Bellingham PD apologizes for two-day information delay in Padden assault, AG rules that Albertson’s can no longer bar grocery stores from being built in former Birchwood location, AG rules that Albertson’s can no longer bar grocery stores from being built in former Birchwood location, Additional funding approved to support Whatcom motels housing homeless families, Whatcom courts to hear adjudication case in Nooksack River Basin, Phony toll-bill texts flood WA drivers’ phones, WA lands commissioner wary of federal plan to cull owl population, Affordable housing and childcare project planned for Bellis Fair area ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, June 26th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham PD apologizes for two-day information delay in Padden assault The Bellingham Police Department has issued an apology for a delay in notifying the public about an assault at Lake Padden. The assault took place on Saturday morning while a young woman was running on the southeast side of Lake Padden. During the run, she was knocked to the ground by a man and punched in the face several times. Two people nearby heard the victim scream, and the attacker fled the scene. The extent of the woman’s injuries is unknown The BPD did not notify the public about the assault until nearly two days afterwards. Yesterday, in a social media post, the police department said it is quote “reviewing [their] internal communications process to address missed opportunities for community engagement and public notifications” unquote, as well as affirming a commitment to do better. The alleged attacker is an “average-to-fit” man in his 30s, about 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-10 in height, and has a distinct receding hairline. He was last seen running down a hill near milepost one-and-three-quarters of the trail toward Interstate 5. STORY: AG rules that Albertson’s can no longer bar grocery stores from being built in former Birchwood location The Attorney General’s Office announced yesterday that their investigation into Albertsons has concluded, finding that the company has been illegally restricting competitors from moving into their former Birchwood location since 2018. Albertsons moved to sell their location two years after it closed in 2016, with certain stipulations. The company included as part of the sale a restriction limiting the amount of food that could be sold in-store, which made it impossible for another grocery competitor to take over the space. These land use restrictions created a food desert in the neighborhood, forcing residents to travel further to get their groceries from stores like Haggens, which the company also owns. As a result of the investigation, Albertsons has dropped their land use restrictions on the property and the current owner is able to amend further restrictions from 1982 to allow a supermarket to open in the neighborhood sometime in the future. The company must also pay a $25,000 fine to cover the costs of the Attorney General’s investigation. STORY: Additional funding approved to support Whatcom motels housing homeless families Dozens of unhoused families with children in Whatcom County will continue to receive temporary shelter in motel rooms, thanks to additional funding approved yesterday by the Whatcom County Council. The council unanimously authorized the addition of $330,000 dollars to an existing contract with Lydia Place, a local nonprofit, to provide emergency housing. The contract, initiated in 2020, funds four motel rooms year-round for temporary shelter and supportive services to help families transition to permanent housing. Lydia Place staff connect families to case managers within 48 hours of referral and aim to secure permanent housing within 60 days. There were an average of 88 homeless families from 2021 to 2023, up from 68 in 2018 to 2020. Kids made up 15% of Whatcom’s unhoused population in 2023. The funding comes from the Washington State Department of Commerce Emergency Housing Fund and will keep the rooms available through the year. STORY: Whatcom courts to hear adjudication case in Nooksack River Basin The Whatcom County Superior Court met this morning to discuss the ongoing water adjudication process in the Nooksack River Basin, a move that marks the beginning of the court process for WRIA 1 (WHY-rah ONE). Some 30,000 water users in parts of Whatcom and Skagit counties are part of a massive county-wide lawsuit over water rights. Affected parties include people who own property and do not rely on the city water system, those who claim a right to the water within those areas, as well as the Nooksack Tribe and Lummi (LUH-mee) Nation who requested the adjudication in 2019 and 2020 respectively. Affected parties will have one year to fill out and return a court claim form which details their water use, and three more years to provide evidence to support their claims. Water users in this area should expect to see the first round of forms this fall. For more information, updates, and to view the map of WRIA 1 (WHY-rah ONE) Nooksack River Basin visit WhatcomCounty.US. STORY: Phony toll-bill texts flood WA drivers’ phones Scammers are targeting Washington drivers with fake toll-bill text messages, attempting to extract personal information. These scams often direct users to websites resembling the Good To Go! site but request unnecessary personal information. The messages mimic real Washington State Department of Transportation communications, and include images of the Good To Go! Toll-pass logo and the Tacoma Narrows bridges. However, WSDOT says it never bills via text or email, and has warned these messages are fraudulent. Payments are only processed on MyGoodToGo.com and they only send toll bills by mail or through registered accounts. The Federal Trade Commission advises people to report and delete such messages, and never click on unknown links or share your birth date. STORY: WA lands commissioner wary of federal plan to cull owl population Washington’s public lands commissioner, Hilary Franz, is voicing skepticism about a federal proposal to kill thousands of barred owls in the Pacific Northwest to help the threatened northern spotted owl. According to a draft environmental impact statement released in November, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service …
KMRE NEWS Transcripts
June 25, 2024 News Transcript
Authorities searching for man suspected of assaulting woman at Whatcom County’s Lake Padden, Man shoots himself in leg with stranger’s gun during chance encounter at Bellingham park, Man shoots himself in leg with stranger’s gun during chance encounter at Bellingham park, Two crashes on Chuckanut Drive, Bloedel Donovan Park will have no lifeguards due to staff shortages, Whatcom County Council member fails to file financial conflict of interest statements, Vote nears on ending ‘endangered’ status for WA wolves, Washington Democratic Party backs ending U.S. aid to Israel until ceasefire with Hamas ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, June 25. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Authorities searching for man suspected of assaulting woman at Whatcom County’s Lake Padden Bellingham Police are currently searching for a man accused of an unprovoked assault on a young woman at Lake Padden on Saturday morning. The victim told police that she had been running the Padden Trail when she passed a man walking in the same direction, who suddenly knocked her to the ground and repeatedly punched her in the face. Two witnesses heard the victim’s cries for help and came to assist, causing the assailant to flee in the direction of I-5. The victim was hospitalized. The assailant is described as an “average-to-fit,” white male in his 30s, wearing blue jeans and a gray shirt, standing around 5 foot 9, with a “distinct receding hairline.” Police encourage anyone with information to call the main number, or go to cob.org/tips. BPD Public Information Officer Megan Peters states that, while this incident is out of the ordinary for our area, it is a good idea for residents to engage in outdoor recreation with others, as a precaution. STORY: Man shoots himself in leg with stranger’s gun during chance encounter at Bellingham park On Friday, a man walking in the woods near Bennett Drive and Airport Way accidentally shot himself with a stranger’s gun. According to police reports, the unidentified man said during the walk he came across another man who was carrying a gun. The victim asked to hold the weapon, and according to BPD Public Information Officer Megan Peters, shot himself in the leg almost immediately. He told police he didn’t know the gun was loaded. The injured man was transported to St. Joseph Medical Center. Police say they would like to speak with the gun-owner, although Peters says there is no probable cause for any charges at this time. STORY: Two crashes on Chuckanut Drive Two men are dead after a string of fatal motorcycle accidents on Chuckanut Drive over the weekend. On Saturday, 71-year-old retired Whatcom Sheriff’s Deputy Stuart Smith from Ferndale crossed over the northbound lane and into a ditch. He was transported to PeaceHealth St Joseph Medical center where he was later pronounced dead. The Washington State Patrol says it suspects an unknown medical incident might have been involved in the crash. And on Sunday, first responders were dispatched to the scene of a vehicle versus motorcycle crash at the intersection of Sunset Road and Chuckanut Drive. Freddy Blondel, the 57-year-old motorcyclist from Maple Ridge, BC was struck by a 2016 Honda CR-v in what Washington State Patrol cited as failure to yield the right-of-way. