Bellingham man convicted of kidnapping sentenced to six years in prison, High winds tomorrow and through the weekend, WWU researcher cites animosity and fear among leading causes of decline in Canadian visits to Whatcom, State DOH warns residents of phone scam, WDFW warns of flooding’s potential long-lasting impacts on local salmon populations, Whatcom Land Trust takes ownership of Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Health insurance update in WA, Arctic National Refuge under threat…again
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KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, December 23rd. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.
STORY: Bellingham man convicted of kidnapping sentenced to six years in prison
A Bellingham man who kidnapped a woman at gunpoint has been sentenced to more than six years in prison.
Twenty-eight-year-old Christopher William Zvara pled guilty to multiple felony charges after police say he abducted a woman from a parking lot in May. Zvara later fled from officers before being arrested with help from a K-9 unit. His alleged accomplice, 29-year-old Margaret George Bespalova, remains in jail and is scheduled for trial in January.
STORY: High winds tomorrow and through the weekend
Meteorologists say strong wind gusts blowing on Christmas Eve could knock out power around dinnertime in Western Washington.
The National Weather Service says a system moving up the coast from California could bring 40 to 50 mile-per-hour winds, with gusts up to 55 mph, from Vancouver to Bellingham Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Meteorologist Jacob DeFlitch says saturated soils from recent atmospheric rivers raise the risk of downed trees and outages, though the winds should only last a few hours.
The good news: the storm moves out by Christmas morning.
STORY: WWU researcher cites animosity and fear among leading causes of decline in Canadian visits to Whatcom
Canadians are staying away from Whatcom County in growing numbers, and a Western Washington University researcher says politics are a big reason why.
Laurie Trautman of Western’s Border Policy Research Institute told Bellingham City Council that many Canadians are angry over the President’s comments about Canada and are fearful of crossing the border— especially Canadians of color. Border crossings through Whatcom County are down as much as 30 to 50 percent this year, which has hurt local businesses, attendance at major events, and sales tax revenue.
Trautman warns the decline reflects a deeper loss of trust that could have long-term impacts on border communities.
STORY: State DOH warns residents of phone scam
The Washington State Department of Health is warning residents about a new phone scam.
Officials say scammers are using the department’s former vaccine hotline number to try and collect personal and banking information. The DOH says it will never ask for your bank details and urges people not to call the old number.
For legitimate vaccine information and assistance, residents should use the new hotline listed on the Department of Health website.
STORY: Scams tied to death of State Trooper, flooding
In other scam news, Washington State Patrol is warning the public about donation scams following the death of Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting (TARE-uh muh-REE-suh goo-TING).
State Patrol says it does not accept monetary donations. Scammers are impersonating the Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation to exploit the public’s generosity. Officials urge donors to verify charities before giving and to use official websites and social media accounts.
In addition, officials also warn holiday donors to be cautious of scams tied to flood-relief and note that Whatcom Community Foundation’s Resilience Fund is a verified option for local flood donations.
STORY: WDFW warns of flooding’s potential long-lasting impacts on local salmon populations
And speaking of the recent floods, salmon have also been heavily impacted.
Environmental groups and state fish managers say floodwaters likely killed or buried large numbers of salmon eggs in the Nooksack and Skagit rivers, while heavy sediment and flood-waters washed toxic substances downstream into Puget Sound.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife now anticipates reduced returns of Chinook, pink and chum salmon between 2027 and 2029, though some species that spawn higher in tributaries may have fared better.
The flooding also damaged fish hatcheries, boat ramps, and wildlife area access points. Assessments and repairs are underway.
STORY: Whatcom Land Trust takes ownership of Cloud Mountain Farm Center
In mid-December, Sustainable Connections will transfer interim ownership of Cloud Mountain Farm Center to Whatcom Land Trust.
According to a recent release, the Trust will permanently protect 19 acres of farmland with a conservation easement, which will limit residential development and safeguard streamside habitat. During interim management, the Trust will support Cloud Mountain’s Processing, Aggregation, Distribution, and Storage services for local farms, food banks, and community partners— but will not operate the farm or retail operations.
Cloud Mountain has served Whatcom County’s agricultural community since 1978, providing education, training, and infrastructure for local farms.
A community meeting will be held at 5 p.m., Wednesday, January 7th at Cloud Mountain. Space is limited; reservations are required.
STORY: Health insurance update in WA
If you’re worried about the cost of health care in Washington, state officials say it’s not too late to look at your options.
The failure of Congress to extend enhanced federal premium tax credits means health insurance will cost more for many Washington residents, with as many as 40,000 people at risk of dropping coverage altogether. But the Washington Health Benefit Exchange urges anyone concerned about higher premiums to visit Washington Healthplanfinder to see what financial help is still available. While assistance may be smaller than before, it could still lower monthly costs.
Sign up by January 15th to have coverage starting February 1.
STORY: Arctic National Refuge under threat…again
The U.S. Senate voted 49-45 to undo Biden-era protections for Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which opens the door to oil and gas drilling.
Washington Senator Maria Cantwell urged colleagues to oppose the measure and warns it will threaten the Coastal Plain’s fragile ecosystem. The area is home to more than 250 species, including caribou, polar bears, and migratory birds, and is sacred to the Gwich’in Nation.
Cantwell called the vote a missed opportunity for bipartisan action on issues like health care and the cost of living and highlighted that previous lease auctions in the Refuge raised only a few million dollars, far below expectations.
WX: Yep, we sure have some.
And now weather,
Today’s forecast is mild with overcast skies for much of the day, potentially turning into partial sunshine in the afternoon, with highs in the upper 40s. This evening should be calm and chilly, with lows in the mid-30s, and a chance of late-night showers.
Any nighttime rain will carry into tomorrow, with higher-than-average winds and a gale warning for marine waters which will stick around until the evening.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Glen Hirshberg, Kathi O’Shea, and Kai Blais-Schmolke. 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. To help support what we do, check out our Patreon, Substack, or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _David Korb________… thanks for listening!
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