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. …
KMRE NEWS Transcripts
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 …
August 13, 2024 News Transcript
Bellingham man arrested in connection with assault, One escaped cow still at large within Bellingham, Swimming advisory issued for Taylor Dock after high levels of bacteria detected in water, Mudslide buries part of State Route 20, WTA seeking feedback on two new proposed bus routes, Swinomish among first tribal nations to be awarded DHS cybersecurity grant, Initiative to repeal cap-and-trade bill could lower WA gas prices, but also jeopardize climate investments Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, August 13th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham man arrested in connection with assault A man accused of assaulting someone with a chain in Downtown Bellingham last week has been located. 37-year-old Jacob Sparks was found at the Lakeway Fred Meyer and arrested Saturday after he admitted to assaulting a man early Friday morning. Bellingham Police say the victim exchanged words with the suspect before being assaulted and sustaining a head wound. A witness to the assault was able to capture a clear photograph of the suspect before he fled. When confronted by BPD officers Sparks confirmed that he was the person in the witness photo. Sparks remains at the Whatcom County Jail and is being held without bail. STORY: One escaped cow still at large within Bellingham Two cows escaped their trailer in Bellingham over the weekend – and one is still on the loose. It all started Saturday morning around 8AM, when both cows were spotted near the intersection of East Sunset Drive and Hannegan Road. The police gave chase, but the cows were having none of it—completely ignoring the sirens and acting like they were above the law. The cows later split up. One of them was discovered several hours later and was eventually secured in a trailer, but the other is still missing. Bellingham Police are asking anyone who encounters the missing cow to contact the Whatcom Humane Society, or to call 911 in case the cow is posing a threat to traffic. STORY: Swimming advisory issued for Taylor Dock after high levels of bacteria detected in water The Whatcom County Health Department has issued a swimming advisory for Boulevard Park after high levels of fecal bacteria were detected in the water. The contamination was traced to an outfall pipe but has spread to other areas of the park, particularly near Taylor Dock. The Health Department advises humans and their pets to avoid the water until the advisory is lifted. Health and Human Services says swimming in contaminated water can cause skin rashes, gastroenteritis, and respiratory infections. Those who insist on swimming should avoid the water after heavy rainfall, keep their heads above water, avoid swallowing it, and shower afterward. If illness occurs, contact a doctor and report it to health authorities. STORY: Mudslide buries part of State Route 20 Part of State Route 20 has been buried by a mudslide. The mudslide happened on Sunday evening at milepost 152, southeast of Diablo Lake, after nearly two inches of rainfall. State Route 20 has been closed intermittently between Granite Creek and Rainy Pass due to dangers presented by the Easy Fire, which currently covers a little over 2,000 acres and is 0% contained due to the area’s steep terrain. The state Department of Transportation estimates it will take at least two days for the slide to be cleaned up, and says road conditions will be reevaluated tomorrow. STORY: Swinomish among first tribal nations to be awarded DHS cybersecurity grant The Swinomish (SWIN-uh-mish) Indian Tribal Community will be one of the first tribal nations in the country to receive a cybersecurity grant. The grant, awarded by the Department of Homeland Security, will provide the tribe with almost $550,000. This comes months after a cybersecurity incident shut down the Swinomish Casino & Lodge for weeks. In an interview with the Cascadia Daily News, Vinnie Singh, the director of Information Technology for the tribe, said that tribal communities are seen as attractive targets by cybercriminals due to quote “perceived weaker cybersecurity defenses” unquote, and that tribal governments are currently facing digital threats ranging from phishing attacks to cyber fraud. The Suquamish (soo-KWA-mish) Tribe, near Seattle, are the only other indigenous group in Washington to receive a grant–– which totals about $460,000. In total, 32 tribes will split just over $18 million dollars in cybersecurity grants from Homeland Security. STORY: WTA seeking feedback on two new proposed bus routes The Whatcom Transportation Authority is seeking feedback on an interim waterfront transport service for Bellingham. Two new routes proposed to begin this fall–– route ‘46 Granary’, would run from Bellingham Station to the Millworks Building at Cornwall Avenue six times a day. The other would be route ‘47 Harbour/Downtown’, which would run seven times a day from Bellingham Station to Millworks to Squalicum Harbour. The proposed routes will be temporary until permanent routes are put in place. According to the WTA, the organization aims to address the need for bus routes to the waterfront, especially after the opening of the Millworks building – which sports 83 affordable housing