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. STORY: Bloedel Donovan Park will have no lifeguards due to staff shortages There will be no lifeguards at Bloedel Donovan Park this year. A news release sent out yesterday by the City of Bellingham says that shortages of lifeguards, especially those with adequate experience and credentials for open water swimming, are resulting in beach and pool closures across the country. According to the American Lifeguard Association, the shortage affects a third of public pools in the U.S., and there is a possibility that this year could get worse. Right now, both the Bloedel Donovan swim area and the Arne Hanna Aquatic Center have less than half the staff members required to provide lifeguards at both locations. The City says it is continuously recruiting qualified lifeguards for the Arne Hanna Aquatic Center, as well as the swim area, and hopes to have lifeguards at Bloedel next summer. STORY: Whatcom County Council member fails to file financial conflict of interest statements Whatcom County Council member Tyler Byrd is facing escalating fines for not filing annual conflict-of-interest reports. According to reporting by the Cascadia Daily, Byrd is under scrutiny by the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission for failing to file personal financial affairs statements, known as F-1 reports. The PDC says it conducts an annual enforcement process to ensure compliance with state laws regarding financial reporting. According to Cascadia, Byrd was fined $250 for not filing for 2022–– a fine he has yet to pay–– and he’s currently on the enforcement list after failing to meet the 2023 deadline. According to the PDC, fines for failing to annually identify potential conflicts of interest can increase to $10,000 per violation. Byrd has been on the county council since 2018 and is in his second term representing District 3. He has filed disclosure forms in the past, however he is the only current council member who has failed to file. STORY: Vote nears on ending ‘endangered’ status for WA wolves The Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commision will vote next month to decide whether to lower gray wolves’ status under the state’s endangered species law. The Department of Fish and Wildlife is recommending wolves be downlisted from “endangered” to “sensitive.” The Department of Fish and Wildlife says the recommendation has nothing to do with the wolf’s value but with reflecting their strong rebound in the numbers. Since gray wolves were put on Washington’s endangered species list in 1980 their population has steadily increased due to recovery efforts. The gray wolf population has grown by an average of 23% every year since the first Department of Fish and Wildlife survey in 2008. Environmentalists argue this change would lead to inadequate protection of the animals. Downlisting the wolves’ …
June 24, 2024 News Transcript
Lake Whatcom vehicle crash sends driver to hospital, Video of hate crime released, accused pleads not guilty, Whatcom K-9 unit assists in Mt. Vernon car theft arrest, WWU to sell six properties as part of strategy to balance books, Whatcom County Health Dept lifts swimming advisory at Taylor Dock, WA plans to use $32 million to help asylum seekers ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, June 24th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Lake Whatcom vehicle crash sends driver to hospital A driver was hospitalized Thursday evening after a single vehicle rollover crash in Sudden Valley. Firefighters were dispatched to the intersection of Lake Whatcom Blvd and Lake Louise Road after reports of the crash around 5 pm. First responders removed the driver and transported them to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center. Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office says the extent of the man’s injuries are unknown at this time. According to them, the crash appeared to be the result of a loss of control due to speeding. The boulevard was closed for two hours after the crash. The Sheriff’s Office’s investigation is ongoing. STORY: Video of hate crime released, accused pleads not guilty Security footage of the hate crime that took place earlier this month has been released. The footage, taken in front of the Bellingham Police Department, shows 42-year-old Paul Bittner assaulting an 11-year-old boy who was walking with his class downtown. Bittner was arrested a few blocks away. Bittner was charged June 14 in Whatcom County Superior Court with one count of a hate crime and one count of second-degree assault of a child. Bittner’s hate crime charge states that he quote, “maliciously and intentionally” assaulted another person because of the perception of their race, while his assault crime charge states that he intentionally assaulted a child under the age of 13. Bittner pleaded not guilty to the charges at his standing-room only arraignment hearing Friday morning. His bail remains at half a million dollars. STORY: Whatcom K-9 unit assists in Mt. Vernon car theft arrest Last Thursday a K-9 unit from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office assisted in an arrest in Skagit County. Mount Vernon police were informed of a vehicle stolen overnight, which contained firearms. The vehicle was found an hour and a half later on Francis Road. When officers approached, the driver tried to escape by crashing through a gate and fleeing into a wooded area. The K-9 unit and tactical officers located the suspect, 35-year-old Chace Tyler Keyes, who was arrested without incident. Keyes faces charges including motor vehicle theft, attempting to elude police, and unlawful possession of firearms and remains in custody. STORY: WWU to sell six properties as part of strategy to balance books Western Washington University’s Board of Trustees approved the sale of six properties as part of a strategy to address next year’s anticipated budget deficit. WWU is facing a $20.5 million shortfall between its recurring revenues and expenditures. To address this, the university plans to make reductions, sell properties, and use $3.7 million from reserves, as discussed in the June 14 Board of Trustees meeting. Additionally, some one-time funding from the Legislature will help mitigate the deficit. The primary cause of the budgetary challenges is declining enrollment, largely due to the impact of COVID-19, which is expected to take years to recover from. Three of the six properties approved for sale are residential units located in Bellingham. Also on the sales block is a vacant lot located in the 900 block of 25th Street. The remaining two properties are a small waterfront property on San Juan Island, and the ViQueen Lodge located on Sinclair Island. According to Board documents, proceeds from the sale of the San Juan Island property will help fund the Marine Science Center, and money from the sale of the lodge will go to establish an endowment for student clubs. Sale of the ViQueen Lodge is controversial and a petition is being organized by students to keep the building that they say is a vital part of Western’s history. The lodge was purchased in 1928 by the Women’s Athletic Association of Bellingham Normal School, which eventually became WWU. STORY: Whatcom County Health Dept lifts swimming advisory at Taylor Dock The swimming advisory at the southern end of Boulevard Park at Taylor Dock has been lifted. The advisory was put in place due to high levels of fecal bacteria along the shoreline and by the dock. New samples have shown lower levels of bacteria and the City says it is now safe to swim near the dock and at the beach. However, the outfall by Bennett Avenue still has unsafe levels– and the Whatcom County Health Department is advising people to avoid the area. STORY: CoB advice on summer watering Summer is finally here, and the City of Bellingham is asking everyone to conserve water. After June 21st, the city’s water demand increases by 5 million gallons daily, with nearly half wasted due to evaporation and runoff. To conserve water, the City is asking residents to let the lawn go dormant, follow a voluntary watering schedule, water in the cooler morning hours, use an irrigation controller, or replace turf with native plants. The voluntary watering schedule in Bellingham is based on street address numbers: even-numbered addresses water on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, while odd-numbered addresses water on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. For more tips, visit CoB.org/conserve. STORY: WA plans to use $32 million to help asylum seekers Washington officials are working to distribute around $32 million dollars in state funding to aid asylum seekers. Funds for The Washington Migrant and Asylum Seeker Support Project were approved by the legislature in March and will be available for use starting July. About $5 million dollars will go to King County and $2.5 million to the city of Tukwila, with an additional $25 million allocated to the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance. The state says it will utilize one office as a hub to …
June 21, 2024 News Transcript
