Missing person reported out of Blaine, Third trial for 2019 Baker Lake murder ends in conviction, Bellingham man arrested following theft of bleachers from Lynden church, Three Whatcom County organizations receive grants to install solar panels on their buildings, WCC embroiled in union dispute following layoff of tenured professor, CHS announces layoffs and sale, Supreme Court strikes down tariffs, Free and Cheap, BPD investigating reported child sexual assault, Layoffs at St. Joseph’s effectively torpedo advanced care planning program, City of Bellingham announces acquisition of funding to replace aging Electric Ave Bridge, City of Bellingham announces acquisition of funding to replace aging Electric Ave Bridge, Credit and debit card surcharge incoming for purchases aboard WA state ferries, FDA expands WA peanut butter recall to Class 2, Whatcom Sheriff Tanksley voices opposition to bill under review in Olympia, Seahawks for sale
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KMRE brings you local news for Friday, February 19th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.
STORY: Missing person reported out of Blaine
A 27-year-old Blaine man is missing and authorities are asking for your help.
Eric Armstrong was last seen boarding a WTA bus near Birch Bay headed toward Bellingham. He’s described as 6 feet tall, about 217 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. When last seen, he was wearing all black clothing and black Crocs. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call 911 immediately.
STORY: Third trial for 2019 Baker Lake murder ends in conviction
An Arlington man has been convicted in the 2019 killing of his friend at Baker Lake.
After hung juries in both 2022 and 2025, thirty-six-year-old Alexander Vanags (VON-ogs) was found guilty yesterday of manslaughter in Whatcom County Superior Court. Jurors rejected the charge of second-degree murder but did find him guilty of first degree manslaughter by recklessly causing the death of 28-year-old Mark Stebakov (steh-buh-KOFF).
Prosecutors said Vanags killed Stebakov with a machete while the two were camping and using LSD near Bear Lake east of Mount Baker. Prosecutors alleged it was intentional, but Vanags’ attorney argued he acted in self-defense.
Vanags faces up to eight and a half years in prison. Prosecutors say they will seek the maximum sentence, while the defense plans to argue for less than the standard range and says it is considering an appeal. Sentencing is tentatively set for March 17th.
Vanags remains free on bail until then.
STORY: Bellingham man arrested following theft of bleachers from Lynden church
A 26-year-old Bellingham man is in jail after $14,000 worth of bleachers were stolen from a Lynden church.
Lynden Police say two sets of aluminum bleachers disappeared January 23rd from the alley behind North County Christ the King Church.
Investigators determined the bleachers had been cut up and sold for scrap at two local metal recycling businesses. Officers made an arrest Tuesday with the help of surveillance footage and witness statements.
The man was booked on suspicion of theft, malicious mischief, and trafficking in stolen property, along with a separate theft warrant from an unrelated case. He remains in Whatcom County Jail without bail.
STORY: Three Whatcom County organizations receive grants to install solar panels on their buildings
Three Whatcom County organizations have received grants to install solar panels on their buildings.
According to a recent announcement from PSE, around 220,000 dollars in total will go toward RE Sources, Nooksack Valley Food Bank, and YWCA Bellingham. Almost half of this went to the Y.
Nooksack Valley Food Bank received over 63,000 dollars, and says it will be able to purchase more food and other services with the dollars saved on energy once the panels are installed.
RE Sources was awarded over $60,000 in grant money. The non-profit says it hopes to install enough panels to generate half the power used at its RE Store in Bellingham.
STORY: WCC embroiled in union dispute following layoff of tenured professor
For the first time ever, Whatcom Community College recently announced the layoff of a tenured faculty member as part of a larger layoff and program reduction.
Gerald Large teaches drama, film, and literature and according to a recent release, the WCC board has given him the option to continue as an adjunct professor, however the move has sparked controversy across the organization.
According to a press release, insufficient enrollment was listed as the reason for the cuts. College President, Justin Guillory says the costs of the programs and positions on the chopping block are not sustainable.
Cascadia Daily News reports that the Whatcom Community College Federation of Teachers disputes the board’s reasoning and says the move violates Washington state law. According to their reporting, the union has requested that the board reject the proposal. They say records show enrollment in the drama program remains high and the costs are sustainable.
In addition, union president Barry Maxwell says he fears the termination might start a trend of layoffs of tenured positions, which would hamper the college’s ability to attract quality professors.
Students and faculty members have requested that the board reconsider the cuts.
STORY: CHS announces layoffs and sale
Thirty-eight CHS Northwest employees are expected to lose their jobs this spring.