units and a child care center. The WTA board of directors will hold a public meeting on the proposals this Thursday at 8am. The public can attend in person at 4011 Bakerview Spur or on Zoom by visiting ridewta.org. STORY: Initiative to repeal cap-and-trade bill could lower WA gas prices, but also jeopardize climate investments This November voters will decide on Initiative 2117, which aims to prohibit any state agency from implementing a cap-and-trade tax program as well as repeal the 2021 Washington Climate Commitment Act. The Climate Commitment Act is a cap-and-invest program that has generated $2.2 billion since January 2023, funding a wide array of climate-related projects. These projects include forest conservation, micro-hydroelectric plants, and solar power initiatives. According to supporters of the new repeal Initiative, the CCA is making Washington’s cost of living one the highest in the nation. Initiative sponsor Republican State Rep. Jim Walsh links the cap-and-trade program with higher gas prices, and says the …
August 12, 2024 News Transcript
No-contact order violation leads to seven-hour standoff with Blaine PD, one arrest, Fatal fire in Mount Vernon under investigation, WWU to contract out 9-1-1 calls, First Harcourt Waterfront Condominium units to open in October, Bellingham Bells Playoff run continues tonight, Department of Natural Resources opens comments on 90-acre lumber sale in Whatcom County, Wildfires spotted near Mt. Baker and in North Cascades National Park Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, August 12th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: No-contact order violation leads to seven-hour standoff with Blaine PD, one arrest A Blaine man was arrested last Friday after a seven-hour standoff with law enforcement officers. According to a news release from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, on July 29th, 35-year-old Tristen Alexander violated a no-contact order made against him after he forced his way into a Blaine residence and physically assaulted the person who filed for protection. The victim was able to escape in a vehicle to a nearby gas station where Alexander allegedly followed and blocked the road with his own vehicle. Deputies charged Alexander after the incident was reported to the sheriff’s office on August 2nd. A search warrant was authorized after Alexander did not respond to deputies’ attempts to contact him at his residence. SWAT and crisis negotiators were deployed to the scene due to the suspicion that Alexander had access to firearms and the severity of the charges. The standoff began around 8am and ended nearly 7 hours later when law enforcement used less-than-lethal and chemical munitions to stun him. Alexander was taken into custody on suspicion of nine domestic violence charges including: first-degree burglary domestic violence, felony order violation, felony harassment, and third degree assault, among others. He was treated for minor injuries. Alexander was also arrested back in May by the Blaine Police Department for allegedly sending a threatening photo to the same person, which resulted in the no-contact order. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges against Alexander are pending. STORY: Fatal fire in Mount Vernon under investigation Police are investigating a deadly fire that destroyed a house in Concrete on Friday morning. Officials from the Skagit Valley Sheriff’s Office responded to the blaze at a two-story residence on State Route 530. According to a news release by Mount Vernon Police, several victims were located at the scene, and the house was completely destroyed. Recovery efforts may last days due to the collapsed structure, and the MVPD did not state how many victims were found. Mount Vernon Police are requesting anyone with information to call them during business hours, or at their 24-hour dispatch information number. STORY: WWU to contract out 9-1-1 calls Western Washington University (WWU) announced that it will switch its emergency dispatch services to What-Comm 911 starting this January. Western’s police department is currently the only in the county not being dispatched by What-Comm 911. According to reporting by the Cascadia Daily News, Western’s chief of police Katy Potts said the decision came after many conversations about campus safety, as well as the rising costs of upgrading Western’s dispatch center’s technology, which was estimated to cost over half a million dollars. The switch will result in the lay off of four employees at Western’s dispatch, but according to Potts they will have the opportunity to apply for jobs at What-Comm 911. Potts also stated the switch will enhance Western’s emergency response capabilities, as well as streamline their communication with other local law enforcement. STORY: First Harcourt Waterfront Condominium units to open in October The Waterfront Condominium project overlooking Bellingham Bay is finally set to welcome residents in October––four years past the original deadline. The condo complex, spearheaded by Irish developer Harcourt and brokered by Chris Erdmann of eXp Realty, includes luxury condos priced from $535,000 to $1.85 million. The project has faced numerous delays and controversies, including missed construction deadlines and legal disputes with the Port of Bellingham. Despite the setbacks, about 35% of