Police investigating assault that left one man dead at Squalicum Harbor Wednesday, Bellingham awarded $1.3M to install heat pumps, Road to Artist Point opens today, Blaine school board approves $70 million bond for November 5 election, Whatcom County organizations net $3.2M for solar energy projects, Whatcom County organizations net $3.2M for solar energy projects, Free and Cheap, WA plans to use $32 million to help asylum seekers ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, June 21st. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Police investigating assault that left one man dead at Squalicum Harbor Wednesday The Bellingham Police Department is investigating an assault near Squalicum Harbor that left one man dead. On Wednesday at around 10:00 pm, authorities were notified of an assault with a weapon near Squalicum Harbor gate 9. The person who reported the assault told dispatcher that he and another man, later identified as Thomas James Westendorf (WEST-en-dorf), got into an altercation. During the fight, a gun went off, killing Westendorf. Officers arrived on scene and found him deceased on the reporting party’s vessel. According to Megan Peters, a spokesperson for the Bellingham Police Department, no arrests have been made and no charges have been filed. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances leading up to Westendorf’s death. STORY: Bellingham awarded $1.3M to install heat pumps The Washington State Department of Commerce announced that The City of Bellingham has been awarded a $1.3 million dollar grant for the installation of electric heat pumps. According to the COB, the funding was part of more than $39 million dollars in grants for cities, counties, and recognized tribes to support electrification – made possible by Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The installation of these pumps will be used for space and water heating in homes of low-to-moderate income residents and small businesses. Electrification lowers the use of natural gas – which the City says will not only help people in need, but will also help the county reach pollution reduction targets. STORY: Road to Artist Point opens today The Road to Artist Point has re-opened for the summer season, one week earlier than in 2023. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WASH-dot) crews have cleared up to 30 feet of snow in the final 2.7 miles of Mount Baker Highway. Travelers should still expect WSDOT and U.S. Forest Service maintenance crews completing repairs and installing signs. The road usually closes to traffic in winter, but sees nearly 40,000 annual visitors after reopening each spring. For real-time updates, visit the WSDOT Mount Baker Highway Mountain Pass website. STORY: Blaine school board approves $70 million bond for November 5 election The Blaine school board voted unanimously to put a $70 million capital bond initiative before voters in the November 5 general election. Funds would go toward an extensive renovation of Blaine Middle School, field upgrades and additions to the Pipeline Athletic Complex, and various improvements to Blaine primary and elementary schools and Point Roberts Primary School. Money would also be directed towards design work for a possible Birch Bay school. The initiative is practically identical to the February 2024 special election bond proposal that failed to reach the required 60 percent supermajority. For a median-value home of $550,000, a property owner would pay $420 annually for the bond, if approved. In order for the bond to pass, along with a 60 percent supermajority, more than 40 percent of last election’s voters must fill out ballots. About 5,760 people voted for last election’s bond measure, with 58 percent voting to approve, just shy of the supermajority hurdle. STORY: Whatcom County organizations net $3.2M for solar energy projects Washington’s Climate Commitment Act is funding over $3 million for clean energy projects in Whatcom County, primarily focusing on solar energy. The projects are part of a $72.6 million state investment with 71 grants across the state, aimed at helping communities tackle climate change. Grants in Whatcom were awarded to Bellingham Public Schools, Point Roberts Park and Recreation District No. 1, and Western Washington University. Bellingham Public Schools received a $2.75 million grant to install solar arrays on five schools, Western Washington University received more than $320,000 for solar panels on its Science, Mathematics and Technology Education building. Point Roberts Park and Recreation District No. 1 received $133,000 for a feasibility study on solar backup power for community buildings to increase the community’s resilience against energy outages due to climate change-related weather events. Additional grants were also awarded to Skagit County school districts and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community for similar clean energy and decarbonization projects. The Climate Commitment Act, signed by Gov. Jay Inslee in 2021, funds these initiatives through a cap-and-invest program targeting the state’s largest polluters. Initiative 2117, which will be on the November ballot, seeks to repeal this act and prevent new carbon tax credit programs. STORY: WA Supreme Court revives AG’s case against crime-free rental program The Washington State Supreme Court has overturned a 2022 ruling preventing the state attorney general’s office from pursuing a discrimination lawsuit in Yakima (YAK-uh-maw) County. Washington AG Bob Ferguson sued the city of Sunnyside in 2020, accusing the city’s police of violating the right to due process by evicting tenants from crime-free rental housing projects without a hearing. The lawsuit alleged that the evictions were disproportionately targeted at Hispanic households, as well as homes headed by women. A Yakima County Superior Court Judge dismissed the suit in 2022 on grounds of overreach of authority. On Thursday, Washington Supreme Court Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis (rah-KEL) affirmed Ferguson’s initial suit, stating that by protecting citizens’ civil rights, ensuring the lawful operation of crime-free rental housing, and preventing police misconduct, the lawsuit was within the scope of the Attorney General’s office. Ferguson praised Montoya-Lewis’s decision for affirming his office’s authority to defend the civil rights of Washingtonians. Sunnyside Interim City Manager Rob Layman was unavailable for comment. STORY: Free and Cheap Here are some free and cheap activities to beat the heat: Spray parks will be …
June 18, 2024 News Transcript
Washington driver killed after speeding through roundabout north of Bellingham, Birch Bay Waterslides denies knowledge of defects and damages, Bellingham’s 116-acre land purchase will help connect existing paths, extend Bay to Baker Trail, Bells Library Card Night, Bells Library Card Night, Bellingham outlines next six years of transportation network improvements, Judge orders BNSF to pay Swinomish Tribe nearly $400M for trespassing with oil trains, First prosecution for retail theft, WA plans to use $32 million to help asylum seekers ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, June 18th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Washington driver killed after speeding through roundabout north of Bellingham A man died Sunday morning after driving through a roundabout in Lyden. Cory Lockwood, 32, from Omak, was driving south on the Guide Meridian when he approached the roundabout at Wiser Lake Road at high speeds, sending his car off the road. According to a news release from the Washington State Patrol, the driver wasn’t wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the car when it hit a tree. Medics pronounced Lockwood dead at the scene. WSP said it is unknown at this time if drugs or alcohol were involved. STORY: Birch Bay Waterslides denies knowledge of defects and damages On Wednesday last week, the owner of Birch Bay Waterslides formally denied any wrongdoing in an incident in which a Skagit man sustained traumatic injuries. The plaintiff had been riding the Hairpin, one of the park’s slides, when he partially slid through a defective splash guard, causing significant lacerations on both legs. Health inspectors later discovered corroded or missing fasteners where the slide had failed. In their response in court last week, Birch Bay Jun Yu (JUNE you) Waterslides LLC denied knowledge that any part of its facility was defective or damaged. They additionally stated that admission to the park requires the signing of a waiver that holds the park harmless from any loss, liability, damage or cost incurred, whether by one or another’s actions, or negligence by Birch Bay themselves. As of yesterday, no trial date has been set. Birch Bay Waterslides has remained closed since the day of the accident, and will be for the remainder of the 2024 season. STORY: Bellingham’s 116-acre land purchase will help connect existing paths, extend Bay to Baker Trail Bellingham City Council approved the purchase of 116 acres owned by the state Department of Natural Resources for $2.19 million. On June 3rd city council approved a measure to allow Mayor Kim Lund to close on the $2.19 million deal, funded by the Greenways Levy, with the sale expected to finalize by the end of this year. According to parks development manager, Laine Potter, the 116 acres of land located north of Mount Baker Highway will permit trail connections to Sunset Pond Park and allow for a future extension of the Bellingham Bay to Baker Trail. The purchase will also give the City the potential of adding a public park to the city’s northeast side. The new addition builds on other land purchased in 2022, paid for by Greenways levy funds, including 17 and a half acres at the corner of Hannegan Road and Sunset Drive. City councilmember Michael Lilliquist