Cold weather advisory extended, WCSO deputy sustains injury following traffic incident, Bellingham man sentenced to one year in prison for possession of explosives, California teenager to serve four-year sentence for calling in bomb threat to Anacortes H.S. in 2022, Bellingham man sentenced to one year in prison for possession of explosives, Fourth round-trip flight to Seattle added to Bellingham Intl Airport, WWU fined over $18,000 for improperly storing hazardous waste, Ferndale announces new sculpture garden installation in Griffintown Park, Bellingham Valentine’s Day events
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KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, February 12th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Cold weather advisory extended
Whatcom County is set to see the coldest time of the season so far.
The National Weather Service has issued a cold weather advisory through 4 p.m. tomorrow. Clear skies and northern winds will drive wind chills down to 10 degrees in Bellingham and possibly near 0 in areas like Lynden.
In response, the Bellingham Severe Weather Shelter on North Forest Street will open with check-in starting at 4 p.m. Lighthouse Mission Ministries at F Street will also open, with check-in at 7 p.m. The Lummi Nation Cold Weather Shelter will be open for tribal members.
The Weather Service advises bringing pets indoors and checking frequently on older family members, friends, and neighbors. Use portable heaters safely, and avoid using generators or grills inside. Prevent frozen pipes by opening cabinet doors to warm pipes and setting your thermostat above 55 degrees.
Finally, anyone planning to be outside should wear layers and take frequent indoor breaks to avoid hypothermia, which can develop quickly in such cold conditions.
STORY: WCSO deputy sustains injury following traffic incident
A Whatcom County Sheriff’s deputy sustained an injury yesterday after a suspect’s firearm accidentally discharged.
Public Information Officer Deb Slater says that deputies from the Sheriff’s Office assisted Lynden Police around 1 p.m. after a suspect in the 8000 block of Guide Meridian displayed a gun and fled the scene.
Deputies located and pulled over the suspect near the intersection of Guide Meridian and Axton Road, then took him into custody without incident. After the arrest, the recovered firearm discharged accidentally, injuring the deputy. The deputy remained conscious and was transported to St. Joseph Medical Center, where they received treatment and were later released.
WSDOT (wash-DOT) temporarily closed Guide Meridian between Axton Road and Smith Road following the incident, but reopened it a few hours later. Authorities identified the suspect as a 52-year-old Blaine man. He will be booked into the Whatcom County Jail on probable cause for second-degree assault, third-degree malicious mischief, and third-degree theft.
Sheriff Donnell (duh-NELL) Tanksley expressed gratitude that the deputy’s injuries weren’t more severe. The Sheriff’s Office requested the Bellingham Police Department investigate the accidental discharge.
STORY: Bellingham man sentenced to one year in prison for possession of explosives
46-year-old Joshua Byram of Bellingham has been sentenced to one year in prison for possession of an explosive.
Authorities dropped three drug dealing and possession charges, along with an additional explosives charge, as part of a plea deal.
The Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force began investigating Byram for mid-level drug dealing last summer. A search warrant was obtained by investigators after undercover officers made several purchases from him. During the search, they found evidence of drug dealing, an improvised explosive device, and materials to make more explosives.
Byram was transferred to Department of Corrections custody yesterday.
STORY: California teenager to serve four-year sentence for calling in bomb threat to Anacortes H.S. in 2022
A California teenager was sentenced in federal court yesterday for making over 300 false threats around the country.
The U.S. Department of Justice says that 18-year-old Alan Filion (FILL-ee-en) will serve four years in prison for making interstate threats to injure people. Filion made over 375 swatting and threat calls between August 2022 and January 2024; targets ranged from religious to educational institutions, as well as government officials and numerous individuals.
One of these calls was made to Anacortes High School in October 2022. Filion threatened to carry out a mass shooting, and said he had planted bombs throughout the school.
The investigation into the case was a multi-agency effort, with Anacortes Police and other law enforcement agencies across the country assisting both the FBI and U.S. Secret Service. Filion was finally arrested in January of last year after threatening a religious center in Florida.
STORY: Fourth round-trip flight to Seattle added to Bellingham Intl Airport
Travelers flying out of Bellingham International Airport now have a fourth round-trip flight option to Seattle, serviced by Alaska Airlines.
The Port of Bellingham announced that the new flight departs Bellingham daily at 6:27 p.m., except on Saturdays, with return flights from Sea-Tac taking off at 7:57 p.m.
Despite pilot and plane shortages affecting airlines like Alaska, the Port has introduced a new airline incentive package to address these challenges, and is working to expand flight options and destinations. Additionally, the Port says it is exploring the possibility of launching an international flight from Bellingham to Mexico.
STORY: WWU fined over $18,000 for improperly storing hazardous waste
The EPA has fined Western Washington University over $18,000 for hazardous waste violations.
Inspectors found improperly stored batteries, lamps, and chemicals across campus, particularly in science and art buildings. Containers were not properly closed, labeled, or stored in designated areas. Additionally, WWU personnel lacked proper training for handling hazardous waste, and the university failed to conduct required weekly inspections.
WWU paid the fine following an agreement last December, after routine inspections revealed improperly stored hazardous waste on campus. The EPA reported that WWU violated state and federal regulations four times.
As part of the agreement, WWU will submit yearly self-audit reports to the EPA for the next three years. The university has not responded to requests for comment.
STORY: Ferndale announces new sculpture garden installation in Griffintown Park
A new sculpture was installed at Ferndale’s Griffintown Park today.
The sculpture in question is Sense of Connection, created by Seattle-based artists Robin and Chris Larson. The design is an abstract representation of the beauty of family, community and togetherness; the sculpture’s three
figures represent the Augustus Griffin family, for whom Griffintown Park is named.
The sculpture was commissioned by the Ferndale Arts Commission last summer; funding was provided by the Whatcom Community Foundation’s Berghoff Art Fund. For more information or questions regarding Sense of Connection, the public may contact City of Ferndale spokesperson Megan Juenemann (JOO-nuh-man) by phone or email.
WX: Chillian Murphy
And now for your Whatcom County weather,
Do not believe the sun. Tonight’s lows will be around 22. Daytime highs are projected to be near 39, though the wind chill factor will make it feel closer to the mid-20s. Evening temperatures will drop to lows right around 20 degrees.
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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STORY: Bellingham Valentine’s Day events
If you forgot to make Valentine’s Day plans, here are a few options–
B’ham Swing Jam Valentine’s Day Dance: The B’ham Bop hosts a swing dance lesson and social dance at The Nest on N Forest St. The event starts at 7 p.m, no experience is needed. Tickets are available online.
‘Fifty Shades of Velvet’ Improv Show: The Upfront Theatre on Prospect Street presents a hilarious, love-themed improv show at 9:30 p.m. Tickets cost are still available.
Discounted Mini Golf at Mammoth: Mammoth Mini Golf inside Bellis Fair Mall offers a buy-one-get-one-free deal on rounds of mini golf from Feb. 14-15. Open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Jay Irwin’s acoustic group performs from 6-8 p.m. at Stones Throw Brewery on Larrabee Avenue. The event is free, all-ages, and requires no reservations.
Carrie Jennings and Tara Chugh will perform at Aslan Depot on State Street. The free concert for ages 21+ starts at 8pm.
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