced in child fentanyl death, Full closure of Electric Avenue bridge beginning today, projected to last until the 20th, Other road closures, Birchwood Food Desert Fighters nearing goal of owning and operating food delivery truck, Bellingham waterfront climbing gym and housing project announces construction timeline, Authorities offering cash reward for information leading to arrest of suspect in August’s Concrete fire, Lynden School Board petitioning for review of policies regarding transgender inclusion in school sports, 100 complaints of sex abuse against state juvenile detention centers filed Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, September 9th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Three sentenced in child fentanyl death Three Whatcom County adults have been sentenced in the fentanyl-related death of a child. Cody Curtis Craig, Michael Wayne Doane, and Melissa Ann Welch pled guilty to charges related to the death of Welch’s and Doane’s 5-year-old daughter in March 2023 and were recently sentenced in Whatcom County Superior Court. Craig was found guilty of unlawful delivery of controlled substances and sentenced to 30 months in prison (served concurrently) and 12 months of community custody. Michael Wayne Doane was found guilty of 2nd-degree manslaughter, and sentenced to 48 months in prison and 18 months of community custody. Melissa Ann Welch was also found guilty of 2nd-degree manslaughter. She was sentenced to 48 months in prison and 18 months of community custody. All three were originally charged with 1st-degree murder after the death of the child was investigated by Ferndale Police on March 8th. STORY: Full closure of Electric Avenue bridge beginning today, projected to last until the 20th Starting Monday the Electric Avenue bridge over Lake Whatcom will be closed while the road is reinforced to allow for travel on both traffic lanes. According to the the city of Bellingham website, Woburn Street will be the north-south detour route during the closure, which will last from Monday until September 20th. Bicycle and pedestrian access will be limited during construction hours. According to the city of Bellingham, the sidewalk will stay open for pedestrians outside of construction hours on evenings and weekends About 10,500 cars and trucks cross the bridge daily, according to a city of Bellingham traffic count from last year. In June, city officials identified “critical structural failures” during an inspection of the bridge which led to its closure for several days. Plans for reconstruction of the bridge are included in the city’s five-year transportation plan for 2024-2029. STORY: Other road closures In other road closure news, the Washington State Department of Transportation has scheduled fish passage rehabilitation work on the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) from now till Friday. A section of the highway at Olson Creek near Ranger Station Road will be closed to all traffic. Also starting today, the intersection at Northwest Avenue and West Illinois Street in Bellingham will be closed again– this time for a week, including the sidewalks. A detour is in place, and travelers are advised to use caution. For more information, visit the West Illinois Street Multimodal project page. STORY: Birchwood Food Desert Fighters nearing goal of owning and operating food delivery truck The Birchwood Food Desert Fighters, a group addressing food insecurity in Bellingham’s Birchwood neighborhood, has announced they are seeking community funding to support a newly donated food truck. Formed in 2016 after the closure of the neighborhood’s only grocery store, the group organizes food distribution and garden-sharing networks, delivering 1 to 1.5 tons of food weekly to 100-150 households. According to recent reporting by the Bellingham Herald, the Ferndale Food Bank donated a truck to the Food Desert Fighters, which means they no longer have to use multiple cars for food deliveries, however, now the group is trying to raise about $4,500 on GoFundMe for insurance, maintenance, and other expenses. Albertsons was recently forced to remove a non-compete clause that prevented other grocery stores from opening in the area, however members of the BFDF emphasize that their efforts to ensure access to quality, culturally appropriate food for residents who face economic challenges continue to be vital. STORY: Bellingham waterfront climbing gym and housing project announces construction timeline A multi-story, 45,000-square-foot climbing gym and housing project is set to begin construction in downtown Bellingham next spring. According to a recent release, The Chalkboard will be Bellingham’s first large rope climbing facility and will feature 55-foot-tall climbing walls, bouldering areas, a fitness and training area, yoga studio, and community spaces with rooftop views. In addition to the gym, the development will include 36 market-rate apartments, known as the Arête (AR-ett) Lofts. According to the release, the gym has been developed by Gabe Rogel, will emphasize community, and will offer classes, youth programs, competitions, and events. Rogel says he envisions the space as a place for personal growth, connection, and adventure. The building is expected to be completed by winter 2026-27 and will be located at 315 West Holly Street, across from the Old Town Cafe. STORY: Authorities offering cash reward for information leading to arrest of suspect in August’s Concrete fire Law enforcement is offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Jason Birman, a suspect in an August 9 homicide near Concrete. Birman, a 50-year-old man, is wanted for questioning in the deaths of his wife, Erin Birman, her son, Taylor Dawson, and Taylor’s girlfriend, Jillian Whitney Van Boven. All three were killed by gunshots before a fire destroyed their residence. He is known to frequent Whatcom County and may be driving a blue 1994 Chevrolet pickup truck (license plate C67636L). Anyone with information should contact the U.S. Marshals or Crime Stoppers. If encountered, call 911 immediately and do not approach. STORY: Lynden School Board petitioning for review of policies regarding transgender inclusion in school sports Lynden School Board members have approved letters that urge legislators and the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) to review current law and policies regarding transgender athletes. Current WIAA guidelines state that any trans, non-binary or other gender-diverse student …
KMRE NEWS Transcripts
September 6, 2024 News Transcript
Family seeking information on whereabouts of missing man last seen in Bellingham, Whatcom County man arrested and charged with two counts of child molestation, Confirmed rabies specimen found in Whatcom County, State program for low-cost EV purchase doing great, Free and cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, September 6th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Family seeking information on whereabouts of missing man last seen in Bellingham Family and friends are asking for help to find a missing man who was last seen in Bellingham. According to a report by BPD, 44-year-old Timothy Noland is currently unhoused and was last seen in late June. Police note that he is reportedly nonviolent, but will likely avoid contact with law enforcement. Noland is a white male, 5-feet-10, 165 pounds, with brown hair and eyes. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the Bellingham Police Department. STORY: Whatcom County man arrested and charged with two counts of child molestation A 60-year-old man has been arrested in Whatcom County and charged with two counts of first-degree child molestation involving a child under age 12. Charges against Michael Stewart Nault were filed last Wednesday in Whatcom Superior Court and are considered class A felonies related to domestic violence. Nault is currently being held in Whatcom County Jail without bail. STORY: Confirmed rabies specimen found in Whatcom County The county’s first confirmed case of rabies this year has been found. A bat tested positive for the highly contagious disease after being sent to the state public health lab. Bats are the primary vector of rabies and between 3-10% of bats tested are found positive for the infection in Washington state. Infection can occur when people are bitten or come in contact with an infected animal’s saliva through a break in their skin. The disease is 100% preventable in humans with prompt medical care, however once symptoms appear the disease is almost always fatal. Anyone who has come in close contact with or been bitten or scratched by a bat should immediately clean the area with soap and water and call their health care provider as well as Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS). If possible, safely capture the bat using protective equipment or call Whatcom Humane Society’s Animal Control for assistance. Otherwise, bats are a protected species in Washington state and should be left alone. STORY: State program for low-cost EV purchase doing great A rebate program for electric vehicles leased or purchased in Washington state is exceeding expectations. The program is designed to get rebates to low- and middle-income families who are looking to purchase an EV. EV AUDIO STORY: Heat advisory and cooling centers The heat wave across Western Washington is sending wildfire smoke across the county. According to the National Weather Service, a “thermal trough” is to blame for our air quality, since