Protests against ICE raids continue in Bellingham, Burglary reported at Bellingham arts center, Bellingham Reentry Center identified as “underused facility,” by state, possibly targeted for closure, Local recycling business to construct new facility in Bellingham’s Irongate neighborhood, Local recycling business to construct new facility in Bellingham’s Irongate neighborhood, Speed cameras to be installed near WA roadside construction areas, Department of Licensing offices and online services set to close this weekend for system update, Legendary novelist Tom Robbins, a La Conner resident, dies at 92
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KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, February 11th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Protests against ICE raids continue in Bellingham
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers from Seattle arrested five undocumented immigrants between January 29th and February 1st, including two in Ferndale.
In response, more than a hundred people gathered at the Whatcom County Courthouse last Friday to protest ICE actions and show solidarity with undocumented community members facing deportation. Protesters marched through Bellingham carrying signs in support of immigrant rights and opposing federal immigration policies. While Bellingham Police observed, they did not intervene, and no arrests were made during the peaceful demonstration.
The event marked Bellingham’s second protest last week; it aligned with nationwide demonstrations against Trump’s immigration policies and the conservative proposals known as Project 2025.
STORY: Burglary reported at Bellingham arts center
A burglar broke into the Firehouse Arts and Events Center in Bellingham’s Fairhaven neighborhood over the weekend, stealing $500 and causing about $9,000 in damage.
According to the owners’ social media post, the incident follows a series of burglaries at local businesses in late December, which included Sandwich Odyssey, Soy House and the Dank of America dispensary on Guide Meridian. An attempted burglary at Stones Throw Brewery also caused damages. Police arrested a suspect in the Soy House case, but had not linked the incidents at the time.
STORY: Bellingham Reentry Center identified as “underused facility,” by state, possibly targeted for closure
The Bellingham Reentry Center faces permanent closure under the governor’s proposed biennial (bye-EH-nee-uhl) budget.
Washington’s Office of Financial Management has identified the 50-year old center, which helps people transition back into society after incarceration, as quote-unquote “under-used,” and plans to close it. The work release center is the only one of its type north of Seattle, and can house up to 42 men and eight women. OFM said it operates 11 reentry centers, most of which are less than half-full due to recent sentencing reforms. It plans to close the one in Bellingham to adjust statewide capacity.
Supporters oppose the closure, and stress the center’s role in providing jobs, housing, and life skills for former inmates. They warn that closing the facility would force people to relocate to Seattle, cutting them off from local job opportunities and support networks.
STORY: Local recycling business to construct new facility in Bellingham’s Irongate neighborhood
Lautenbach (law-tn-BOCK) Recycling plans to build a construction and demolition recycling center in Bellingham’s Irongate neighborhood.
After running a similar facility in Mount Vernon for 15 years, Lautenbach plans to offer direct hauling services in Whatcom County. It says the move will help cut landfill waste and reduce emissions. The proposed center, which would be located on a 25-acre property purchased by the company last summer, would house scales, a sorting facility and material storage.
Lautenbach says the new facility will recycle concrete, asphalt shingles, gypsum (JIP-sum), scrap metal and wood, providing a greener and more affordable alternative to landfilling. The company expects about 126 round trips per day from haulers and employees. The Northwest Clean Air Agency will regulate dust and emissions, and the City of Bellingham will require grinding operations to take place inside enclosures as part of the permit approval.
Some neighbors in the Trickle Creek development worry about truck traffic, dust, odor, and noise. Despite those concerns, Lautenbach plans to move all its Whatcom County operations to the Irongate site. The company says that could include a cardboard baler and possibly a material recovery facility to sort commingled recyclables.
In a recent interview with Cascadia Daily News, Lautenbach stressed its commitment to the community and worked to separate itself from past controversial projects, including ABC Recycling’s failed metal shredding operation.
STORY: Speed cameras to be installed near WA roadside construction areas
The state Department of Transportation will begin mounting speed cameras on trailers in construction zones state-wide.
WSDOT (wash-DOT) reported almost 1,500 work zone crashes in the first 10 months of 2024, including 43 fatalities or serious injuries. Officials will deploy the first cameras this month, with six planned to be in place by summer. Drivers will receive a warning for their first offense, but face a $248 ticket for repeat violations. Tickets will only be issued when workers are present.
Authorities stress that speeding remains a major cause of work zone accidents, and threatens both crews and motorists.
STORY: Department of Licensing offices and online services set to close this weekend for system update
The state Department of Licensing will close its offices and call center from Friday through Monday for a system upgrade.
Online services for driver and vehicle licensing, as well as prorate and
fuel tax, are already unavailable through Monday.
The DOL anticipates long wait times when offices reopen, and suggests consumers schedule appointments in advance. However, business and professional licensing systems will remain unaffected.
STORY: Legendary novelist Tom Robbins, a La Conner resident, dies at 92
Legendary novelist Tom Robbins is dead at the age of 92.
Robbins’ wife, Alexa Robbins, shared the news of the author’s death in a Facebook post on Sunday. Robbins, known for writing Even Cowgirls Get the Blues and other novels, was a La Conner resident. Alexa said the author was quote “brave, funny and sweet” unquote, adding that he had an “eternally youthful spirit.”
Robbins, described by Italy’s Corriere della Sera (coe-ree-EH-ray day-LUH
SAIR-ah) as quote-unquote “the most dangerous writer in the world today,”
was best known for works that blended comedy and drama. Born in North Carolina in 1932, Robbins began writing at the age of 5. He moved to
Seattle in 1962, where he worked for the Seattle Times as an art critic for a few years. He moved permanently to La Conner in 1970; a year later came the publication of his first novel, Another Roadside Attraction. Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, Robbins’ 1976 best-seller, was adapted into a film by Gus Van Sant (VAUGHN-SENT) in 1993.
Robbins’ adopted hometown of La Conner honored him with a parade in
2023 by crowning him quote-unquote “king for a day.” He is survived by his wife, three children from previous marriages, and a grandson.
WX: Sweet Jolly friggin’ Ranchers, this wind is MEAN
And now for your Whatcom County weather,
Sunshine and frigid winds are once again in the forecast for today, with air temperatures floating around highs in the mid-30s. Northeast winds will make it feel around 18 degrees– be sure to bundle up. Skies should remain clear throughout the evening, as temperatures drop into the mid-high teens.
Tomorrow is expected to see things warm slightly, with forecasted highs in the low-40s for the next few days.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Paloma Ortiz, and Stevie Sjogren (SHOW-gren). Our news director is Staci Baird. 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.
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