says that although it is a steep cost upfront, the purchase will serve as a longtime benefit for all. STORY: Bells Library Card Night The Bellingham Bells are hosting a Library Card Night at their game on Thursday. Show your library card at the gate for a free general admission ticket. One ticket is provided per library card. The gates at Joe Martin Field open at 5:30 p.m. and first pitch is at 6:35 p.m. Everyone is welcome. As of today, our local collegiate summer baseball team has a 35-and-18 record. Go Bells! STORY: Bellingham outlines next six years of transportation network improvements Bellingham City Council approved a new Transportation Improvement Program yesterday on Monday, June 17th. The plan acts as a bridge between long-term documents such as the Bellingham Comprehensive Plan and budget documents, and outlines the city’s transportation projects for the next six years. Projects include street repairs, connections and crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, implementation of clean energy transportation, and railroad crossings. This year saw the addition of a Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program and nine new projects— including improvements to downtown safety and streetlight improvements on Samish Way and Maple Street. In addition, the Holly Street Bike Lane will be expanded to stretch from Ellis Street to Broadway. Since the conversion of a Holly Street traffic lane into a bike lane, the city has received over 1,000 comments. Public Works Director Eric Johnston says that Holly Street may see additional changes as the city develops the pilot program with the comments in mind. STORY: Judge orders BNSF to pay Swinomish Tribe nearly $400M for trespassing with oil trains This week, a U.S. District Court Judge has ordered BNSF Railway to pay the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community nearly $400 million for trespassing on their reservation. A 1991 easement agreement between BNSF and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community permitted 25 rail cars to transport crude oil across the reservation per day. In 2015, a lawsuit revealed that BNSF exceeded the terms of by over a total of a quarter of a million rail cars. BNSF generated $900 million in revenue from these activities, with net profits calculated at around $395 million. Judge Robert Lasnik’s (LAZ-nick) ruling on Monday followed a four-day bench trial that debated the calculation of BNSF’s illegal profits. According to a statement from tribal leaders yesterday, the Swinomish tribe’s concern is not only financial but also environmental, given the rail line crosses sensitive marine ecosystems. BNSF is expected to appeal the decision. STORY: First prosecution for retail theft The first prosecution by the state retail theft task force ended in a conviction earlier this month. On June 7th, 33-year-old Shawn Nanez (NAAN-yez) of Bremerton pleaded guilty in Kitsap County Superior Court to numerous charges, including two felony counts of first-degree …
June 14, 2024 News Transcript
Bellingham police investigating hate crime against sixth-grader, Bellingham police arrest man on suspicion of assault, attempted kidnapping in Fairhaven, Swimming advisories lifted for Larrabee State Park at Wildcat Cove and Birch Bay beaches, Lummi Island vehicle ferry resumes Saturday afternoon, Ex-Washington state auditor fights disbarment following prison time, Free and Cheap, Former student causes security scare at Squalicum High School ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, June 14th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham police investigating hate crime against sixth-grader Bellingham police are investigating a hate crime after a sixth-grade student was assaulted during a field trip on Wednesday. According to the BPD, a group of middle school students and staff were walking in front of the police station when the suspect crossed the street and without warning, turned and pushed the victim, described in the report as, “a pre-teen child of color,” and made a comment similar to, quote, “are you gonna talk to a white man like that?” The 42 year-old suspect, identified from BPD arrest reports as Paul Jonathan Bittner, then hit the victim in the face with a closed fist. Staff intervened and called law enforcement. During questioning, the suspect used derogatory language toward Black people and made a statement indicating people should assault them. He was arrested on suspicion of malicious harassment and assault of a child. In a video response, Mayor Kim Lund and Police Chief Rebecca Mertzig denounced the attack, and stated that the work of the new Whatcom Racial Equity Commission is more necessary than ever. In a letter to the community, Bellingham Public Schools Superintendent Greg Baker wrote the district was opposed to anti-Black racism and racism in all forms. Counseling support services are being provided to all students. Bittner is currently being held at Whatcom County Jail, with his bail set to half a million dollars. STORY: Bellingham police arrest man on suspicion of assault, attempted kidnapping in Fairhaven Bellingham police arrested a man on Thursday following his alleged attempt to kidnap and assault a woman. The victim reported to police that she had gone to meet up with John Brooks Ferlin at his Fairhaven apartment, only for Ferlin to approach her from behind and place a rag soaked with rubbing alcohol over her mouth. The victim was able to escape as Ferlin made additional threats. Multiple 911 calls were made by bystanders who witnessed the victim running away, screaming for help. The victim later identified Ferlin to police, who was arrested without incident. A search of Ferlin’s apartment yielded illegal drugs and associated paraphernalia. Ferlin was booked into Whatcom County Jail on charges of second-degree assault with a sexual motivation, kidnapping, and possession of a controlled substance. He remains in custody. STORY: Swimming advisories lifted for Larrabee State Park at Wildcat Cove and Birch Bay beaches Swimming advisories were lifted for Larrabee State Park at Wildcat Cove, and Birch Bay beaches. Yesterday, Whatcom County Health and Community Services lifted swimming advisories for Larrabee State Park at Wildcat Cove, and Birch Bay beaches. The advisories were issued last Thursday after high levels of fecal bacteria were found. According to the Department of Ecology, new water samples have shown lower levels of fecal bacteria. Ecology says it can be difficult to predict when bacteria levels may rise again and advises swimmers to look for updated information. They pointed out that one potential source is outfalls, where water from rivers, sewers, or drains empty into the ocean, and advises swimmers to avoid these areas. County health officials have yet to confirm the cause of the outbreak and advisories for Boulevard Park and Little Squalicum remain in effect. STORY: Lummi Island vehicle ferry resumes Saturday afternoon The Lummi Island Ferry will resume vehicle service around 4 p.m. Saturday, after a month-long scheduled dry dock outage. Restoration of the Whatcom Chief’s service is contingent upon completion of remaining dry dock work, including sea trials, according to Whatcom County Public Works. If the date or time changes because of unforeseen circumstances, Public Works will provide an update. As a result of the resumed service, the Lummi Island shuttle van will end its service on Monday and ferry parking will change. People with vehicles parked either at the Gooseberry Point Dock or the Lummi Island main parking area will need to move their vehicles by Friday. Any vehicles left in the area after the deadlines will impact ferry queuing traffic and will be subject to towing. The last passenger-only ferry service will run through midnight on Friday at Gooseberry Point. On Saturday, from midnight to around 4 p.m., there will be no ferry service during the dock changeover. Only one outage is anticipated while the dock modifications and floats are dismantled. STORY: Ex-Washington state auditor fights disbarment following prison time Disgraced former state auditor Troy Kelley is contesting his disbarment due to his 2017 conviction on eight felonies, which led to his imprisonment. Kelley requested the state Supreme Court to overturn the disbarment recommendation from the State Bar Association’s Disciplinary Board, and advocated instead for his six-year suspension to count as “time served”. While serving in the state House and as Washington state auditor, Kelly faced legal troubles from his real estate services business between 2006 and 2008, which led to charges including money laundering, possession of stolen property, lying to federal officials, and filing false tax returns. Prosecutors alleged he kept about $3 million dollars in fees meant for homeowners. Following his indictment, he received eight felony convictions. Kelley has been suspended from the bar since January 2018. The former auditor says he has no intention of practicing law again and cited his public service and the time elapsed since his offenses as mitigating factors. Conversely, the bar association’s attorney maintained that disbarment was necessary to uphold the integrity of the legal profession, stressing that Kelley’s felony convictions involved crimes of dishonesty. STORY: Free and Cheap Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are a few events …
June 13, 2024 News Transcript