According to a notice filed with the Washington State Employment Security Department, they will sell four locations in Washington — including the one in Bellingham, along with locations in Black Diamond, Chimacum (CHIM-uh-kum) and Poulsbo (PALLS-bo).
The announcement comes after the company said in January it would close the Lynden location and lay off 11 workers there. The company says the layoffs are permanent and are scheduled to begin April 19th.
CHS operates farm and home retail stores in several Whatcom County communities, as well as multiple fuel and express sites across the region. Several of its properties are currently up for sale, according to online commercial real estate listings.
STORY: Supreme Court strikes down tariffs
Governor Bob Ferguson is praising a new ruling from the Supreme Court of the United States which blocks President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.
In a 6-to-3 decision, the court ruled the president cannot use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to unilaterally set tariffs on imports. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts said the president must have clear authorization from Congress to exercise that kind of power.
Ferguson said Washington is one of the most trade-dependent states in the country and argued the tariffs are harming families, workers, and businesses. He led a coalition of more than two dozen public and private partners in filing a amicus or “friend of the court” brief that urged the justices to strike the tariffs down.
State officials say Washington companies exported nearly $58 billion in goods last year, with about $120 billion in total trade moving through state ports. A previous analysis estimated the tariffs could cost Washington $2.2 billion in revenue over four years and slow economic growth.
The Supreme Court’s decision upholds earlier rulings by lower courts that also found the tariffs unlawful.
STORY: Free or cheap
It’s Friday, so here are some weekend events you might want to check out.
Today and Saturday, check out the last showing of the Upfront Theater’s ‘Cupid’s Island’— an improvised comedy, spoofing reality dating tv. Tickets are between 13 and 17 dollars.
On Saturday from 10 to 2, if you’ve been missing the Saturday market experience, why not check out the Dockside Market? This market offers local seafood, various arts and crafts, or you can stop by for a hot lunch by the bay.
Later on Saturday from 6:30 to 8:30pm, the Dry Martini quartet play Duke Ellington tunes at the FireHouse Arts & Events Center. Admission by donation.
WX: Positively sweltering
And now weather:
We close the week out with its warmest day, with highs reaching a balmy 43 degrees. We’ll continue with mostly cloudy skies throughout the day, increasing to overcast weather overnight, and lows in the low 30s.
This weekend should bring warmer temperatures, rounded off with persistent showers throughout. Forecasts are reporting chances of snow on Saturday, which should stick around for a few seconds.
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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Bellingham Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing Indigenous teenager.
Sixteen-year-old Charles Jefferson was last seen around 10:30 p.m. last night near Tulip Road in Bellingham. Police say he was headed in an unknown direction.
Jefferson is described as 5-foot-10 with black hair and brown eyes. He was likely wearing a black hooded sweatshirt at the time he disappeared.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact local law enforcement.
STORY: BPD investigating reported child sexual assault
The Bellingham Police Department is investigating the reported rape of a child.
According to Police Lt. Claudia Murphy, officers were dispatched to the 100 block of East Magnolia Street in downtown Bellingham after midnight on Sunday. Officers contacted the victim, and the case has since been assigned to the department’s Investigations Division.
Police say the victim is safe. No suspects have been identified and no arrests have been made.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Bellingham Police or submit a tip online at cob.org-slash-tips.
STORY: Layoffs at St. Joseph’s effectively torpedo advanced care planning program
New cuts at PeaceHealth have effectively eliminated a free community service.
Designed to reduce costly emergency care by helping patients plan ahead, the program was run by four coordinators — including one serving Whatcom and Skagit counties. All four positions have now been eliminated. According to reporting by the Bellingham Herald, former program manager Hilary Walker said the roles were cut and the program was ended with only a few days’ notice.
PeaceHealth declined to comment.
Walker said the program did not generate revenue but was designed to reduce costs by helping patients fill out legal paperwork and plan ahead. Advance care planning duties will now fall to primary care providers. Two Bellingham-based social workers were also included in the layoffs.
The move comes as part of a broader cut of 94 positions.
STORY: City of Bellingham announces acquisition of funding to replace aging Electric Ave Bridge
The City of Bellingham says it plans to replace the Electric Avenue bridge.
The bridge was constructed in 1959 with timber pilings and support beams. During an inspection in 2024, the city determined that the bridge needed repair and eventual replacement. The city closed the bridge and repaired the support system, but says it’s not safe long-term. The proposed new bridge will include single lane traffic, separated bike lanes, and 2 sidewalks.