it is carrying smoke from the Ruby Fire, and others, over the Bellingham area. Temperatures are expected to begin dropping in Bellingham, but daytime highs in the mid-to-upper 80s are expected in the inland areas of the county. A heat advisory is in effect for Whatcom and Skagit Counties until 11 p.m. tonight, with temperatures expected to reach the 80s to low 90s, according to the National Weather Service. People sensitive to heat should be cautious of heat-related illnesses, stay hydrated, and take breaks in air-conditioned areas. Cooling centers in Whatcom County include the WTA Station in Downtown Bellingham, Lynden Community and Senior Center, Ferndale City Hall, Pioneer Pavilion, East Whatcom Regional Resource Center, and all Whatcom County libraries. If someone shows signs of heat stroke, please call 911. STORY: Free and cheap Here’s a few free and cheap activities to enjoy this weekend: It is the first Friday of the month, which means Downtown Bellingham’s First Friday celebrations return this evening! Starting at 6pm and running until 10pm, dozens of businesses will host artists, feature signature dishes, showcase live music, and much more. Digital maps with participating venues can be found on the Downtown Bellingham website. For another fun and family-friendly activity, check out Griffintown Park in Ferndale for the Chalk Art Festival tomorrow. The festival is free and takes place from 11am to 2pm. Full details can be found on the Ferndale Arts Commission Facebook Page. Afterwards, those 21 and up can enjoy an evening of whiskey tasting in downtown Lynden. Purchase of a Whiskey Walk ticket will give attendees 5 tasting tokens that can be used on a wide selection of whiskeys from participating distilleries. Musicians will be performing on the Main Stage accompanied by the Overflow Taps Beer Garden as well as surrounding restaurants throughout the day and night. Festivities begin at 4pm and end at 10. Tickets can be found on the Lynden Whiskey event website. WX: I’M WALKIN’ ON SUNSHINE, WHO-OAAAAA (PS: IT STILL DON’T FEEL GOOD) And now weather: Nothing but sunshine! Expect hazy smoke to drift in from nearby wildfires, helped along by mild westward winds. Nighttime will cool down to the upper 50s. The weekend is expected to cool down a bit, with temperatures in the 70s expected by Sunday. The sun ought to stay throughout. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman (COOL-mun), Carlee Schram (CAR-lee SHRAM), Tristan Trudell, Kyler Cantrell, Anna Vickers, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Paloma Ortiz, Anna Hedrick, and Miguel Garduño (MEE-gel gar-DOO-ño). Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p.m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by your donations. Check out our Patreon page or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _David Korb_______________… thanks for listening. ##
September 5, 2024 News Transcript
Whatcom County heat wave underway, could push temperatures into the 90s, Early Learning Center opens at Bellingham Public Schools district office, Port of Bellingham receives $2.8 million grant to electrify shipping terminal, Whatcom County undersheriff placed on paid leave while under investigation, Coalitions of farmers and truckers petitioning state Supreme Court to take up fuel exemptions case, State program for low-cost EV purchase doing great Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, September 5th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom County heat wave underway, could push temperatures into the 90s Whatcom county residents could see temperatures hit 90 degrees today as a brief heat wave is sending temperatures far above the norm for late summer, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service in Seattle Meteorologists issued a heat advisory for today in Western Washington, saying the weather poses a “moderate” risk for heat-related illness. Luckily the heat wave is expected to break tomorrow for many Whatcom residents, with daytime highs falling to around 80 or lower close to Bellingham Bay. Normal high temperatures for early September in Bellingham are around 70 degrees. STORY: Early Learning Center opens at Bellingham Public Schools district office Bellingham public schools’ new Early Learning Center welcomed its first group of students on Tuesday. The center was funded by $32 million in bonds that were passed in 2013 and 2022 and hosts two new classrooms that can accommodate 40 children ages 3 and 4. Ten of the 40 slots are reserved for children of district staff as well as children of teen parents who graduated from the Graduation, Reality, and Dual-role Skills (GRAD) program within the district. The rest are available to children who qualify for the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP). ECEAP is a state-run program that provides funding to child care facilities to support families that are low-income or experience environmental factors such as homelessness, family violence, chemical dependency, or incarceration. Children with developmental delays or other special needs can also qualify. The center still has room for more students and the district is reaching out to families who qualify for ECEAP to fill open spots in the next few months. STORY: Port of Bellingham receives $2.8 million grant to electrify shipping terminal Washington has awarded Port Electrification Grants to 11 authorities across the state, including the Port of Bellingham. The port will receive nearly $3 million for the construction of shore power–– which allows ships to plug into an electrical grid when docked instead of using their diesel-powered engines. According to the Port, turning off the engines of docked ships will result in lower noise levels and reduced carbon emissions coming from the terminal. The port’s electrification is expected to be finalized by 2026. STORY: Port of Bellingham becomes one of six in state to receive Green Marine environmental certification In related news, the Port has earned a Green Marine certification, becoming one of six ports in Washington to achieve this recognition for sustainability efforts. The port’s Sustainability Manager, Adrienne Douglass-Scott, noted that achieving the certification involved rigorous self and third-party evaluations, and a focus on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, improving aquatic ecosystems, and reducing community exposure to port activities. The port received scores in various categories like environmental stewardship and monitoring regulations, which will now serve as benchmarks for continuous improvement. STORY: Whatcom County undersheriff placed on paid leave while under investigation The Whatcom County undersheriff is on paid leave due to an investigation into allegations against him. According to a statement by Sheriff Donnell Tanksley, the investigation into the allegations against Steve Harris is being conducted by an independent investigator. Tanksley said that it is standard practice for law enforcement agencies to quote “place employees on administrative leave while an investigation into allegations of potential misconduct are being completed” unquote. Tanksley added that the allegations are not criminal in nature, but did not go into specifics. Harris was promoted from the Sheriff’s Office last December after thirty years of service. STORY: Whatcom County hires interim medical examiner following improper storage of bodies Whatcom County has announced it will hire an interim medical examiner next week. Aldo Fusaro, the Deputy Medical Examiner for the Montana State Medical Examiner’s Office, will fill the position on the heels of an independent investigation into the improper storage of two bodies. Former examiner Allison Hunt was let go after the situation came to light. Hunt Forensics’ contract with the county will be terminated once Fusaro is officially approved by the county medical society, sheriff and county council next Tuesday. The County says Fusaro will split his time between Whatcom County and his current duties in Montana, noting that autopsies will be performed by local pathologists whenever Fusaro is out of town. STORY: Coalitions of farmers and truckers petitioning state Supreme Court to take up fuel exemptions case The Washington Farm Bureau and the Washington Trucking Association are appealing a lower court ruling in an attempt to revisit agricultural fuel exemptions. Farmers and truckers claim they have been unfairly charged surcharges on fuel that should be exempt under Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The exemption process, meant to provide some tax relief for the agricultural, maritime, and aviation sectors, has been criticized as cumbersome and faulty since the program’s launch. The state says it has tried to help address the issue when it created a workgroup, issued new guidance, and allocated $30 million in rebates. However, the Farm Bureau and Trucking Association argue the measures are insufficient. They are now appealing to the state Supreme Court for intervention, and assert that without judicial action, the financial burden on agriculture will continue. There is no set timeline for the court to decide whether to hear the case. STORY: State program for low-cost EV purchase doing great A rebate program for electric vehicles leased or purchased in Washington state is exceeding expectations. The program is designed to get rebates to low and middle income families looking for an EV. EV …
September 4, 2024 News Transcript