Moles Farewell Tributes ends connection to Whatcom County amid investigation of improper body storage, EMS reviewing transport data after claims by Lummi Nation of inadequate emergency response, City investigating sources of stormwater contaminants entering Bellingham Bay, Construction delays continue through summer at Hannegan Rd. 72% of Washington eighth graders not proficient in math, report shows, Ex-Washington state auditor fights disbarment following prison time ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, June 13th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Deming woman arrested for suspicion of DUI after crashing vehicle into residence A Deming woman has been arrested for suspicion of DUI after crashing into a house. State Patrol Trooper Kelsey Harding said that the driver of the vehicle, 27-year old Tabitha Johnnie, was behind the wheel of a vehicle headed north on State Route 9 last Saturday. The car veered off the road and crashed into a private residence between Deming and Acme. Johnnie and her passenger were taken to St. Joseph Medical Center. Nobody was in the house at the time of the crash. STORY: Moles Farewell Tributes ends connection to Whatcom County amid investigation of improper body storage Moles Farewell Tributes and Cremation Center officially terminated its partnership with Whatcom County after they claim the Medical Examiner’s office failed to properly store multiple human remains. The funeral home had served as a temporary morgue since last year. However, John Moles, the funeral home owner, said in a recent statement that they quote “won’t tolerate substandard operations” end-of-quote, nor the county’s refusal to absolve Moles Farewell Tributes of wrongdoing in the mishandling of the bodies. County spokesperson Jed Holmes says the county’s temporary morgue has been moved to Simple Cremation of Bellingham, and that the county has launched an independent investigation into why the medical examiner’s office failed to uphold proper procedure after autopsies. The county says it has also acquired a refrigerated truck for additional storage space, and that County Executive Satpal Sidhu has prioritized the completion of renovations on the medical examiner’s State Street office. Moles denies any responsibility for the mishandling of bodies on their property. STORY: EMS reviewing transport data after claims by Lummi Nation of inadequate emergency response Whatcom County EMS Services is refuting the Lummi Nation’s claims that EMS failed to provide adequate emergency response to the reservation. Following the death of a Lummi woman in April, Tribal Chairman Anthony Hillaire sent a letter to County EMS stating that services to Lummi Nation are systematically inadequate. County EMS Manager Mike Hilley said that EMS administration reviewed countywide data, and says they don’t believe the data supports Hillaire’s allegations. The letter asserts that the Lummi woman’s death was not an isolated incident, but rather part of a larger pattern. Hillaire expressed ongoing concerns about instances where EMS declined to transport patients. According to a public records request by the Cascadia Daily News, about 30% of Lummi patients were not transported to the hospital by either Whatcom County or Bellingham Fire departments. According to Hilley, the non-transport rate sits at about 48% across the whole county. This is due in part to protocols created during the COVID-19 pandemic that were designed to ease overcrowding in emergency rooms. Hilley says he has requested more data from around the state to understand what left-at-home rates look like in areas comparable to Whatcom County, and to understand if better protocols need to be developed. STORY: City investigating sources of stormwater contaminants entering Bellingham Bay The City of Bellingham is actively investigating local stormwater runoffs for possible sources of contamination after a new study found multiple hotspots for bacterial pollution. RE Sources (REE-sources), a Bellingham non-profit, studied the quality of stormwater flowing into Bellingham Bay from 2021 to 2023, and found E. coli levels five times higher than safe limits at the Bennett Outfall, located close to Taylor Dock. Researchers say bacteria levels are likely diluted but advise people to swim with caution. The data comes a week after Whatcom County Health and Community Services issued a swimming advisory for Boulevard and Taylor Dock due to high levels of fecal coliform bacteria found during regular testing. The city says it is looking to identify the sources of the pollution. STORY: Construction delays continue through summer at Hannegan Rd. Road construction is expected to continue at the intersection of East Smith and Hannegan Road until at least mid-August. Stremler Gravel was contracted by the county to install a multi-lane roundabout at the intersection. The project began last month, and major construction was originally expected to be done by July 4th. In their website, Whatcom County Public Works stated that there have been several delays to the project, and drivers should continue to anticipate high traffic and long wait times. The total estimated cost for the roundabout is over $7.5 million dollars. Just over half is funded by federal grants including the Highway Safety Improvement Program and the Federal Carbon Reduction Program. The other portion—totaling more than $3.5 million dollars– will come from local road funds, which are primarily sourced from property taxes. Work on the intersection is underway from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and including weekends. STORY: 72% of Washington eighth graders not proficient in math, report shows A new report indicates most Washington K-12 students have not met basic math and reading proficiency standards in the last four years. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, in 2022, 66% of Washington fourth graders were not proficient in reading, and 72% of eighth graders were not proficient in math. The foundation’s report, based on the National Assessment of Educational Progress data, shows Washington students performing slightly better than the national average. The Kids Count Data Book says Washington ranks 14th in overall child well-being– but 26th in education. The pandemic notably impacted eighth graders’ math proficiency, with a 12 percentage point drop from 2019 to 2022. Recovery has been observed from 2022 to 2023,however, concerns persist for students of color and low-income students. Additionally, …
June 12, 2024 News Transcript
Whatcom Co. man leads police on chase after calling 911 to report shooting a family member, Hammer homicide victim identified as former WWU professor, PeaceHealth hospitalists vote to unionize, Electric Avenue bridge partially reopens, Whatcom burn ban in July, Washington launches mental health, school safety helpline for teens, PNW coast suffers from low oxygen, study finds ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, June 12th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom Co. man leads police on chase after calling 911 to report shooting a family member Last week, Whatcom County deputies arrested a Ferndale man after he shot a family member and led them on a freeway chase. At roughly 7:15 pm on Friday, Robert Earl Manly called 911 to report having shot a family member in the leg. The victim later called to corroborate the story, describing Manly as agitated and angry. Manly had left the scene by the time emergency services arrived to administer medical aid. He was found hours later driving west on Main Street, and fled from the deputies who attempted to pull him over. The deputies pursued Manly north before immobilizing his vehicle on Grandview Road. The sheriff’s office reports that Manly was driving erratically, and frequently crossed the center dividing line. Manly was taken to St. Joseph’s Medical Hospital before later being booked into the Whatcom County Jail on counts of first-degree assault, third-degree assault of a police officer, eluding police, and driving under the influence. STORY: Hammer homicide victim identified as former WWU professor A man who was killed in his Bellingham home last week has been identified as the founder of Western Washington University’s dance program. Nolan Dennett, 74, was the “architect” and director of Western’s dance program until he retired in 2021, according to Western’s website. An award-winning choreographer, he was also an author and Fulbright Scholar. Dennett was allegedly murdered on June 6 by roommate James Anthony Singleton. According to court documents, Dennett and Singleton, 36, were in a relationship. Dennett and Singleton, of Dallas, met online a month earlier and Singleton moved into a bedroom in Dennett’s residence on Old Samish Road. According to the Bellingham Police Department’s affidavit, the two smoked methamphetamine together. Singleton said Dennett became “overly aggressive and dominant” and gave him a deadline to move out of the residence. Singleton told detectives he “feared for his safety” and brought a hammer into his bedroom. Later, when the two were using meth, Singleton hit Dennett in the head several times with the hammer. He discarded the hammer near Arroyo Park. The hammer was found last week in connection to the murder scene. Singleton has been charged with first-degree murder and is currently in county jail. STORY: PeaceHealth hospitalists vote to unionize 30 clinicians from Bellingham and Sedro-Woolley voted to unionize on Tuesday. The clinicians accepted the proposal to join the Union of American Physicians and Dentists with 76% of the employees voting in favor. While they work at