Man burns to death in sleeping bag on Bellingham sidewalk, Bellingham initiates its first Community Court, Whatcom Humane Society broken into and dog stolen, Search and Rescue raising funds for new building in Everson, Research institute collecting stories from border towns during the U.S./Canada border closure, WA proposes ban on ‘forever chemicals’ in clothes, other products, Free and Cheap
______________________________
Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Friday, December 8th. Good afternoon, I’m __David Korb____.
STORY: Man burns to death in sleeping bag on Bellingham sidewalk
A man burned to death on a Bellingham sidewalk last Sunday.
Authorities report that 26-year-old Cody Allen Call was in a sleeping bag when it caught fire around 6 a.m. at Cornwall Avenue. The sleeping bag was no longer on fire by the time first responders arrived at the scene. The body was transported to St. Joseph Medical Center, then flown to Harborview Medical in Seattle.
The incident was declared an accidental death by the King County Medical Examiner. According to the medical examiner’s report, Mr. Call had burns over 95% of his body.
STORY: Bellingham initiates its first Community Court
A recently established community court in Bellingham will be operating soon.
Established by the Bellingham Municipal Court, the plan to start the Community Court was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The city is now searching for a Court Services manager to help oversee the sessions.
The Community Court’s purpose will be to connect participants with social services as an alternative to incarceration for nonviolent misdemeanors. Services will include employment, mental health resources, housing and food.
STORY: Whatcom Humane Society broken into and dog stolen
A dog named Pogo was stolen from the Whatcom Humane Society last week.
In a recent release, the Human Society says the thief cut through fences, destroyed a kennel door, and left the property with the dog. According to the Society, an unknown person called inquiring about Pogo, claiming to know the previous owner without providing details. The one-year-old female had been in the society’s care for a couple of weeks and arrived as a stray.
The humane society asks the public to contact them with any information.
STORY: Search and Rescue raising funds for new building in Everson
Whatcom County Search and Rescue is attempting to raise $1 million for their new location.
The team is made up entirely of volunteers, and is recognized for backcountry rescues in varying terrain and weather. They now need more space to house their six rescue units.
A plot of land near Everson was donated for new building — their current building will be torn down to make room for a new County Planning and Public Works facility. To raise funds, they are asking for auction donations that can be dropped off on December 9th from 10-2.
To learn more about the plan, visit wcsar.org.
STORY: Research institute collecting stories from border towns during the U.S./Canada border closure
The Border Policy Research Institute in collaboration with Simon Fraser University is researching the effects of closed borders during the pandemic.
The Institute has launched an online survey to collect feedback from those affected. It targets residents of U.S. and Canada border towns impacted by the closure. The initiative aims to provide insights for future public health emergencies and will use the data to examine the equity of pandemic border measures. The survey is available on the BPRI website.
STORY: WA proposes ban on ‘forever chemicals’ in clothes, other products
The Washington State Department of Ecology has proposed a ban on toxic chemicals used to repel water, heat, and fuel in some clothing, firefighting gear, and cleaning products.
In a draft report published Wednesday, Ecology identified safer alternatives for some uses of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS (P-fass), also known as “forever chemicals”. The report recommended restricting or banning the use of the chemical in clothing, cleaning products, and vehicle washes where safer alternatives are available. Additionally, reporting requirements are proposed for floor and ski waxes, shoes, waterproof clothing, cookware, and personal protective equipment for firefighters.
The chemicals have been linked to increased risk of some cancers, birth and developmental defects and other health disorders. In the environment, PFAS has been found in fish and may accumulate in apex predators like orcas. The chemical can wash off clothing and other products and find its way into drinking water.
The state adopted rules earlier this year to restrict the use of PFAS in textile furnishings as well as water-resistance treatments. For the rule to be expanded to other products, Ecology must first find a viable alternative for PFAS.
Public comment will be open on the draft report through Jan. 12.
STORY: Free and Cheap
“‘Tis the season” for holiday events and there’s a bunch going on!
If you’re in the mood for art, look no further than the Bellingham Holiday Festival of the Arts, taking place near the Bellingham Crown Plaza. The festival is open everyday from 10am to 6pm and features all things art. This weekend will have live music and art workshops for kids! The festival runs through December 24th, so don’t miss an opportunity to come support local art this holiday season.
There is a Children’s Holiday Market this Saturday, at the Bloedel Donovan Community Building. Come support Bellingham’s little artisans selling their gifts and other goodies. The event runs from 11am to 1:30pm, and all sales are cash only so please bring small bills.
Also on Saturday, save the date for Bellingham’s 3rd annual Lighted Bike Parade from 4:30 to 6:30pm. The parade is open to all ages and starts at two locations, in downtown Bellingham at Depot Market Square and in Fairhaven at Hillcrest Church. Both groups will end up at Depot Market Square with live music from the Bellingham Youth Jazz Band, plus hot cocoa and other entertainment. Bring your bike, a costume, and of course your holiday cheer!
WX: Rain
Today will be mostly sunny with a high of about 46 degrees and a low around 33. Rain will begin late tonight, persisting through the weekend.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Alex Michael, and Tristan Trudell. 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. If you would like to help keep local news accessible, check out our new Patreon page at patreon.com/kmrenews or go to kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m __David Korb______________ and thanks for listening.
###