the 28 units in the first building, Block A, are already under contract. Block B is expected to open in April 2025, with the completion date for the final building still uncertain. The project, which began in 2018, aims to transform the former Georgia Pacific paper mill site into a key residential area in Bellingham’s downtown. Though the relationship between Harcourt and the port has soured over time, Erdmann remains optimistic about the development’s future and is hosting tours to showcase the nearly completed units. STORY: Bellingham Bells Playoff run continues tonight It’s baseball playoff season–– and the Bellingham Bells play tonight in the deciding game of their best-of-three opening playoff series. After last night’s 2-0 home shutout win over the Edmonton Riverhawks, they could advance to the West Coast League (WCL) North Division Championship with another home win tonight. The game starts at 6:35 p.m., and tickets are currently available on the Bells website. STORY: Department of Natural Resources opens comments on 90-acre lumber sale in Whatcom County The state Department of Natural Resources is seeking comments on a proposal to sell just over 89 acres of forest on the Van Zandt Dike plateau. Conservation non-profit, RE Sources, said in a news release that it opposes the sale. According to RE Sources, members of the Whatcom Forest Watch coalition have identified the four stands of trees that are part of the so-called Little Lilly sale as being made up of mostly mature, naturally regenerated forest. RE Sources argues that mature forests are more resilient to wildfire, regulate water flow, and filter pollutants and therefore should not be logged. The group also notes that the sale units are located near buffer zones of marbled murrelet nesting sites–– a seabird that nests in old-growth forests and is classified as an endangered species by the state. According to Washington State law, the revenue generated by timber sales on publicly owned property, like Little Lilly, goes toward local schools, rural libraries, emergency responders and local universities. Following the sale, DNR says it plans to …
August 9, 2024 News Transcript
Bellingham street race leads to crash hospitalizing mother and two children, Everson ATV crash leads to one hospitalization and one arrest, WSU-developed paper slurry emerging as potential alternative to agricultural mulch, Community and technical colleges work to meet rural career needs in WA, Seattle’s Sip Magazine praises Bellingham’s local drinking scene, Free and Cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, August 9th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Bellingham street race leads to crash hospitalizing mother and two children A 19-year-old man has been arrested after a collision on Chuckanut Drive. Colin Orlando Gomez, from Everett, was reportedly street racing in Bellingham when he crashed into another vehicle, injuring a mother and her two children. Gomez was driving at 60mph in a 15mph zone on Chuckanut Drive, before he crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with another car. All four individuals were taken to the hospital. Gomez was arrested on suspicion of vehicular assault and reckless endangerment. STORY: Everson ATV crash leads to one hospitalization and one arrest An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crash in Everson last Sunday sent a passenger to the hospital and the driver to jail. According to court documents, Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene of the crash to find a couple lying on the ground next to the ATV. The ATV was on its side and the woman had suffered a serious leg injury. She was transported to St. Joseph’s Medical Center. 31-year-old Dillon Bradley Jimmie identified himself as the driver and admitted to deputies that he had consumed too many beers to be able to drive. Jimmie was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular assault and booked into Whatcom County Jail. A preliminary hearing on Monday set his bond at $60,000. STORY: WSU-developed paper slurry emerging as potential alternative to agricultural mulch Cloud Mountain Farm in Everson is exploring hydromulch as an alternative to plastic mulching in agriculture. The hydromulch is a slurry of shredded paper made from cellulose, water, and tackifier. The new mulch is being tested on various crops under the leadership of scientists at Western and in collaboration with other universities. The new mulch offers easier application and adds organic matter to the soil as it degrades. However, sourcing clean recycled paper free of PFAS chemicals has proven challenging. Researchers say they hope hydromulch can replace plastic mulches, which degrade into harmful microplastics. The study is supported by a grant from the Sustainable Path Foundation and Organic Valley. STORY: Community and technical colleges work to meet rural career needs in WA Washington State’s 34 community and technical colleges offer applied Bachelor’s degrees in order to reach underserved communities. The programs increase opportunities for people in rural areas. Reporter Erik Tegethoff (TEG-i-doff) has more. PLAY NWNS APPLIED BACHELOR’S AUDIO STORY: Seattle’s Sip Magazine praises Bellingham’s local drinking scene A Seattle-based magazine focused on regional beer and food has named Bellingham “an Epicurean Epicenter”. The