St. Joseph Medical Center and United General Medical Center, they are employed by Sound Physicians, a for-profit national labor management company. They say this arrangement has led to less ability to advocate for patient’s needs and fuels burnout. According to recent reporting by the Cascadia Daily, Meg Lelonek (LEL-lo-neck), one of the unionizing employees, says PeaceHealth had alluded that it plans to challenge the joint employer status. PeaceHealth did not immediately respond to the CDN’s request for further explanation. The National Labor Relations Board is expected to certify the result in seven days. STORY: Electric Avenue bridge partially reopens The bridge on Electric Avenue has partially reopened after closing on June 3rd due to structural repairs. A city inspection last week revealed that one of the bridge’s timber beams was damaged, and could not hold weight for much longer. One lane of the bridge is now open, with alternating traffic controlled by temporary traffic signals. However, vehicles above 24 tons are not permitted on the bridge. Public works says that people should expect delays, and that starting today, Route 525 will resume regular access with the bridge. Funding for the bridge’s full rebuild is already in its planning phase, and will be included in the city’s six year Transportation improvement program. STORY: Whatcom burn ban in July The Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s office announced a Stage 1 burn ban to take effect in Whatcom starting July 1st. According to the announcement on Facebook, the ban is expected to last through September 14th – during which time all land clearing and land debris burning will be prohibited. The use of burn permits will also be suspended. The burn ban comes early in part because experts expect a dry spring and summer – contributing towards an active wildfire season. However, recreational fires will be allowed during this time, but must meet specific requirements. To learn about the requirements of a recreational fire, go to WhatcomCounty.us. STORY: Washington launches mental health, school safety helpline for teens The Washington Attorney General’s Office announced it has launched HearMeWA, a statewide hotline for youth under 25 facing food insecurity, social difficulties, suicidal thoughts, or violence. Operated by nonprofit organization Sandy Hook Promise, the hotline offers 24/7 support and connects users with crisis counselors who can refer them to appropriate services. Funded with nearly $2 million dollars from the state, it costs about $1 million dollars annually to run. HearMeWA differs from similar programs by offering responses outside of school interventions – a crucial option for rural areas. Organizers say feedback from youth advocates and a youth advisory group helped shape the program, and emphasize the importance of young people being heard and supported. It complements but does not replace existing resources like Teen Link. Attorney General Bob Ferguson sees it as a critical first response to youth stress, noting growing levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms reported among Washington’s 10th graders. STORY: PNW coast suffers from low oxygen, study finds A new study reveals that about half of …
June 11, 2024 News Transcript
Man arrested in connection to attempted arson at north Bellingham apartment, Five people and a dog rescued in waters off Lummi Island, Federal Railroad Administration says cause of last week’s BNSF derailment near Custer has been identified, Garbage cans changing downtown, Whatcom opioid conference registration open, State Supreme Court agrees to take up case against Spokane camping ban, Inslee releases new abortion directive, PNW coast suffers from low oxygen, study finds, PNW coast suffers from low oxygen, study finds ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, June 11th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Man arrested in connection to attempted arson at north Bellingham apartment A man was arrested in connection to an attempted arson and an incident of domestic violence at a North Bellingham apartment. The 22 year-old man was arrested for first-degree arson and charges related to domestic violence early Saturday morning. According to the Bellingham Police Department, the victim called authorities around midnight to report an assault in progress at her North Bellingham apartment. The victim told officers that the suspect tried to lock her in the apartment, intimidating both her and her child, before they were able to escape. When first responders arrived, fire alarms were set off and flames were coming from items stacked on top of stove burners. The suspect was found and arrested for attempting to set the fire. He currently remains at Whatcom County Jail on a $75,000 bail. STORY: Five people and a dog rescued in waters off Lummi Island On Sunday evening, Coast Guard first responders rescued five kayakers and one dog stranded in the waters northwest of Lummi Island. A coordinated effort between stations in Bellingham and Port Angeles was able to locate the group after one of the kayakers activated their inReach satellite messaging device, which alerted nearby EMS to their predicament. Bellingham Coast Guard reports that all, dog included, were wearing personal floatation devices at the time of rescue. One of the kayakers received medical treatment from EMS en route to the Bellingham station, but none required hospitalization. STORY: Federal Railroad Administration says cause of last week’s BNSF derailment near Custer has been identified The Federal Railroad Administration has identified the cause of last week’s train derailment near Custer. The train, which was carrying molten sulfur, derailed near midnight last Tuesday. According to the recent reporting by the Bellingham Herald, the FRA said the incident occurred when traversing a switch in the railroad. The previous train had left a gap in the switch points, causing the next train to derail. BNSF’s investigation into the cause of the accident continues, and a full report will be released in about three months. There were no reported injuries and the sulfur was not spilled in the accident. STORY: Garbage cans changing downtown New trash and recycling cans are coming to downtown Bellingham. The City of Bellingham has announced that they will be transitioning to new downtown garbage and recycling cans after positive public feedback about the new bin models. The new bins downtown feature a larger carrying capacity that requires fewer pickups and will reduce transportation-related emissions. The new bins are fully enclosed with two options for hands-free and manual opening. This is part of the city’s ongoing plan to revamp downtown. STORY: Whatcom opioid conference registration open Registration is now open for the 2024 All Hands Whatcom Opioid Summit, scheduled to take place June 25 and 26 at Bellingham High School. The two-day event will delve into a variety of critical topics surrounding the Fentanyl crisis— from analyzing data and evidence-based practices to fostering empathy through powerful personal stories. Attendees will also engage in action planning sessions geared towards community investment and support. The summit is open to everyone and free to attend. For more information and to register for the summit, please visit the official event website. STORY: State Supreme Court agrees to take up case against Spokane camping ban On Wednesday, the Washington State Supreme Court agreed to take up a case against a local Spokane initiative banning camping within 1,000 feet of schools, daycares, parks, and playgrounds. The measure, known as Proposition 1, has been contentious ever since its approval in November. Proposition 1 has been questioned over its constitutional legitimacy under a U.S. Supreme Court ruling which states that cities cannot enforce anti-camping ordinances if they lack the shelter beds to accommodate those displaced. Last August, a joint lawsuit was filed by local homeless service providers to have the measure stricken from the ballot. A state superior court judge denied the motion the same month. However, this lawsuit is only looking at the question of whether or not Proposition 1 is outside the scope of what a local initiative can do. If the Supreme Court rules against it, Proposition 1 will be stricken from the ballot this coming November despite voter approval. STORY: Inslee releases new abortion directive Governor Jay Inslee has directed the Washington Department of Health to ensure that hospitals in the state provide emergency abortion services as legally required. This directive comes near the second anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, and amidst the upcoming Supreme Court ruling on the Idaho v. United States and Moyle v. United States case. The Idaho case could criminalize emergency room doctors for performing emergency abortions. In the statement, Inslee criticized politicians for interfering with critical healthcare decisions and emphasized that Washington has taken steps to protect patients’ access to abortion services, positioning the state as a safe haven for those seeking care unavailable in other states. He also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to being a pro-choice state. WX: Cloudy Your Whatcom County weather today – Expect sun and some clouds, with a high of 63 degrees. Tonight will be cloudy, as temperatures drop to a low of 49. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Tomorrow is expected to be sunny all day. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), …