Whatcom County judge rules against ballot measure that would repeal taxes meant to fund child care programs, Port of Bellingham receives $2.8 million grant to electrify shipping terminal, Bellingham couple donates 7.5 acres of undeveloped land for expansion of public parks, Bellingham School District program aiding special needs students with transitioning out of high school, State AG petitions Whatcom County judge for involuntary civil commitment of sex offender, State AG petitions Whatcom County judge for involuntary civil commitment of sex offender, Public Works dept to hold water rights education session September 23rd, Lynnwood light rail opens Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, September 4th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom County judge rules against ballot measure that would repeal taxes meant to fund child care programs A Whatcom County judge has ruled that the initiative to repeal the Healthy Children’s tax will not be on the November 5th ballot. Yesterday, Superior Court Judge Lee Grochmal stated the initiative to repeal Proposition 5 violates the contracts clause of the Washington Constitution. In his ruling, Grochmal said quote “This is not an action that can be repealed by initiative” unquote. According to Whatcom County officials, contracts to spend funds that were created by Proposition 5 have already been signed. Proposition 5, which passed by 20 votes in 2022, charges property owners almost 17 cents for every $1,000 of assessed valuation, and raises an estimated $10 million annually for child care. STORY: Port of Bellingham receives $2.8 million grant to electrify shipping terminal Washington has awarded Port Electrification Grants to 11 authorities across the state, including the Port of Bellingham. The port will receive nearly $3 million for the construction of shore power–– which allows ships to plug into an electrical grid when docked instead of using their diesel-powered engines. According to the Port, turning off the engines of docked ships will result in lower noise levels and reduced carbon emissions coming from the terminal. The port’s electrification is expected to be finalized by 2026. STORY: Bellingham couple donates 7.5 acres of undeveloped land for expansion of public parks A couple is donating two undeveloped properties worth a combined $680,000 to the City of Bellingham. The City Council unanimously accepted Carol and David Robinson’s offer at their meeting on Monday. Parks and Recreation Department Director Nicole Oliver told the City Council it was “a very generous donation.” The properties will add 7 ½ acres of permanent open space to two different parks. One next to the Connelly Creek Nature Area in Happy Valley and the other near Arroyo Park in the South neighborhood. Both sites are zoned for single-family homes, but the couple sought a permanent deed restriction that limits the use of the land to parks and open space, according to documents on the City of Bellingham’s website. STORY: Bellingham School District program aiding special needs students with transitioning out of high school A Bellingham program that helps young people with disabilities gain job experience and life skills after high school is gaining broader attention. The Bellingham Public Schools’ Community Transitions program helps students learn independent living skills, apply for college, and practice job readiness through tasks like stocking shelves at a local grocery store. Participants work towards a diploma over three years, and build a plan for life post-graduation. The program’s success has attracted interest from other districts, but proponents of the effort say funding remains a challenge statewide. A federal appeals court ruled earlier this year that Washington schools must provide services to students with disabilities until they turn 22. Districts around the state are in the process of rolling out more school-to-work programs, which allow students to start working before they leave the school system. According to state-wide data, students who go through a school-to-work program often have much better outcomes than those who don’t. However, advocates say access to these services varies by district, and funding remains a significant issue. STORY: State AG petitions Whatcom County judge for involuntary civil commitment of sex offender The Attorney General’s office is petitioning a Whatcom County judge to commit a 38-year-old man to the Washington penitentiary for sexually violent predators. Jack Unick (OOO-nick) is set to be released from prison tomorrow, and was convicted of multiple charges in 2014–– including two counts of first-degree attempted kidnapping with sexual motivation and one count of harassment. The conviction came after four separate incidents the year before, where he tried to kidnap three children and attacked a 24-year-old woman. The Attorney General’s office argues that Unick presents a quote “well above average risk” unquote to the community, and that he is highly likely to reoffend. The Whatcom County judge will now determine if the allegations against Unick are enough to confine him to the Special Commitment Center at McNeil Island Penitentiary prior to trial, where the jury will determine if his detainment should continue. STORY: Public Works dept to hold water rights education session September 23rd A water rights educational session for residential well users will be held on Monday, September 23 at Pioneer Pavilion in Ferndale. Whatcom County Public Works says the event aims to help residents understand and prepare for the upcoming water rights adjudication process, which will affect about 30,000 people in the region. The two-hour session will cover Washington state water rights law and provide resources, followed by a Q&A session. The adjudication process, initiated by the Department of Ecology, will determine the legality, usage limits, and priority of water rights in the Nooksack Basin and surrounding areas. It is expected to significantly impact residential well users, tribes, farmers, local governments, and state and federal agencies. The event will be recorded and made available online for those unable to attend. Registration is encouraged. STORY: Lynnwood light rail opens The Lynnwood Link light rail extension is now open to the public. The rail line is part of Sound Transit’s expansion and connects King and Snohomish counties. The 8.5-mile extension adds four new transit stations: two in …
September 3, 2024 News Transcript
Blaine man pleads not guilty to attempted murder charge, Missing hiker found alive in North Cascades, Bellingham installs 14 bike lockers downtown, expected to be available for use later this week, BP’s Cherry Point refinery to begin converting crops and municipal waste into jet fuel, Plan finalized to cull WA’s invasive barred owl population Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, September 3rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Blaine man pleads not guilty to attempted murder charge A Blaine man pleaded not guilty to attempted murder last week. 43-year-old Clayton DuBois (do BWAH) was arrested on the morning of August 20th, when he dropped a bloody woman off at St. Joseph Medical Center and then tried to leave. The woman, who is DuBois’s ex-fiancée, had multiple injuries ranging from facial fractures to broken ribs. During the investigation, DuBois admitted to using meth, marijuana and tequila, and said he hit the victim twice with two propane tanks after she had quote “put a spell on him” unquote. Police officers who searched DuBois’s residence found a pool of blood near a propane tank, as well as firearms. DuBois remains in custody at the Whatcom County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 25th. The victim was transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for further treatment. STORY: Missing hiker found alive in North Cascades A hiker who went missing in the North Cascades over a month ago was found alive last Friday. 39-year-old Robert Schock had been seen last on July 31st hiking the Chilliwack River Trail with his dog Freddy. He was reported missing by his mother Jan Thompson on August 5th after Freddy was found by a forest ranger wandering the trail alone the day before. According to Thompson, a trail crew heard Schock yelling for help last Friday and were able to transport him via helicopter to United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley. Despite being weak from malnourishment, Schock was uninjured. Schock’s parents, who live in North Carolina, told Cascadia Daily News that they are giving him time to recover in the hospital before flying out to see him. Schock, who previously lived in Mount Vernon, frequently visited the area to camp. The Chilliwack River Trail begins about 5 miles after the Hannegan Pass Trailhead when the trail forks to the right. About five miles after the fork is a river crossing with no bridge where hikers are encouraged to use the available hand-pulled cable car. According to Thompson, Schock became confused and disorientated because parts of the trail had changed and been closed due to wildfire. Thompson said she was surprised and relieved to hear that her son had been found, and awaits Schock’s recovery to find out how he survived without provisions for a month. STORY: Bellingham installs 14 bike lockers downtown, expected to be available for use later this week Fourteen bike lockers have been installed in downtown Bellingham by the city’s public works team as part of