June edition of Sip Magazine highlighted six different well-liked Bellingham eateries: the Bellingham Cider Company, Aslan [AZlun] Brewing, Estelle, Galloway’s Cocktail Bar, the Honey Moon and Chuckanut Bay Distillery. The magazine profiled each Bellingham location and reviewed their food as well as their ambiance. To read the story check out the Sip Magazine website. STORY: Free and cheap Here are some free and cheap activities to enjoy over the weekend: Today is Food Truck Friday at Pioneer Park as part of Ferndale’s Summer of Fun. Starting at 5:30pm the event will feature a variety of food vendors and entertainment by classic-rock cover band Jim Buk Tu. For those who are fans of The Twilight Saga, The Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema is hosting a screening of the first movie of the series tomorrow night on the Village Green. Entertainment begins 90 minutes before dusk with a performance by Guitars and Gratitude. Tickets are $7. Also tomorrow in Fairhaven, the Art Walk returns with over 20 artists and 16 participating retail locations. Walk through the historic streets of Fairhaven from 4-7pm to enjoy or purchase the work of local artists. WX: Sun (perhaps) And now weather: The heat advisory will continue through most of today, as temperatures reach projected highs in the low 80s to accompany more sunny skies. Expect haze for most of the day, calm south-southwestern winds, and nighttime lows around 60. The sun is also expected to stick around for most of the weekend, though temperatures will be slightly cooler, with highs in the upper 70s for Saturday and 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, Ikumi Mashiko (ih-KOO-me muh-SHE-ko), Anna Vickers, and Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson. 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. ##
August 7, 2024 News Transcript
Initial results of primary election, Hiker hospitalized after being rescued near Baker, Tullwood Apts owner pushes for action in Walmart encampment lawsuit, NWS to update weather reporting zones in western WA, anticipates greater accuracy in forecasts, Bellingham Senior Activity Center to relocate to newly acquired building, Gov. Inslee declares statewide emergency among wildfire surge Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, August 7th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Initial results of primary election The early results of yesterday’s state-wide primary election have been released. Washington is a top-two primary state, so the top two candidates in each primary race will move on to the general election. With a 22% turnout in Whatcom County and more than 15,000 ballots left to count, Maria Cantwell is walking away from ten other contenders in the race for State Senate, with more than 58% of the vote. With 28 candidates in the race for governor, Democrat Bob Ferguson is ahead with 48% of Whatcom County votes cast in his favor, while Republican Dave Reichert is second with almost 25%. In the almost-as crowded Congressional District 2 U.S. Representative primary– Rick Larsen has the majority of Whatcom County votes, with 47% compared to Cody Hart’s 21%. Closer to home, it’s turning out to be a very close race for Legislative District 42 State Representative Position 1– with Alicia (uh-LEE-shuh) Rule barely ahead of Raymond Pelletti by roughly 0.7%. Rule has nearly 46.8% while Pelleti currently sits at 46.1 percent of Whatcom County votes. In the 40th District, Democrats Liz Lovelett, Debra Lekanoff (luh-KAN-off), and Alex Ramel (RAM-ull) are winning their contests handily with 77%, 96%, and 96% for each. In the local race for District 2 PUD Commissioner No 1, Athul Deshmane (ah-TOOL desh-MAH-nee) is leading challenger Dan Johnson, 45 to 41%. Levy measures across the county appear to be failing– the Lynden school district levy is being rejected with 52% no to 47% yes. Fire Protection District 1 is failing 50% to 49%, and Fire Protection District 21 is failing 56-43%. The only fire levy that is ahead at this time is District 17 with 54% yes and 45% no. A local election update is expected tomorrow at 5pm. Keep updated with all of Washington’s primary election results at results.vote.wa.gov. Ballots for the general election are due by November 5th. STORY: Hiker hospitalized after being rescued near Baker A hiker was rescued from the south side of Mt. Baker on Saturday. The Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council, an all-volunteer rescue and mountain safety education organization affiliated with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, as well as Skagit County Search and Rescue responded to an emergency call from a hiker who had fallen near Watson Lake. According to reports, the group executed a ‘steep-angle rope rescue’ and ‘trail carryout’ while providing medical care. The hiker was then transported to the hospital. According to the Whatcom County Search and Rescue Council, the rescue went smoothly because the hiker was prepared and they ask local hikers to pack extra food and water, in case they get injured and must wait for help. STORY: Tullwood Apts owner pushes for action in Walmart encampment lawsuit Tullwood Apartment owner 52nd & Brooklyn LLC is seeking a summary judgment after joining the City of Bellingham’s lawsuit earlier this summer against the owner of an undeveloped land plot. The