June 10, 2024 News Transcript
Court documents reveal details of south Bellingham hammer homicide, More advisories issued for beaches around Whatcom County, Bellingham seeks feedback on drinking water quality, Anniversary of Olympic Pipeline Explosion, Famed Apollo 8 astronaut Bill Anders, dead in vintage-plane crash, Washington Supreme Court will hear case on high-capacity ammo magazine ban, WA cracks down on gassy garbage, State Supreme Court agrees to take up case against Spokane camping ban ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, June 10th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Court documents reveal details of south Bellingham hammer homicide A man has been booked into Whatcom County Jail on Thursday, accused of first-degree murder of a Bellingham resident. According to the Bellingham Police Department, 36 year-old James Singleton was arrested after he called 911 to report someone was barely breathing after a fight. When BPD arrived at the residence on Old Samish Road, they found Bellingham resident Nolan Dennett with injuries caused by blunt force trauma, and declared him dead on the scene. Singleton said that he and the victim had been taking drugs two days before and were involved in a fight. According to the BPD, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office K9 team found a hammer believed to be associated with the fight near a walking path at Arroyo Park. Singleton is currently being held without bail. STORY: More advisories issued for beaches around Whatcom County The Whatcom County Health Department has issued swimming advisories due to high levels of fecal coliform bacteria. People and pets should stay out of the water at Larrabee State Park, Taylor Beach and Little Squalicum Beach as well as three Birch Bay locations : the beach, the tidelands and Wildcat Cove. Members of the public are advised to avoid contact with the water and sand in those areas. If you are hearing this information on your way home from an affected beach, the health department advises showering and hand washing. STORY: Bellingham seeks feedback on drinking water quality Bellingham is asking residents for feedback on the city’s water quality. The Washington Department of Health requires cities to reevaluate their water system plans every 10 years to keep up with current and future demands of the community. The City of Bellingham says community feedback will help identify potential repair projects for old or leaking pipes and will influence new programs and policies. Residents can offer their opinions by going to the city’s website. STORY: Anniversary of Olympic Pipeline Explosion Today marks the 25th anniversary of the Olympic Pipeline explosion. On this day, 25 years ago, multiple residents and businesses in the area reported what appeared to be fuel flowing through the creek. First responders at the scene confirmed the leak, as well as the presence of fumes, and the pipeline was shut down. Later in the afternoon, however, a broken pipe on the upper creek in Whatcom Falls Park exploded, spilling 7,000 gallons of gasoline a minute into the creek. In total, the Washington Department of Ecology estimates that 226,000 gallons were spilled. The explosion killed two boys playing on the creek’s banks, as well as a teenager fishing upstream. The Olympic Pipe Line Company was later found to be quote “lax in inspection and safety checks, and non-compliant in its lease with the city” end-quote. State and federal regulations on pipelines were strengthened after the event. A community remembrance gathering is scheduled for tonight at Bellingham High School from 6 to 8 pm. STORY: Famed Apollo 8 astronaut Bill Anders, dead in vintage-plane crash Bill Anders, one of the three astronauts in the first manned space mission to orbit the moon, is dead. Anders died in a plane crash on Friday morning, when the small vintage piston-engine plane he was piloting alone crashed into the Salish Sea, near Jones Island. The wreckage was found later that day, according to the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office. The crash is being investigated by both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. Anders was part of the Apollo 8 mission in December 1968, alongside Frank Borman and James Lovell. It was the first spacecraft to travel to the Moon, achieve orbit and return safely to Earth. Anders was the man responsible for capturing the iconic Earthrise photograph – a picture of the Earth taken from the lunar surface, a blue ball rising from the darkness of space. Mr. Anders was 90 years old. STORY: Washington Supreme Court will hear case on high-capacity ammo magazine ban The Washington State Supreme Court has agreed to directly review a lower court ruling which invalidated the state’s ban on ammunition magazines holding more than 10 rounds. Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge Gary Bashor’s (BASH-er) decision initially halted the enforcement of the ban, allowing sales of high capacity magazines to resume. However, Supreme Court Commissioner Michael Johnston issued a temporary stay which reinstates the prohibition and extends it until the case is resolved. The lawsuit originated from a dispute involving Gator’s Custom Guns, a retailer accused by State Attorney General Bob Ferguson of violating the ban. Both the Attorney General’s office and the retailer requested the Supreme Court’s involvement, bypassing the state appeals court. The Supreme Court will also consider Gator’s request to lift the stay, with legal briefs due this month and a conference scheduled for July 10th. STORY: WA cracks down on gassy garbage Washington state is implementing new regulations to reduce methane emissions from landfills, aiming to prevent 1.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere annually. Methane, which is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide, contributes significantly to global warming, and about 16% of U.S. methane emissions come from landfills. The new rules, driven by House Bill 1663 which was passed in 2022, include stricter monitoring, timely repairs of leaks, and mandatory installation of methane capture equipment. Although environmentalists commend the new rules, they call for further measures– such as faster implementation of gas collection systems and advanced methane detection technology. Additionally, …
June 7, 2024 News Transcript
Whatcom County funeral home investigated for improper storage of human remains, blames recently expanded medical examiner’s office, Whatcom County to explore operating year-round homeless shelter, Puget Sound Energy will ramp up collection efforts for thousands of overdue bills, Boeing pays record $11.5M in wages wrongly withheld from WA workers, New labeling standards will make it easier to determine what packaging is compostable, Free and Cheap ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, June 7th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Whatcom County funeral home investigated for improper storage of human remains, blames recently expanded medical examiner’s office The Washington State Department of Licensing and Whatcom County are investigating complaints about improperly stored human remains at a Bellingham Funeral home. The Department of Licensing was notified twice on May 16th by other Whatcom County funeral homes that Moles Farewell Tributes Bayview Chapel was improperly storing human remains. The reports alleged that there were six to seven unrefrigerated bodies at the funeral home, held for the Whatcom County Medical Examiner. The DOL confirmed that a formal investigation has been opened into whether Moles violated state law. The investigation comes after Whatcom County Council recently approved a lease extension for the Medical Examiner’s office as the group prepares to transition from contract workers to county employees. Moles Farewell Tributes, is currently the temporary morgue for Whatcom County, while the Medical Examiner’s Office undergoes renovations. The County pays Moles for autopsies, storage, and transport. According to owner John Moles, they are not legally able to move the bodies without a request from the Medical Examiner’s office who has responsibility for the remains, and no request was made. The investigation is ongoing. STORY: Whatcom County to explore operating year-round homeless shelter Whatcom County Council is currently exploring the possibility of a year-round, low-barrier homeless shelter. A resolution presented Tuesday proposes that the County run its own shelter, as well as expand year-round shelter capacity. In the past year, Whatcom spent over 1.3 million dollars funding winter and severe weather shelters, with a single bed costing the county $426 per night. The proposal would cut that expense to an estimated $64, as well as reduce the need to find seasonal staff and coordinate with non-profit organizations. County Deputy Executive Kayla Schott-Bresler pointed out that the hiring of full-time staff would create more work and impede the county’s ability to perform existing tasks. Council Members Tyler Byrd and Ben Elenbaas added that, in their opinion, those who utilize the shelter should also be expected to seek employment or more permanent housing while there. Council Member Kaylee Galloway, one of the resolution’s supporters, acknowledged the concerns, but said that providing shelter to all homeless people in Whatcom County is possible. STORY: Puget Sound Energy will ramp up collection efforts for thousands of overdue bills Thousands of low-income families could