an effort to provide safe and accessible bike storage. Six of the lockers are located at the Commercial Street Parking Garage, and the remaining eight are located next to the WTA’s Bellingham Station. The lockers, which can hold bikes, scooters and similarly-sized gear and related equipment, will cost 5 cents per hour for up to 10 days, and 12 cents per hour after time expires, with a $5 minimum transaction. In total, the city spent $44,000 on the lockers, as well as a $5,000 installation fee. The lockers should be operational by mid-to-late this week. STORY: BP’s Cherry Point refinery to begin converting crops and municipal waste into jet fuel BP’s Cherry Point oil refinery in Ferndale has received a $27 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to develop a sustainable aviation fuel program. The refinery will produce jet fuel from biomass feedstocks, including beef tallow, soybean oil, and used cooking oil. Washington U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, who advocated for the program through the Inflation Reduction Act, announced the grant on August 16th. BP plans to use the funding to build infrastructure and purchase equipment, and aims to produce 10 million gallons of sustainable jet fuel annually. The project is expected to create 96 jobs and supply airports in the Pacific Northwest via the Olympic Pipeline. STORY: Plan finalized to cull WA’s invasive barred owl population The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it will implement a controversial plan to kill tens of thousands of barred owls in Washington, Oregon, and California to protect the threatened northern spotted owl. The barred owl, an invasive species in the Pacific Northwest, competes with the spotted owl for habitat and food and is a key factor in the latter’s population decline. The plan involves shooting or euthanizing barred owls in specific areas, with the earliest removals expected in 2025. Animal welfare groups criticize the plan as inhumane and ineffective. The program is voluntary for landowners and agencies and aims to remove up to 15,600 barred owls per year over 30 years. STORY: WA set to eliminate the bar exam for attorneys Washington state is set to make the bar exam optional for law licensure, potentially becoming the first state, alongside Oregon, to eliminate the requirement. The move follows a Washington Supreme Court ruling that argued the bar exam disproportionately restricts access for marginalized groups. Instead of the exam, alternative pathways to licensure will focus on real-world practice, such as completing skills credits and legal internships. The decision comes after years of discussion about the bar exam’s effectiveness. A task force found the exam to be only minimally effective in ensuring lawyer competence. Proponents argue the change will reduce barriers to entry for the legal profession and help address lawyer shortages in underserved areas. The American Bar Association and others are now supporting innovative licensing approaches. However, the shift also raises concerns about how new licensing methods will affect standards, lawyer mobility across states, and hiring practices. WX: Partly sunny And now for your Whatcom …
August 30, 2024 News Transcript
Whatcom County authorities searching for missing woman, Lynden man arrested on suspicion of rape, Batch of milk sold in Bellingham recalled due to possible E. coli contamination, Comments period open for Department of Transportation study on Skagit I-5 corridor, Mount Vernon school district reaches agreement with paraeducators’ union, announces school start date, WA receives more money for affordable housing, Free and cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, August 30th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Whatcom County authorities searching for missing woman Whatcom County authorities are asking the public to help find a missing woman. 31-year-old Shannon Freeman was last seen on August 24th in Bellingham. She is described as 5 foot 5 with auburn hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Bellingham Police Department or Freeman’s family. STORY: Lynden man arrested on suspicion of rape A Lynden man was arrested last week on suspicion of rape. 43-year-old Kylen Kleindel (kline- DELL) was booked into the Whatcom County Jail on August 22nd on suspicion of first-degree rape and burglary. According to an affidavit filed in County Superior Court, Kleindel entered a neighbor’s house through an unlocked door in the early hours of July 22nd. He then went to a family member’s bedroom, where he allegedly assaulted her. Kleindel posted $10,000 cash bail last Friday and was released from custody. His arraignment was scheduled for today. STORY: Batch of milk sold in Bellingham recalled due to possible E. coli contamination The Washington department of health has recalled a batch of Jim’s Jerseys raw milk due to infected E. Coli found during routine testing. The milk was sold at Bellingham’s Community Food Co-op as well as Cost Cutter in Blaine. Although there are no reports of illness from this batch of milk, Health officials advise that anyone who purchased Jim’s Jerseys with a best by date of August 23rd should return it for a refund. E. Coli is a bacterium normally found in the intestinal tract, but some strains are harmful. If you, or anyone you know purchased this milk and became sick, be sure to contact a health provider. STORY: Comments period open for Department of Transportation study on Skagit I-5 corridor The Washington State Department of Transportation is seeking public input on its study of a 9-mile section of Interstate 5 between Burlington and Mount Vernon in Skagit County. With Skagit County’s population expected to grow by 46,000 over the next 20 years, WSDOT (WASH-dot) says the study helps plan for the future of regional transportation. The study highlights concern about congestion, crashes, and barriers to pedestrian and cycling connectivity. In the next phase, WSDOT will collaborate with local governments and agencies to develop solutions. Public comments are due by September 27. STORY: Mount Vernon school district reaches agreement with paraeducators’ union, announces school start date The Mount Vernon School District has reached an agreement with its paraeducators union. The deal was announced yesterday afternoon, with classes set to resume next Tuesday. The district says classes are not starting today in order to honor the ratification timeline with the union. Paraeducators had been in talks with the district over a new contract since April, with a salary increase being the main point of contention. STORY: WA receives more money for affordable housing Washington state will receive $8 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support rent subsidies for adults with disabilities. The funding will add 158 new subsidized rental units to the 132 already funded under Section 811 of HUD’s Project Rental Assistance program. The goal is to help adults with disabilities live independently by increasing housing options in existing or new properties. To qualify, residents must be 18-61 years old, have a disability, receive Medicaid, and have low income. The program also links tenants to support services. Washington, along with California and Oregon, received the highest grant amounts in this funding round. STORY: Covenant Homeownership Program launches The Covenant Homeownership Program has launched. The program aims to address racial disparities in homeownership by offering financial assistance to first-time homebuyers from specific minority groups. The program, which provides 0% interest loans for down payments and closing costs, is available to individuals with “deep roots” in the state, defined as those related to someone who lived in Washington before the 1968 Fair Housing Act. Eligibility is limited to applicants from minority groups with lower homeownership rates compared to white individuals and excluding some other groups due to insufficient data. The program is intended to counteract historical and ongoing discrimination, but it is not considered a formal reparation. Those interested in applying should call the Washington State Homeownership Hotline for free support. STORY: Free and cheap Here are some free and cheap activities to add to your weekend plans: Whatcom County Health and Community Services and Whatcom County Emergency Medical Services are hosting a free nasal naloxone distribution and education event today. The event will take place on the City Hall lawn from noon-6pm to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day. Whatcom County staff members will provide training on how to identify and respond to an overdose as well as how to administer nasal naloxone. Carrying naloxone can and does save lives. For more information visit the Whatcom Overdose Prevention website. The Port of Bellingham is hosting an Endless Summer Event tomorrow from 3-11pm in The Portal Container Village. Activities and attractions include the Circus Zone, a Portal Putt mini golf Tournament, Glitter Lyfe temporary tattoos, Plinko games, and live music from Miles Ebony and the Deep Cuts. Pre-registration is required to join the Portal Putt Tournament and information can be found on their Facebook page. Entrance is free. WX: Partly sunny And now weather: Expect a warm, sunny start to the weekend today with little cloud cover and temperatures in the mid to high 70s. Winds will be calm and westward for most of the day, with lows in the mid-50s tonight. …
