It’s World Radio Day, Whatcom County man enters not guilty plea in case of fentanyl overdose, Kindergarten registration opens for Whatcom schools next week, Local weather shelters to reopen this weekend, Bellingham City Council declares Lettered Streets duplex as surplus property, Liminal Coffee opens tomorrow (Austin), Skagit County pledges to maintain senior services throughout change in service providers, Free or Cheap, Lummi Island ferry dry dock scheduled for mid-April, Places to free file your taxes
Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Friday, February 13th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.
STORY: It’s World Radio Day
It’s February 13th and we at KMRE want to wish you a Happy World Radio Day.
Every year, this day highlights the enduring power of radio as a medium for culture, democracy, education, and emergency communication— and celebrates radio’s role in connecting communities. Thank you for supporting local, independent community-run radio. And now the news.
STORY: Whatcom County man enters not guilty plea in case of fentanyl overdose
A Whatcom County man has pled not guilty in federal court to charges of supplying the fentanyl that led to a woman’s death.
Twenty-nine-year-old Stephan Charlot entered the plea Thursday in U.S. District Court in Seattle. Charlot was originally arrested by Lummi Nation Police in June 2025 and charged in tribal court. His case was later transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.
According to court records, officers were called to a home on the Lummi Nation in May of last year. They found an unresponsive woman who was later pronounced dead. A Facebook account later linked to Charlot showed he allegedly coordinated the sale of $20 worth of drugs. An autopsy ruled the death accidental, with fentanyl and methadone found in the woman’s system.
Charlot remains in custody. His trial is scheduled for April 6.
STORY: Kindergarten registration opens for Whatcom schools next week
Kindergarten registration is set to open next Tuesday for all school districts.
In Bellingham, all eligible children must be five years old before September 1st, have proof of full immunization, proof that a schedule of immunization has begun, or a certificate of exemption, according to their website.
All districts encourage parents to register their children as early as possible.
STORY: Local weather shelters to reopen this weekend
Whatcom County Severe Weather shelters will reopen this weekend.
A press release announced that, because of freezing temperatures forecast for the coming five days, the shelters are being reopened.
Bellingham’s severe weather shelter on N. Forest St. will be open from Saturday through Wednesday. Check-ins will be from 4 to 8 PM.
The Lighthouse Mission drop-in center will reopen from Sunday through Tuesday, between 8 AM and 4 PM. And the Lighthouse Mission will accept overnight guests daily beginning at 7 PM.
While Ferndale’s shelter will only be open through Saturday.
STORY: Bellingham City Council declares Lettered Streets duplex as surplus property
The City of Bellingham has voted to surplus a duplex in the Lettered Streets neighborhood after learning it has owned the property for decades.
In an unanimous vote Monday night, the City Council declared the duplex at 1504 I Street as surplus, clearing the way for a below-market sale to a nonprofit that would use it for low-income or recently unhoused residents. The sale will move forward through a negotiated request-for-proposals process.
City staff said they were surprised to learn the Opportunity Council, which has operated the property as transitional housing for the past 36 years, no longer plans to manage it. The city originally transferred the duplex to the nonprofit in 1990 under a quit-claim deed requiring that the property revert to city ownership.
Opportunity Council leaders say the small, two-unit property has become inefficient to maintain as the agency shifts focus to larger multifamily housing developments.
Nonprofits interested in acquiring the duplex must apply through the city’s formal proposal process.
STORY: Liminal Coffee opens tomorrow (Austin)
Liminal Coffee, on the ground floor of Lighthouse Mission Ministries, opens to the public tomorrow.
Graduates of the Lighthouse Mission’s three-step intensive recovery program now have the option to earn a wage while serving coffee. The program is designed to increase social skills that will help participants get back on their feet.
For Lighthouse Mission’s executive director, Hans Erchinger-Davis, the coffee shop can help folks find a way back to their families.
AUDIO 1
The name of the shop, “Liminal,” reflects the goal of baristas transitioning to a better life. As opening day approaches, the question of whether work can anchor recovery moves from theory to practice. Shift Supervisor Cambria Spaney says many of the benefits start with improved self-image.
AUDIO 2
Listen to the full story after the 5 PM news tonight.
STORY: Skagit County pledges to maintain senior services throughout change in service providers
Skagit County leaders say they will consider changes to senior center funding.
The shift comes as the county transitions its senior nutrition program to a new provider and renegotiates contracts with cities. Officials say no centers will close and programming will not be reduced.
Commissioners say discussions are still in the early stages, but a decision is expected before current contracts expire in June.
STORY: Free or Cheap
It’s Friday and Valentine’s Day is tomorrow— so there are many events to choose from. Here are a few in Whatcom County for those looking to shake up the tradition.
The Upfront Theatre will host Cupid’s Island, an improvised comedy show, which according to their website “spoofs the drama, desire, and absolute chaos of reality dating TV,”. Tickets range from $13 to $17 dollars.
Kulshan Brewing’s Roosevelt Taproom will have Single Mingle Trivia from six to nine PM tonight. Rotating teams offer plenty of opportunities to meet new people, and the event is free.
Also tonight from 4-8pm, ladies why not grab your bestie and head to the Galentine’s Day Karaoke PJ Party at Beach Cat Brewing on C. Street in Bellingham. This event is also free.
WX: 40s and lovin’ it
And now weather:
We’re closing out the week with a day of consistent rain. Expect high temperatures to drop into the mid-40s. The evening should also be overcast, with a bit of rain. Lows are projected in the low 30s tonight.
The weekend should also be chilly, with low temperatures in the 30s. Expect a chance of snow on Sunday, though it’s doubtful any will stick.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Glen Hirshberg, Kathi O’Shea, Austin Wright, Tyler Warne, 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 our work, check out our Patreon or Substack or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _David Korb________… thanks for listening!
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STORY: Lummi Island ferry dry dock scheduled for mid-April
STORY: Places to free file your taxes
Even though the Trump Administration has ended the IRS Direct File program, many Americans can still file their taxes for free this season.
Taxpayers earning under eighty-nine thousand dollars a year can use IRS Free File software online, while those making about sixty-seven thousand dollars or less may qualify for free, in-person help through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites at libraries and community centers. Seniors can get no-cost help through AARP Tax-Aide, and military members can file for free through the Defense Department’s MilTax program.
Anyone can also file at no charge using the IRS’s Free File Fillable Forms on IRS dot gov. The tax filing deadline is April fifteenth.
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