The project is included in the city’s 6-year transportation improvement program, and will be funded by a $10.5 million grant from the federal government. City council members will vote to approve the budget for the project in its upcoming meeting.
Construction of the bridge is expected to begin in 2028.
STORY: Credit and debit card surcharge incoming for purchases aboard WA state ferries
Passengers who ride Washington State Ferries will soon pay more if they use a card.
Starting March 1st, Washington State Ferries has announced a 3% surcharge to all purchases made with credit or debit cards. The fee applies to ticket sales, onboard purchases and no-show fees.
The agency says the change follows new state legislation passed last year requiring the surcharge to offset transaction fees charged by credit card companies.
Riders can avoid the added cost by paying with cash or using a prepaid ORCA card.
STORY: FDA expands WA peanut butter recall to Class 2
The Food and Drug Administration has expanded a recall of peanut butter.
The recall— originally issued last April— has been upgraded to a Class 2, which means consumption could result in health problems. Brands recalled include Flavor Fresh Peanut Butter, Katy’s Kitchen Smooth Peanut Butter and House Recipe Creamy Peanut Butter. Some peanut butter products mixed with grape or strawberry jelly have also been recalled.
Washington is one of 40 states impacted, as well as Oregon and Idaho.
STORY: Whatcom Sheriff Tanksley voices opposition to bill under review in Olympia
Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell (duh-NELL) Tanksley is criticizing a proposed law that just passed the Senate.
SB 5974 would require prospective sheriffs to have five years of experience instead of the current two, and is now on its way to the state House for consideration. The bill would also establish a state board that could remove any sheriff for not meeting the new requirements.
In a statement released by Sheriff Tanksley, he said that the bill would cause harm by silencing voter choice with the state removal process.
Additionally, Tanksley said that costs related to the bill’s passage could disrupt some counties’ budgets.
STORY: New draft of proposed millionaire’s tax includes contentious “necessity clause”
The long-running debate over a state income tax is back in high gear in Olympia.
The Senate this week approved Senate Bill 6346 on a 27-22 vote. The measure would impose a 9.9% tax on personal adjusted gross income above $1 million starting Jan. 1, 2028, with first payments due in April 2029. Lawmakers estimate the tax would raise about $3.5 billion annually and affect roughly 30,000 taxpayers.
However, the new version of the bill now includes exempt businesses with $300,000 or less in gross revenue from the state’s business and occupation tax and provide partial relief for businesses with up to $600,000 in revenue. It also doubles the charitable deduction to $100,000 and adjusts the income threshold for inflation beginning in 2029.
A key point of contention is a “necessity clause” which declares the tax necessary for the support of the state government. Under the Washington constitution, that designation would prevent opponents from suspending the law through a referendum before it takes effect, and would force them to pursue a more costly initiative campaign.
If passed, the law would take effect in 2028, and Republicans argue the delayed start date undercuts claims of necessity and say voters should have a direct say. Democrats say that a citizen initiative is still likely and defend the tax as a way to address what they call an overly regressive tax system.
If enacted, Washington would no longer be one of nine states without a broad-based personal income tax. The bill now heads to the House as lawmakers approach their March 12 adjournment deadline.
STORY: Seahawks for sale
Well, it’s official— the Seattle Seahawks are for sale.
The estate of late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has been steadily converting his vast holdings into funding for philanthropic causes since his death in 2018. After months of speculation, reports and denials, the sale of the Seahawks has been announced.
Any NFL franchise deal must be approved not only by the Allen estate, but by at least three-quarters of the league’s other owners — a high bar for a team widely expected to fetch more than $7 billion.
The Portland Trail Blazers basketball team— also owned by Allen— are reportedly set to sell for around $4 billion, and analysts say the timing could be ideal for the Seahawks after their dominant 2025 Super Bowl season. Some estimates now suggest the team’s final price tag could challenge record-setting franchise sales.
Much of the proceeds are expected to support Allen’s charity ventures, which include major investments in science and research — and could potentially create one of the largest philanthropic funding sources in the country.
WX: Stay frosty, gentlemen
And now for the weather:
We’re in for another frigid day, with highs in the mid-30s and a wind chill value of 24. Skies should remain fairly clear headed into the evening, with temperatures in the low 20s, and a return of cold gusts from the north. Forecasts report a slight chance of snow showers across the day and night, though again, nothing is expected to stick.
Tomorrow looks somewhat warmer, with highs back in the 40s. At this point– it feels almost balmy!
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRAH-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), Austin Wright, Tyler Warne, and Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee). 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, Substack, or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _________, and thanks for listening!
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