August 28, 2024 News Transcript
Missing at-risk adult, Bellingham Fire Department searching for source of “sulphur-like odor,” across southside and downtown, City of Bellingham hiring for two full-time positions that will “support renters and property managers.” City of Bellingham hiring for two full-time positions that will “support renters and property managers.”, Former state auditor Troy Kelley disbarred by state Supreme Court, Hand recount in progress for WA Public Lands Commissioner, Local governments statewide collaborating to restore salmon habitats Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, August 28th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Missing at-risk adult The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding 35 year old Daniel Dahlquist, a missing vulnerable adult. Daniel was last seen around midnight yesterday near the 4300 block of Northwest Drive. He was wearing only underwear and a blanket, without shoes or a shirt. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s office. STORY: Bellingham Fire Department searching for source of “sulphur-like odor,” across southside and downtown According to a Bellingham Fire Department social media post, many Bellingham residents reported a sulfur-like odor last night. The smell was reported from the southside of Bellingham and throughout downtown, but it seems to have dissipated this morning. The Fire Department says they are actively investigating the incident in collaboration with Cascade Natural Gas. Updates will be posted on the Bellingham Fire Department Facebook page. STORY: City of Bellingham hiring for two full-time positions that will “support renters and property managers.” The City of Bellingham is hiring two full-time rental specialists, to enforce the Rental Registration and Safety Inspection Program. The City says the effort is designed to support both renters and property managers. The first position––a rental protection program specialist – will monitor compliance with inspections, as well as help tenants, property management companies, and landlords understand Bellingham’s rental rules. The position is salaried and advertises an annual pay range of between about 85-and-$103,000 dollars. The second position––the rental inspector – will inspect and monitor market rate and subsidized residential rental units to ensure compliance with safety inspections. The position will also evaluate structural, plumbing, mechanical, and other building systems according to city code. The position is paid hourly and advertises a starting rate of almost $33.00 an hour. The positions are funded by fee structure revisions made to the rental registration and safety inspection program in 2023. The additional inspector position will increase the number of city rental inspectors to 3. STORY: Former state auditor Troy Kelley disbarred by state Supreme Court Washington state’s highest court has disbarred former state auditor Troy Kelley. Last Thursday, in a unanimous decision, the state Supreme Court agreed with a recommendation from the state bar’s disciplinary board to disbar Kelley. The action follows a string of legal trouble for Kelley stemming from his real estate business dealings that date back to 2003. During Kelley’s successful campaign for auditor, his opponent brought attention to a 2009 lawsuit that alleged that Kelley failed to refund real estate fees to homebuyers while operating his escrow business named Post Closing Department. The publicity resulted in an investigation by the IRS and the FBI. According to testimony at his trial, the company collected between $120 and $140 from tens of thousands of escrow customers between 2003 and 2006. Kelley promised these services could be done for just $10 to $20. The remaining money was intended to cover county recording fees, and any money leftover at the end was supposed to be refunded. Prosecutors alleged that Kelly amassed more than $3 million in unrefunded fees, and that almost half of it was fraudulently retained by Kelley. Kelley was convicted of eight total felonies in 2018 and was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison, followed by a year of supervised release. According to Bureau of Prison records, began his sentence in July 2021, and was released in February of 2022. Kelley can no longer practice law in Washington state. STORY: Hand recount in progress for WA Public Lands Commissioner Election officials in Washington are conducting a hand recount of ballots in a closely contested race for public lands commissioner. Right now it is uncertain whether Dave Upthegrove or Sue Kuehl (CUE-ull) Pederson will face Republican Jaime Herrera Beutler (JAY-mee her-RARE-uh BUT-ler) in the November general election. The recount was triggered by a narrow 51-vote lead, and requires a hand count of ballots which are then compared to machine tallies. It’s the first primary election recount since 1960 and highlights the importance of voter participation in primary races. The recount will continue throughout the week, with general election ballots scheduled to be sent out starting October 18. STORY: Local governments statewide collaborating to restore salmon habitats Last week in an article on Medium, Governor Jay Inslee reviewed the latest steps that Washington state is taking to protect and restore salmon populations. Climate change poses a major threat, and rising water temperatures and diminishing snowpacks endanger salmon habitats. Inslee says the state’s aggressive emissions-reduction policies aim to mitigate these effects, and federal regulations are being implemented to reduce water temperatures in major rivers. Additionally, the extensive riparian restoration projects and pollution controls that Washington is enacting improve water quality, help address toxins, and create healthier habitats. According to the article, since a 2013 federal injunction, Washington has corrected 219 culverts, and opened hundreds of miles of habitat. The state’s Salmon Recovery Strategy, updated in 2021, outlines ongoing work across a wide coalition of stakeholders. In addition, the recently signed Columbia Basin Agreement, unites Tribes, northwestern states, the federal government and Canada in a 10-year partnership to improve salmon recovery and reduce reliance on dams. The Yakima (YAK-uh-ma) Basin Integrated Plan (YBIP) has also been successful at fish passage and habitat enhancement, and shows that collaboration can overcome resource disputes. Innslee says, while challenges remain, ongoing collaboration and substantial funding–– including federal dollars–– are helping Washington make significant strides toward salmon recovery. WX: Partly sunny And now for your Whatcom County …
August 27, 2024 News Transcript
First responders rescue driver after 50-foot fall of Mount Baker Highway, Search for missing climber in North Cascades National Park suspended after discovery of human remains next to tent, Newly christened Little Squalicum Pier could open by spring 2025, Whatcom County adding 1,600 acres to Stewart Mountain Community Forest, Whatcom homeless rate stays steady Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, August 27th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: First responders rescue driver after 50-foot fall of Mount Baker Highway First responders rescued an unconscious woman from a vehicle that had driven off the road and plummeted 50 feet off Mount Baker Highway, near milepost 51. According to Fire District 14 Chief Jerry DeBruin, rescuers were able to free the woman from her car and help her back up to the road using rope gear. District 19 also responded to the incident, according to DeBruin. The driver was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center but only suffered minor injuries. STORY: Search for missing climber in North Cascades National Park suspended after discovery of human remains next to tent The search for a climber who was reported missing on August 22nd has been suspended, after human remains were found next to his tent on Sunday. According to a missing person report from the National Park Service, 42-year-old Daniel Gabriel was climbing Mount Shuksan via the Fisher Chimneys route and was expected to return by August 23rd. He was reported missing to rangers last Thursday, the 22nd. While park officials continue to work to identify and recover the remains, incident commander for the search, James Page, said he is unable to say anything about the cause of death. Another missing hiker, 39-year-old Robert Shock, is still the subject of an ongoing search after being reported missing on August 5th. He was last seen at the 5-mile mark of the Chilliwack River Trail with his dog Freddy. Freddy was found on August 4th around the 8-mile mark by a forest ranger who brought the dog to Whatcom County Humane Society. Shock is 5-foot-10 with a muscular build. He has dark brown hair, a beard, and usually wears a baseball cap. He has blue eyes and olive skin. If you’ve seen Shock or have any information on his potential whereabouts, please call the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. STORY: Newly christened Little Squalicum Pier could open by spring 2025 The pier at Little Squalicum Park in north Bellingham Bay has finally been named. The City of Bellingham received more than 900 submissions from the public for the potential name of the pier. Submissions ranged from “Piery McPierface” to the “Pier of Subdued Excitement”. In the end, the city council opted for a more simple