have gas and electric service cut off because of their long overdue bills. State regulators agreed last month to allow Puget Sound Energy to resume credit and collection practices paused since the pandemic. PSE is working to recover more than $140 million dollars owed from tens of thousands of customers. If a customer fails to act within 30 days, PSE may place them on a phased debt collection plan. Disconnections for non-payment are limited to those who owe more than $250 and are more than 90 days overdue. In response to the decision, PSE’s director of customer operations said that they will do everything possible to help customers and will not disconnect people who are working to pay their bill. STORY: Boeing pays record $11.5M in wages wrongly withheld from WA workers Boeing paid a company record $11.5 million in wrongfully withheld travel pay to almost 500 employees. According to the state Department of Labor and Industries, employees who were shorted wages are part of traveling work crews responsible for helping return grounded planes to service. The payments, which ranged from a few hundred dollars to over $90,000, originated from uncompensated business trips between October 2019 and August 2023. In 2021, the Washington Court of Appeals ruled that workers in the state must be paid for out-of-town business travel. A year later, the Department of Labor and Industries found that Boeing had not paid or accounted for all overtime and sick leave associated with their employees’ business trips. Payouts were made on March 24th. STORY: New labeling standards will make it easier to determine what packaging is compostable Passage of the Organics Management Law 2.0 earlier this year means changes are coming to labels on compostable products. This update aims to reduce consumer confusion, making composting more efficient and less costly. Starting this month, products in Washington must be certified by a third party to meet scientific standards for industrial composting. Other key updates include clearer definition of those products exempt from labeling– including products made of wood and those over 98% fiber without plastic or wax additives. The new law also clarifies the use of colors on non-compostable film bags, restricting the use of green, beige, and brown to avoid misleading customers. The law also directs the departments of Ecology as well as Agriculture to explore creating compostable produce stickers to reduce microplastics in compost. That report is due by September 2025. STORY: Free and Cheap Here’s a short list of events around the county this weekend. Pipeline Safety Trust is hosting events in remembrance of the 1999 Olympic Pipeline Explosion. Tomorrow at 9:30 am, the Pickford Film Center is screening a film followed by a discussion of the disaster. Tickets are free and available online. Later that day, the trust is hosting a guided walk of Whatcom Falls Park at 2 pm. More information about the tour, and other events are available at PSTrust.org. Also on Saturday, the City of Bellingham is hosting a Community Work Party at the Parks Native Plant Nursery. Volunteers will help provide maintenance and weeding. The event starts at 9 am with all ages welcome. Tools …
June 6, 2024 News Transcript
Train carrying molten sulfur derails in Whatcom County; BNSF investigation underway, Driver pulled from fiery vehicle after hitting tree in Bellingham, Whatcom County residents file petition to repeal “childcare tax”, Driver pulled from fiery vehicle after hitting tree in Bellingham, Whatcom County residents file petition to repeal “childcare tax”, Mindport Exhibits to Close After Nearly 30 Years, Bellingham City Council approves taller buildings in Fairhaven’s ‘pit’, Republicans fight to keep budget impact of November initiatives from appearing on ballots, Habitat for Humanity To Host Annual Trashion Show, Whatcom County to explore operating year-round homeless shelter ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, June 6th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Train carrying molten sulfur derails in Whatcom County; BNSF investigation underway A BNSF-led investigation is underway for a train that derailed in Whatcom County on Tuesday night. According to a recent update from Burlington Northern, the train was carrying molten sulfur, and six of its cars derailed at around 11 p.m. near Custer. Fire Chief Jason Van der Veen says no property damage, injuries, or spills were initially reported as a result of the accident. However, Portal Way between Valley View and Arnie Road is expected to remain closed again today. Sheriff Donnell ‘Tank’ Tanksly said they will continue to monitor developments as BNSF investigates the derailment. STORY: Driver pulled from fiery vehicle after hitting tree in Bellingham A fiery vehicle crash in front of Sehome High School has sent one person to the hospital. Yesterday around 7:40 pm, Bellingham Police Department received reports of a single vehicle crash along Bill McDonald Parkway in front of Sehome High School. According to the BPD, the vehicle hit a tree and caught fire. The driver was pulled from the car before first responders arrived on scene and was given lifesaving care by a witness, who was a nurse. The driver was then transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center. The investigation is ongoing, and the driver is suspected to have been under the influence of drugs, although no charges have been filed. Following the accident, Bill McDonald Parkway was closed in both directions for about 2 hours and reopened around 10 pm. No update on the driver’s condition has been given. STORY: Whatcom County residents file petition to repeal “childcare tax” Critics of Whatcom County’s childcare services tax have submitted an initiative to repeal it. Proposition 5 passed by just 20 votes in the November 2022 election after a late surge of “cured”, or fixed, ballots pushed it over the top. The tax helps pay for early childhood education, childcare and other support for children in homeless or low-income families. According to Whatcom County Health and Community Services, the fund is collecting roughly $10 million annually, and has collected about $15 million so far. The measure raised property taxes by 19 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or $95 for a $500,000 property. Washingtonians for a Sound Economy, a conservative political group who submitted the petition, says that it’s a heavy burden for many county residents. The Whatcom County Auditor’s Office says they received the initiative petition on Monday, and are in the process of verifying the signatures. STORY: Mindport Exhibits to Close After Nearly 30 Years Mindport Exhibits, a science-based experiential learning center in downtown Bellingham since 1995, announced it will close its doors this fall. According to recent reporting from Whatcom Talk, the decision to close the museum came as a result of its owner’s retirement in 2019, and the end of funding from their primary donor. Tallie Jones, current executive director of Mindport – said that they did have the option of becoming a non-profit, but decided they did not want to compete with other non-profits in the area. The exhibit does not have an exact closing date, but Jones says it will remain open until the Fall. Updates on closing events can be found on their website mindport.org. STORY: Bellingham City Council approves taller buildings in Fairhaven’s ‘pit’ The Bellingham City Council voted to allow the development of a four-story building on the Fairhaven site known as ‘the pit’. Currently, the gravel lot on the corner of Mill Avenue and 11th Street is zoned for three-story buildings and has 75 free parking spaces. On Monday, the city offered an amendment for approval that would allow a building that exceeds height limits be built in exchange for public benefits that include a dedicated South Bay Trail easement, the inclusion of affordable housing units, and guaranteed parking. The move prompted some dissent from Fairhaven business owners, who asked the council to deny the proposed zoning changes and keep both the open space and free unofficial parking lot. In addition, some business owners voiced concerns that four-story buildings would be “out of character” for the neighborhood. The council vote was unanimous. STORY: Republicans fight to keep budget impact of November initiatives from appearing on ballots Supporters of three ballot initiatives are suing the state, arguing that the fiscal impact disclosures required by state law should not be applied in these cases. A 2022 Washington state law mandates fiscal effects of ballot measures to be described for voters. This year, initiatives to eliminate the state’s cap-and-trade system, end the capital gains tax, and make a long-term care program optional are on the ballot, all of which would have financial impacts on the state budget. However, Republican leaders Jim Walsh and Deanna Martinez filed a lawsuit against several state officials, including Attorney General Bob Ferguson, asserting the disclosure law is too specific to apply to these initiatives. State attorneys state the measures would significantly impact state revenue and qualify for the disclosures. If the court does not block the process, Ferguson’s office will draft 15-word fiscal impact statements for the ballot. Walsh and Martinez argue that these statements are partisan and unnecessary, while the state maintains they are essential for voter information. A court hearing is set for Friday. WX: Sun Your Whatcom County weather today – Expect …