land in question is a 20-acre lot southeast of the Bellingham Walmart owned by Li-Ching Fang (LEE JCHING FONG). The city filed a lawsuit against Fang in February seeking a judge’s authority to remove members of an illegal homeless encampment on the property. According to court documents, Fang argued that she had tried to address the encampment by authorizing the Bellingham Police Department to issue trespass warnings and arrest trespassers when necessary, but was provided quote “very little assistance” unquote from the BPD. Court documents show that Fang hired Abatement & Decontamination Specialists to conduct a site assessment and lead clean-up of the area on May 1st, but 52nd & Brooklyn LLC’s attorney Adam C. Doupe said the quote “health and safety crisis” continues. The Tullwood Apartments are directly adjacent to Fang’s property and according to the property manager at least six tenants have left due to the encampment. Tenants of the building have complained of gunshots and the distribution and use of illegal drugs on the property. According to residents of the camp, an estimated 50 to 150 unhoused people camp on the property every night. The hearing for 52nd & Brooklyn LLC’s summary judgment motion has been set for September. STORY: NWS to update weather reporting zones in western WA, anticipates greater accuracy in forecasts According to the Seattle office of the National Weather Service (NWS), there will soon be a significant improvement on how counties in Western Washington are alerted to upcoming weather hazards. Under the current system, notifications are done by county. According to the Weather Service this can result in over-or-under warning of communities due to their size and climate diversity within each zone. For instance, an entire zone may be alerted when only a small portion of it is having a weather hazard. Alternatively, a decision may be made not to send an alert at all, because it’s only affecting a small area of a county. According to the NWS, these changes will be the most beneficial during the event of an extreme snowfall, coastal flooding or tsunami. The Seattle office of the National Weather Service plans on implementing the new public zones next month. STORY: Bellingham Senior Activity Center to relocate to newly acquired building The Bellingham Senior Activity Center is getting a new home. The Whatcom Council on Aging (WCOA) announced the purchase of the former WECU office building on East Bellis Fair Parkway. The current Senior Center sees around 400 people coming through its doors every day. According to reporting by the Cascadia Daily News, a lack of air conditioning and open spaces have caused the senior center’s popular fitness classes …
August 6, 2024 News Transcript
Whatcom County terminates contract with medical examiners over mishandled cadavers, New Bellingham roundabout to open tomorrow, Bellingham Public Works Department announces next phase of creek restoration plan, Bellingham Senior Activity Center to relocate to newly acquired building, Continuing probe into Whatcom County council’s handling of sexual harassment suit, State confirms first case of chronic wasting disease in deer Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, August 6th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom County terminates contract with medical examiners over mishandled cadavers A new 24-page report by a Bellingham law firm has revealed procedural gaps that contributed to the mishandling of bodies by the Whatcom County Medical Examiner’s Office. The office, operated by Hunt Forensics, faced criticism for losing track of the remains of two individuals. The incident, which occurred between May 10th and 13th, sparked both county and state investigations, and led to the dismissal of ME Allison Hunt. The report, by Kristofer Bundy of Bundy Law Group PLLC, identifies miscommunication and procedural failures as contributing factors to the improper storage. As a result, the contract with Moles Farewell Tributes & Crematory Center was terminated, and a new contract was established with Simple Cremations. County Executive Satpal Sidhu acknowledged Dr. Hunt’s contributions during challenging times but emphasized the need for a new ME. The search for her replacement is expected to take several months; the state’s investigation into Moles is still ongoing. STORY: New Bellingham roundabout to open tomorrow Just in time for the Fair– the new roundabout on Smith and Hannegan Roads is expected to reopen by the end of tomorrow. According to a news release, drivers are warned that the intersection looks completely different as it’s now a multi-lane roundabout–– vehicles should slow down and use caution when traveling through the intersection for the first time. The County says construction site clean up is scheduled for Thursday, and crews will return next month to install lights and hydroseed the project site. For more information and future updates, visit the Whatcom County website. STORY: Bellingham Public Works Department announces next phase of creek restoration plan The restoration of Padden Creek enters a new phase this month as work begins on the section from 30th to 24th Streets in the Happy Valley Neighborhood. According to Craig Meuller (MEW-ler), project engineer with the Department of Public Works, the stream will be re-routed into a more natural pattern that