approach. The newly-named “Little Squalicum Pier” has been a top priority for the city for many years and is part of the Little Squalicum Park Master Plan adopted in 2010, the Shoreline Master Program, as well as the Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan. In a 2023 update to the plans, the city said that more access to the waterfront, in every form, has always been a desire of Bellingham residents. The pier could open as a pedestrian walkway by next Spring. STORY: Whatcom County adding 1,600 acres to Stewart Mountain Community Forest Whatcom County announced they will expand the Stewart Mountain Community Forest by 1,600 acres, thanks to a $3 million state grant. The County Council, acting as the Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors, approved the funding in a close 4-3 vote, along party lines. The expansion is part of a larger plan to increase the forest to 5,550 acres, with a total of 2,600 acres to be acquired in the second phase. The goal of the forest, established in 2022, is to protect the area while still allowing limited commercial logging. Home to diverse wildlife, the additional land will support long-term forest health, local jobs, and the production of high-quality wood products. At the County Council meeting last night, Councilmember Jon Scanlon, who voted in favor of the purchase, highlighted the environmental benefits, which includes improved water quality in Lake Whatcom and the Nooksack River. Speaking against the purchase, Councilmember Mark Stremler said that the County has much more pressing issues than maintaining logging roads, thinning forests, and keeping culverts open. Tyler Byrd, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler voted against the acquisition. The land will be managed by Whatcom County in partnership with organizations like the Whatcom Land Trust, the Evergreen Land Trust, and the Nooksack Indian Tribe. STORY: Whatcom homeless rate stays steady A new ‘snapshot in time’ report by Whatcom County Health and Community Services says that the rate of homelessness in Whatcom County seems steady. The report, produced in collaboration with the Opportunity Council, says that between 2023-24, the rate of people becoming homeless kept pace with the rate of people finding housing. The report says lack of affordable housing and low wages-compared-to-cost-of-living are the primary factors. According to the report, over half of the county’s renters are cost-burdened, putting them at higher risk of homelessness in case of financial emergencies. In addition, a record number of households sought housing services in 2023, but only about 20% received referrals due to a shortage of affordable housing due to the lack of available resources, leading to many eligible households being denied assistance. Although the Point-in-Time-Count is traditionally used to track trends, it has limitations in accurately counting unsheltered homelessness. This year’s report also utilizes Housing Pool data to estimate and describe unsheltered homelessness, which is considered more reliable. The report also emphasizes the need for increased investment in homelessness prevention services, affordable housing, and service-enriched shelter beds. WX: Partly sunny And now for your Whatcom County weather: Today’s weather will see sunny skies in the afternoon. Daytime highs will be in the mid-60s, with calm southwestern winds, and a nighttime low right around 50. Tomorrow– expect to see a return to warm sunshine, with highs getting back up to around 70. …
August 19, 2024 News Transcript
Cyclist fatally struck by train in Ferndale, Motorcycle t-bones car in Ferndale, killing one and hospitalizing three, Bellingham PD investigating road rage incident that led to shooting, Bellingham to add 90 electric vehicle charging ports across 26 new stations, Mount Vernon Police identify victims in last week’s house fire; suspect still at large, WA ferry workers demanding 20% raise Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, August 19th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Cyclist fatally struck by train in Ferndale A cyclist was fatally struck by a train last Saturday in Ferndale. According to a news release by the Ferndale Police Department, the cyclist was riding south through a railroad crossing on Hovander Road in Ferndale when they hit a railroad crossing bar, sending them into the path of a train which struck and killed them around 2 pm. The victim’s identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin. STORY: Motorcycle t-bones car in Ferndale, killing one and hospitalizing three First responders were dispatched to the South Bound Lanes of I-5 last Friday when a motorcycle t-boned a vehicle. According to the initial investigation – the vehicle, a 2005 Pontiac GTO coupe, had reportedly lost control while entering southbound I-5 at the Portal Way Interchange where it struck the left barrier. This is when the motorcycle – a 2006 Yamaha FJR1300 – was unable to stop and struck the vehicle, sending the cyclist about 100 feet from the crash. The vehicle’s occupants, two 20-year-old men and an 18-year-old woman, survived the crash and were transported to the hospital by ambulance.The motorcyclist – a 47-year-old Blaine man – was transported to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition, where he later succumbed to injuries. According to recent reporting by Whatcom news, drugs and – or alcohol were determined to be involved as a cause for the Pontiac’s initial crash into the barrier. The driver – 20-year-old Collin Rene Cayo of Bellingham – has been booked into Whatcom County Jail on suspicion of vehicular assault. The charge is likely to be upgraded to vehicular Homicide. STORY: Bellingham PD investigating road rage incident that led to shooting A road rage incident over the weekend resulted in a man being shot. According to the Bellingham Police Department, the incident took place around 9 a.m. yesterday. The victim of the shooting drove himself to the hospital where he is currently undergoing treatment. A social media post by the BPD stated that the incident involved a green Ford Explorer and a silver Honda sedan, and took place at the intersection of Iowa St. and Moore St. in the eastbound lanes. Police took a suspect into custody on a first-degree assault charge and a reckless endangerment charge. The Bellingham Investigations Division is still seeking information from anyone who witnessed the assault, and asks to be contacted through their tipline. STORY: Bellingham to add 90 electric vehicle charging ports across 26 new stations The city of Bellingham plans to install 26 new electric vehicle charging stations by the end of December. The city says the installations are a response to an increase in electric vehicles. According to the Washington State Department of Licensing, there are almost 3,2000 electric vehicles registered in Bellingham as of July of this year. That’s more than double the number of electric vehicles registered in the beginning of 2022. The new charging stations are also part of an effort to meet Bellingham’s climate action goals with a push on expanding electric vehicle infrastructure. The future locations of all 26 charging stations can be found on the city of Bellingham website; fourteen of which are already open for use. STORY: Mount Vernon Police identify victims in last week’s house fire; suspect still at large Mount Vernon Police have identified the three victims of a residential fire in Rockport, and say that gunshots contributed to their deaths. A news release issued by Skagit Valley Coroner on Saturday indicates that Erin Birman, 52; her son Taylor Dawson, 19; and Dawson’s girlfriend, Jillian Whitney Van Boven, 18 died either before or during the house fire on August 9th. A warrant has been issued for Birman’s husband, Jason M. Birman, 49, who is missing and wanted for three counts of second-degree murder. Law enforcement agencies, including the Mount Vernon Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are investigating the incident. Authorities are seeking public help in locating Jason Birman. Two GoFundMe fundraisers have been established to support Van Boven’s parents. STORY: WA ferry workers demanding 20% raise Washington State Ferry workers say they are overworked, underpaid, and burning out due to staffing shortages, and they’re tired of it. The Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association, which represents 400 ferry workers, says it is preparing for contentious contract negotiations, and seeking pay parity with their better-paid deck counterparts. In a recent interview Union Secretary-Treasurer Roland Rexha (REX-uh) highlighted the significant pay gap, with deck workers earning 19%-25% more, and stated that current compensation lags behind private sector opportunities. The union also reports severe understaffing, with 81,000 hours of overtime worked in 2023, contributing to widespread burnout. Staffing shortages have led to more than 3,500 canceled sailings in 2023, with almost half of the cancellations due to crew shortages. The union says it is pushing for better wages to address these issues, and cites similar successful negotiations with Staten Island Ferry. WX: Partly sunny And now for your Whatcom County weather: Mostly sunny skies are projected for today, with a chance of rain in the afternoon. Daytime highs are expected to be in the mid-70s, with variable morning winds solidifying as south-southwest later in the day. Nighttime lows are expected to be around 60. Tomorrow is expected to be consistently rainy, with chances of another thunderstorm. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman (COOL-mun), Carlee Schram (CAR-lee SHRAM), Tristan Trudell, Kyler Cantrell, Anna Vickers, and Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Paloma Ortiz, Anna Hedrick, and Miguel Garduno (MEE-gel …
August 16, 2024 News Transcript
Bellingham pipeline safety oversight group awarded $1 million federal grant, Bellingham and state gas prices on the decline, Whatcom food banks request $2 million in additional funding, Medicare slashes costs for ten key drugs, estimated to affect over 140,000 Washington enrollees, Free and cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, August 16th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham pipeline safety oversight group awarded $1 million federal grant A Bellingham nonprofit that monitors pipeline safety nationwide was awarded a $1 million federal grant this week. Representative Rick Larsen announced the award to the Pipeline Safety Trust last Thursday, stating that the funding is an investment in the trust’s work to, quote “educate and engage Northwest Washington and communities nationwide about pipeline safety” unquote. The grant is part of a $41 million program administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Pipeline Safety Trust started with $4 million dollars levied in fines in the wake of the Olympic pipeline explosion in 1999, which killed three people, burned a mile-and-a-half along Whatcom Creek, and caused over $58 million in property damage. STORY: Bellingham and state gas prices on the decline Gas prices in Whatcom County and Washington have decreased again this month. As of August 14th, the average price of a gallon of gas in the U.S. is $3.44, down 8 cents from last month. In Washington, the average price is $4.22— a 5-cent drop from July and significantly lower than last August’s $5.02. Whatcom County‘s average gas price is $4.06, a 4-cent decrease from last month. According to GasBuddy. the cheapest gas in Whatcom County as of Wednesday was $3.59 a gallon at Meridian Super Mart in Bellingham. STORY: Whatcom food banks request $2 million in additional funding The Whatcom County Food Bank Network’s two-million-dollar request for emergency funding is still under consideration by the County. With previous funding drying up quickly, the food banks say they are approaching a dire situation. Need has exponentially grown in the past few years, with 9,000 households relying on local food banks. To find out how the funds would help, KMRE News sat down with two Whatcom County Food Bank directors to better understand the issue. Bellingham Food Bank Director Mike Cohen explained why current resources aren’t enough to meet the growing need. PLAY GROWING NEED AUDIO Tune in today after the 5pm News to hear the complete interview. STORY: Medicare slashes costs for ten key drugs, estimated to affect over 140,000 Washington enrollees A provision in the Inflation Reduction Act has enabled Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices for the first time– a move that is expected to significantly reduce costs for 10 key drugs. This change is expected to save seniors a billion-and-a-half dollars next year, and affect over 144,000 Medicare enrollees in Washington, who collectively spent nearly $68 million on those medications. The price cuts will range from 38 to 79%, and include drugs used to treat conditions like diabetes, heart failure, and cancer. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell highlighted the significance of this move, noting that the federal government is now able to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies. She also emphasized the ongoing nature of the process, with 15 more drugs selected for negotiation in February. Cantwell is also advocating for the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act, which aims to increase transparency and hold pharmacy benefit managers accountable for practices that drive up drug costs. The overall impact of these measures is expected to save Medicare $6 billion in 2024 and reduce the federal deficit by $237 billion over the next decade. STORY: Free and cheap Here are some free and cheap activities to enjoy this weekend: Bellingham Public Library Children’s Craft Fair is this evening. The fair runs from 5-7pm and showcases 50 booths of crafts all handmade by kids. All items sold at the booths will be priced $5 or less. Cash sales only. Later tonight, the Pickford Film Center’s rooftop cinema series will show the film The World’s End with food vendors and entertainment starting at 7pm. The rooftop cinema is always free, and the movie begins at dusk. Ferndale’s Summer of Fun continues this weekend with Music in the Park featuring Lemon Creek. The show begins at 6pm tonight in Pioneer Park and is entirely free. Fairhaven’s Outdoor Cinema is showing the movie Pitch Perfect tomorrow night with a performance by The Brie Mueller Band (BREE MEW-ler). Entertainment begins 90 minutes before sunset on the Village Green. Tickets are $7. WX: Partly sunny And now for your Whatcom County weather: Today will see cloudy skies in the morning giving way to sunshine as the day wears on, with a high right around 70. The clouds will re-emerge come nighttime, along with a low in the mid-50s. Tomorrow and Sunday will see high chances of precipitation, with chances of thunderstorms from Saturday night through Sunday. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman (COOL-mun), Carlee Schram (CAR-lee SHRAM), Tristan Trudell, Kyler Cantrell, Anna Vickers, and Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Paloma Ortiz, Anna Hedrick, and Miguel Garduno (MEE-gel gar-DOO-ño). Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p.m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by listener donations. Check out our Patreon page or go to kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m ________________, and thank you for listening. ##
August 15, 2024 News Transcript
Easy Fire continues to grow despite rain, new Ruby Fire sparks in southeastern Whatcom County, Mount Vernon police searching for person of interest in last week’s fatal Concrete house fire, Bellingham airport deputy director resigns one month after director’s firing, New Ferndale Civic Campus is reportedly almost fully designed and financed, WA falling short on childcare provider subsidies, Rep. Jayapal and Sen. Cantwell among lawmakers opposing Albertsons-Kroger merger Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, August 15th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Easy Fire continues to grow despite rain, new Ruby Fire sparks in southeastern Whatcom County Despite the best efforts of firefighters and nearly two inches of rain, the Easy Fire has grown to over two-thousand acres. According to an update this morning from InciWeb, 300 firefighters have been assigned to help contain it. And surprisingly, the rain may have actually made the situation worse. Recent rainfall caused a mudslide in the fire burn scar, sending mud, rocks, trees and other debris across Highway 20. Another large fire, known as the Ruby Fire, which was caused by lightning last Friday, has quickly become another major problem for firefighters. An update from Inciweb this morning indicates that in less than a week the fire has grown to 820 acres with 0% containment, and has 50 personnel assigned to fight it. Experts expect the Ruby Fire to spread in all directions, growing by up to 500 more acres in the next three days. According to InciWeb, the Easy Fire is expected to be contained in early September, but the estimate for containment of the Ruby Fire is Halloween. STORY: Mount Vernon police searching for person of interest in last week’s fatal Concrete house fire A person of interest has been identified in connection to last Friday’s fatal residential fire. According to a news release from the Mount Vernon Police Department, a two-story residence south of Rockport was destroyed in the fire with surrounding buildings and vehicles sustaining extensive damage. Three victims recovered from the scene of the house fire are undergoing forensic examination and are expected to be identified later this week. Along with the three victims, the Mount Vernon Police Department now believes there was a fourth person at the residence in the time leading up to the fire. 49-year-old Jason Birman was identified by a vehicle that investigators say is missing from the scene of the fire. Birman is the owner of a blue 1994 Chevrolet pickup truck with Washington plates. He is described as an avid four-wheeler who frequents Skagit and Whatcom counties. Anyone with information on Birman’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Mount Vernon Police Department through their tipline. STORY: Bellingham airport deputy director resigns one month after director’s firing Staff turnover at the Bellingham Airport continues. Emily Philippe (fill-EE-pay), the airport’s deputy director of aviation, has resigned from her position after 15 years working for the Port of Bellingham. Her last day at BLI was Tuesday, just weeks after Kip Turner, the airport’s former aviation director, was dismissed by the Port supposedly due to financial reasons. According to the Port’s Executive Director, Rob Fix, Philippe initially put in her three-week’s notice after accepting another job, but the port decided to let her go immediately quote “out of an abundance of