will help native fish survive by providing deep pools and fallen trees where they can rest and hide from predators. The restoration will also change the way water is displaced and improve flood-control in the area, Councilman Michael Lilliquist said at a City Council committee meeting in June where the project was discussed. The creek does not meet current Clean Water Act standards for dissolved oxygen, temperature, and fecal coliform. The Padden Creek restoration project is one of many undertaken by the city and state over the past decade according to the City of Bellingham website. The work done to-date aims to improve water quality, restore fish habitat, reduce flood risks, and open upstream habitat for fish and other animals that have been blocked by human construction. The second and final phase of the fish passage project is estimated to cost $31.2 million and is funded by the Clean Water Act. STORY: Bellingham Senior Activity Center to relocate to newly acquired building The Bellingham Senior Activity Center is getting a new home. The Whatcom Council on Aging (WCOA) announced the purchase of the former WECU office building on East Bellis Fair Parkway. The current Senior Center sees around 400 people coming through its doors every day. According to reporting by the Cascadia Daily News, a lack of air conditioning and open spaces have caused the senior center’s popular fitness classes to be canceled when the weather gets too hot. The new location is bigger, has central air conditioning and a spacious open floor plan for dedicated activities. In addition, the nonprofit distributes 270,000 meals a year for homebound seniors, and right now those meals are mostly purchased from a vendor. The new building has a large outbuilding that they plan to convert into a commercial kitchen, to bring its ‘Meals on Wheels and More’ program fully in-house. The building also has a large parking lot and is served by public transit, to provide easy access for the growing Whatcom County senior population. The Council on Aging says it plans to fundraise for the $10 million needed to renovate and operate the new senior activity center. STORY: Continuing probe into Whatcom County council’s handling of sexual harassment suit Three months ago, Whatcom County started an investigation into the handling of a sexual harassment settlement, and the update at last night’s council meeting was… there are no significant updates. The investigation was initiated in April after a harassment complaint against former Public Works Director Jon Hutchings was brought to light by investigative reporting at Cascade PBS. In November of last year, a settlement of $225,000 was paid to a female employee who brought a complaint against Hutchings. Hutchings then resigned in lieu of termination and was later given a glowing letter of recommendation by County Executive Satpal Sidhu. The sequence of events came as a shock to County Council members after Cascade PBS broke the story in April, and the situation sparked broad public outcry. The Council says its investigation aims to address systemic issues in reporting and transparency. However, despite their efforts, the investigative subcommittee– composed of council members Ben Elenbaas, Barry Buchanan, and Todd Donovan– says progress has been slow due to scheduling conflicts. According to records, about a dozen interviews have been conducted, with a few more pending. At last night’s Council meeting, member Mark Stremler expressed frustration over the delays, and emphasized the need for timely answers. Buchanan suggested the County hire an outside consultant to further examine the issue, but the idea did not gain immediate traction with the council. Executive Satpal Sidhu acknowledged …
August 5, 2024 News Transcript
BPD releases current DUI arrest numbers for 2024, City of Bellingham offering $100K in grant money for new festival, Major Bellingham intersection to be closed Wed-Fri for roundabout construction, Continuing Easy Fire prompts closure of North Cascades Highway trailhead, WTA offering free rides August 8th-17th, Covid numbers are up in Washington, Hydrogen-powered ferry manufactured in Bellingham sets sail in San Francisco Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, August 5th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: BPD releases current DUI arrest numbers for 2024 The Bellingham Police Department has seen a spike in DUI arrests this year. The BPD never reported more than 40 DUI arrests in a single month between 2019 and 2023. However, this year’s monthly arrests have exceeded that maximum twice with 50 arrests in March and 55 in July. The BPD reported last year’s total DUI arrests to be 382, with 5 months left in 2024, 245 DUI arrests have been reported. This puts the city on track to top its 2023 total. BPD Public Information Officer Megan Peters said quote “We would like to remind the public, it is incredibly dangerous to drive impaired. If a person chooses to drive impaired, they should expect to be pulled over and investigated for DUI” unquote. Peters also said that the BDP is committed to the safety of our community and recommends having a plan to get home safely if you have consumed any substance which can impact your driving abilities. Washington State’s legal blood alcohol content limit is 0.08% for non-commercial vehicles and 0.04% for commercial vehicles. A THC level of 5.0 or higher is also considered a DUI. STORY: Major Bellingham intersection to be closed Wed-Fri for roundabout construction The intersection at Meridian and West Illinois Streets will close from Wednesday through Friday. According to the city of Bellingham’s weekly newsletter, workers will be paving the intersection that’s part of the commercial district that includes a Haggen (HAY-ggen) supermarket and sits just north of the Fountain District urban village. According to a 2023 traffic count from the city of Bellingham, the streets carried a collective 26,200 cars and trucks daily. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area. STORY: City of Bellingham offering $100K in grant money for new festival The City of Bellingham has announced that it’s looking for ideas for new annual events. According to a news release from the city, the Bellingham Signature Event Grant will provide three years of funding to help launch a new event. The grant will provide $100,000 the first year, followed by an additional $70,000 the second and third years. The grant was previously used to create festivals such as the Northwest Tune Up Festival, Bellingham Exit, and SeaFeast. Applicants are encouraged to offer big, bold, creative new ideas that encourage tourism, commerce, fun and community connection. Proposals are due September 6th, and winners will be announced later this year. STORY: Continuing Easy Fire prompts closure of North Cascades Highway trailhead The wildfire known as the “Easy Fire” has once again caused Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) officials to close off part of the North Cascades Highway. The highway was closed at 8AM yesterday. According to a WSDOT travel advisory, there are no detours and no estimated opening time for the closure. The “Easy Fire,” which was started by lightning, has caused multiple closures since its detection on July 17th, due to its proximity to Easy Pass. Visit WSDOT’s (WASH-dot’s) travel center for more information and live updates. STORY: WTA offering free rides August 8th-17th. The Whatcom Transportation Authority is offering free fares on almost all their routes from August 8th through August 17th. The dates coincide with the opening of the Northwest Washington Fair and could make traveling by bus a great option for fairgoers. During Free Fare Days, WTA’s Route 26 will provide regular bus service to the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds. Weekday service will operate from 6:30 a.m. to 8:48 p.m., Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Sundays from 8:05 a.m. to 6:05 p.m Those looking to park and ride for free can find free parking at WTA’s Cordata Station. STORY: Covid numbers are up in Washington COVID-19 infections are up across parts of the United States, particularly on the West Coast, with increasing infections in Oregon, Washington, California, Arizona, and Colorado. There were 2,905 positive tests in Washington in the week ending July 27th, with an average of 260 hospitalizations, accounting for just over 3% of hospital beds. The Center for Disease Control says the annual summer trend is fueled by hot, humid conditions favorable to the virus. In Oregon, 15% of recent tests were positive, a high rate for this time of year. Officials say the KP.2 and KP.3 variants of Omicron are now the dominant strains. Despite immunity from vaccinations and previous infections, people can still get sick, though typically with milder symptoms. Health officials advise the public to keep up with vaccinations, wear masks if you are ill or high-risk, use HEPA filters, and ensure good ventilation to reduce exposure. Story: Hydrogen-powered ferry manufactured in Bellingham sets sail in San Francisco A fully hydrogen-powered ferry built in Bellingham is now operating in the Bay Area of California. It could provide an important model for Washington ferries, especially in the Seattle area. Reporter Erik Tegethoff (TEG-i-doff) has more. PLAY NWNS HYDRO STORY AUDIO WX: Sun And now for your Whatcom County weather: Another warm week in store for us, kicking off with highs in the mid-high 70s. Expect calm southwestern winds, with gusts up to 15 mph. Nighttime will feature clear skies and lows right around 60. 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, Ikumi Mashiko (ih-KOO-me muh-SHE-ko), Anna Vickers, and Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson. 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 …
August 2, 2024 News Transcript
Whatcom County L.E.A.D. program slated to increase staff after $420,000 grant, Community leaders announce formation of new PAC, PeaceHealth St. Joseph Center recognized by American Heart Association for quality of heart care, New WA state agency to replace law enforcement in investigation of police killings, Nearly 156,000 acres burn in Washington wildfires, Free and cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, August 2nd. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Whatcom County L.E.A.D. program slated to increase staff after $420,000 grant Whatcom County’s Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (or LEAD) program will receive a $420,000 grant this fall from the Washington State Health Care Authority. Created in 2020, Whatcom County Health and Community Services has used the LEAD program to work with people who have low-level offenses–– including those that stem from mental and behavioral health challenges, substance use, homelessness, and extreme poverty. According to LEAD supervisor Thomas McAuliffe, the group’s goal is to connect individuals to services that will improve public safety and foster long-term recovery. The grant will allow the program to reduce staff caseload and wait lists for participants by hiring two additional intensive case managers. Interviews will be conducted in early fall and the new intensive case managers are scheduled to begin work in October of this year. STORY: Community leaders announce formation of new PAC Yesterday, community leaders, physicians, educators, and business owners announced the formation of a new Political Action Committee to advocate for rejection of the Repeal Children’s Initiative effort. The PAC, called Protect Whatcom Kids!, includes a diverse group of people such as Senator Sharon Shewmake, Representative Alex Ramel, Kirsten Barron, Patti Imhof, Dr. Lisa Kaepernick, Dr. Ken Gass, City Councilmember Jace Cotton, and others. In the announcement released yesterday, the group emphasized the importance of the Healthy Children’s Fund, which supports food, basic needs, childcare, and housing for children. They say the initiative aims to ensure children’s readiness for kindergarten and long-term success and that the Repeal Initiative, I-2024-01, has several legal irregularities that require judicial review. The PAC says they believe the Healthy Children’s Fund is critical for our economic stability and the well-being of children. STORY: PeaceHealth St. Joseph Center recognized by American Heart Association for quality of heart care PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center was one of 3,000 hospitals recognized by the American Heart Association in a press release last Monday. St. Joseph’s was recognized for its “efforts to improve outcomes for Americans with heart disease and stroke”. Heart disease and stroke are the number one and number five most common causes of death in the US. STORY: Nearly 156,000 acres burn in Washington wildfires Wildfires are currently scorching nearly 156,000 acres in Washington state, according to a report by the National Interagency Fire Center (or NIFC). Of the 94 active wildfires nationwide, eight are currently burning in Washington. Fuels and fire behavior advisories are in place due to the ongoing wildfire crisis along with evacuation orders for many communities. NIFC’s report reminds us to remain vigilant and listen to the guidance of local authorities. In total, over 29,000 firefighters and support personnel have been summoned to combat wildfires across the United States. STORY: New WA state agency to replace law enforcement in investigation of police killings Starting in December, police killings in 12 Western Washington counties will be investigated by a new agency, instead of local police. The Office of Independent Investigations (or OII) is a first in the U.S., and was established by the state legislature in 2021 to eliminate conflicts of interest inherent in police investigating themselves. According to a recent announcement by the state, the first of six planned offices will open in December and will take over from regional teams previously responsible for such investigations. The new agency plans to employ 18 to 35 trained investigators and support personnel in each region, with the first region starting with 22 investigators. Initially, the agency will only investigate cases involving deaths but will expand to all instances of deadly force. The state says the agency’s formation is part of a broad set of law enforcement reforms in Washington, focused on transparency, accountability, and reducing deadly police interactions. Free and cheap: Here’s some free and cheap stuff to do this weekend: Celebrate Downtown Bellingham’s First Fridays tonight by enjoying local artists, signature dishes, and much more at select businesses. Programming begins at 6pm. A full list of participating businesses can be found on the Downtown Bellingham Partnership website. WECU and the City of Lynden Parks Department are hosting a movie night at Bender Fields tonight. The movie, Wonka, will begin at dusk. Admission is free. Maple Falls’ Bigfoot Festival kicks off at 9am tomorrow at the corner of Silver Lake Road and Mt. Baker Highway. Festivities include an arts and crafts fair, live music, as well as food and beer vendors. Admission is free. The Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema is showing The Super Mario Bros. Movie, with a performance by Triple Play, at the Village Green tomorrow. Entertainment begins 90 min prior to sunset. Tickets are $7. WX: Sun And now weather: Expect partly sunny skies for most of the day, with highs in the low 80s, mild southwesterly winds gusting up to 15 mph, and nighttime lows around 60 degrees. This weather pattern is forecast to persist through the weekend, but without the clouds. 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, Ikumi Mashiko (ih-KOO-me muh-SHE-ko), Anna Vickers, and Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson. 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 your listener donations. Check out our Patreon page or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m David Korb________________… thanks for listening. ##