caution” unquote. Philippe’s departure came just days after Southwest Airlines ended flights at Bellingham Airport. According to Port data, the airport lost nearly 40% of its business after Southwest’s departure. STORY: New Ferndale Civic Campus is reportedly almost fully designed and financed The new Ferndale Civic Campus is reportedly almost fully designed and financed. City documents indicate that the nearly 19,000-square foot facility will be designed to accommodate a variety of municipal functions. The building, which will house Ferndale’s City Hall, Municipal Court and City Council, will include conference rooms; screens in all three lobbies, as well as a self-help kiosk that will allow residents to access information and pay their utility bills. The building would also have a secure entryway, also known as a sallyport, in the garage, and a secure elevator to transport prisoners to court. According to the Ferndale Mayor Greg Hansen, 85% of the design phase has been completed, and is also close to being fully financed. The city of Ferndale has set aside nearly $4 million for the project, and extra money will be provided through state and federal grants. STORY: WA falling short on childcare provider subsidies A recent report from Washington’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families reveals that despite state subsidies, many families in Washington still cannot afford child care. The report, titled the Cost of Quality Child Care and Market Rate Study, outlines key issues regarding childcare, such as inadequate subsidy rates, higher costs for younger children, staffing shortages, and legislative challenges. State law mandates that child care providers be reimbursed at 85% of the market rate, but the report finds that current subsidy rates are far below this benchmark. In some cases, the difference is as much as $900 per month. Additionally, caring for younger children is more expensive due to higher staff-to-child ratios and more stringent licensing requirements. The report also states that many child care centers are not operating at full capacity, with significant vacancies due to staffing shortages. Child care advocates are urging the Legislature to increase subsidy reimbursement rates to allow providers to pay living wages and offer benefits like sick leave, retirement contributions, and professional development. While the report does not include specific recommendations it recognizes the importance of future policy discussions that include input from providers, and warns that making changes to meet state mandates could be costly for the state. STORY: Rep. Jayapal and Sen. Cantwell among lawmakers opposing Albertsons-Kroger merger Opposition to the proposed $25 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons has intensified. Over two dozen U.S. lawmakers, led by Rep. Pramila Jayapal and Senators Maria Cantwell and Ron Wyden, filed a legal brief supporting the Federal Trade Commission’s request to temporarily …
August 14, 2024 News Transcript
Community tips lead to rescue of two human trafficking victims from Bellingham massage spa, WWU draws ire for decision to sell two properties amid budget deficit, Bellingham Business Beat, Bellingham rental properties will require locking mailboxes beginning in 2025, Whatcom County sheriff requests fentanyl-sniffing dog, County installs naloxone dispenser boxers throughout Whatcom County, Popular Fairhaven boutique announces closure Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, August 14th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Community tips lead to rescue of two human trafficking victims from Bellingham massage spa Two human trafficking victims were rescued by law enforcement yesterday at a Bellingham massage spa. According to a news release issued by Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, police received tips about the location months ago from concerned community members who thought women were being trafficked there. 33 Mansion Mental Massage Spa, located on Lincoln Street across from Carl Cozier Elementary School, also reportedly ran online ads that suggested women at the location were available for commercial sex acts. The location was searched by the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force (WGDTF), Bellingham Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, as well as Customs and Border Protection and two trafficking victims were rescued. During the search, the Bellingham Police Department’s code enforcement and planning department building official found several code violations but did not find a business or massage license linked to the property. No arrest details were immediately available. The property owner, registered as Chun-Hsu Chen (CHUN SU CHEN) according to the Whatcom County Tax Parcel Viewer, will receive non-compliance notices for the code violations found in the building. The investigation is ongoing. STORY: WWU draws ire for decision to sell two properties amid budget deficit WWU is under criticism for selling two of its properties amid a budget deficit. An agreement unveiled by the Cascadia Daily News reveals that one of the properties, located on San Juan Island, was donated to Western in 1996 by Dr. Patricia Swenson. Under the conditions of the donation agreement, Western was obligated to convey the property to the San Juan Preservation Trust if the university no longer wanted to use it. Friends of Swenson, who died in 2010, have expressed that selling the property would not respect their late friend’s wishes. The sale of the second property, the ViQueen Lodge on Sinclair Island, has attracted criticism from locals due to concerns regarding not only the environmental impact of the sale, but also the potential loss of a space that locals have been using for outdoor recreation for decades. According to documents from Western’s Board of Trustees, proceeds from the two properties would go toward the Shannon Point Marine Center, as well as student clubs and activities. STORY: Bellingham Business Beat This week, KMRE is proud to present another installment of Bellingham Business Beat– a limited series where we find out more about the small businesses who are the heartbeat of our downtown. Every Wednesday we explore their origins, impact on our community, and what drives their passion for Bellingham. Here’s a preview of our interview with Stones Throw Brewery. PLAY “BBB e3 PREVIEW” AUDIO CLIP To hear the entire interview, tune in today after the 5pm news. STORY: Bellingham rental properties will require locking mailboxes beginning in 2025 Starting next year, landlords in Bellingham will be required to provide locking mailboxes for their rental units. City staff said the new rule will reduce the risk of mail and identity theft. The original ordinance was drafted in 2021 by Happy Valley resident Todd Lagestee (lag-uh-STEE), after he noticed an increase in mail theft. Lagestee, who’s now an interim commissioner for the Whatcom Public Utility District, said that mail theft is quote “a social and economic justice issue” unquote, since a majority of people without locking mailboxes are lower income. All registered residential properties will have to comply with the new ordinance. Case-by-case extensions will be granted in the event of unique hardships. STORY: Whatcom County sheriff requests fentanyl-sniffing dog Sheriff Donnell Tanksley (duh-NELL) has requested a fentanyl-sniffing dog from the federal government to detect the synthetic opioid. At a County Council meeting in July, Tanksley told the council that the request was prompted by the spiking number of fentanyl-related issues within the Whatcom County Jail. The problem gained urgency after inmate Angel Lewis Leffingwell was charged in June with supplying drugs that led to another inmate’s fatal overdose. The jail has experienced at least 13 overdoses in 2023. The Sheriff’s Office is also hoping to get new body scanners to improve contraband detection, as the current ones are no longer serviced by the manufacturer. Tanksley told the council that– due to high demand–the new drug dog might not arrive until 2026. STORY: County installs naloxone dispenser boxers throughout Whatcom County In more fentanyl-related news–– as part of a new initiative to combat the opioid crisis, Whatcom County Health and Community Services has announced it will install naloxone dispenser boxes at select locations throughout Whatcom County. Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.The dispenser boxes will provide 24/7 access to naloxone for individuals who may have no other means to obtain it or prefer privacy. The Health Department says the first box will be located at Ferndale Community Services, and plans to strategically place additional boxes in locations that are easily accessible to vulnerable populations. The program aims to reduce opioid-related deaths by making naloxone more readily available in public spaces. For more information and access to free naloxone kits go to whatcomoverdoseprevention.org. STORY: Popular Fairhaven boutique announces closure And finally, a boutique in historic Fairhaven Village has announced its closure. Bella Rose Boutique, a bath and beauty shop located next to the Fairhaven Village Inn, cited rising operational expenses and a desire to spend time with family as the reasons for closing. A social media post thanked the community for being the heartbeat of the boutique. Bella Rose Boutique is set to close on September 15th. WX: Partly sunny And now for your Whatcom …
