DOL investigation finds Fiamma restaurants owe workers more than $80,000 in back pay, Bellingham Port Commission approves next steps in affordable waterfront housing complex, Bellingham approves shared compost bins for certain residences ahead of new mandate, Bellingham Airport’s control tower struggling with understaffing, Deadline approaching for financial aid for property owners affected by November windstorms, State SC reaffirms commitment to equity amid federal pressure
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KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, February 20th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: DOL investigation finds Fiamma restaurants owe workers more than $80,000 in back pay
A U.S. Department of Labor investigation found that managers at two well-known downtown Bellingham restaurants— La Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza and Fiamma Burger— improperly took tips meant for employees.
Seventy-three workers are still waiting for more than $80,000 in back pay and overtime, according to a new report. The Bellingham Herald reported that the firm agreed to follow the law moving forward but refuses to pay the back wages, liquidated damages, and civil penalties. Despite confirming the violations, the DOL announced it will not pursue legal action due to budget constraints, which means affected employees will have to seek compensation through private lawsuits.
In a letter to employees, restaurant co-owner Ken Bothman denied wrongdoing, claimed compliance with labor laws, and stated the DOL chose not to move forward with litigation. However, the official investigation confirms that tips were improperly shared with managers, which constitutes a violation of federal labor laws.
While the government will not enforce payment, the report concludes that La Fiamma and Fiamma Burger still owe their employees back wages.
STORY: Bellingham Port Commission approves next steps in affordable waterfront housing complex
Port of Bellingham commissioners have approved design documents for the second phase of the Millworks affordable housing project in Bellingham.
The seven-story complex will be built next to the existing Millworks building at Cornwall Avenue and Laurel Street, and will include 109 workforce housing units and a multi-level parking garage. The development aims to provide housing for residents earning between 100 to 110% of the area’s average median income.
The proposed plans put a local food campus on the ground floor, with office and meeting spaces for nonprofits on the second floor. The $140 million project will be funded through a combination of public and private grants, senior debt, and tax credit funds.
Crews expect to finish construction by the end of 2027.
STORY: Bellingham approves shared compost bins for certain residences ahead of new mandate
Some Bellingham residents could see financial relief following adjustments to the city’s new food-waste rules enacted late last year.
The changes require all households to have a separate bin for food and organic waste, alongside trash and recycling bins, with curbside collection handled by the Sanitary Service Company.
In response to concerns about cost and excess bins, city council unanimously approved a measure that allows residents of accessory dwelling units, duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes to share waste bins, similar to apartment complexes. Low-income seniors and disabled residents may also qualify for a 15% discount on service fees.
However, the council rejected exemptions for residents who compost at home, citing potential future state regulations that could make verification costly. Officials noted that the city’s FoodPlus! program accepts items that are difficult to compost at home, such as meat, dairy, and citrus peels.
The new waste-sharing rules will take effect 15 days after final approval, which could come as early as Monday.
STORY: Bellingham Airport’s control tower struggling with understaffing
The control tower at Bellingham Airport has been forced to limit their hours of operation due to understaffing.
The Cascadia Daily News report that the number of full-time air traffic controllers has dropped from three to two this month, a situation indicative of a challenge faced by airports throughout the country to properly staff tower operations. The shortage of air traffic controllers has forced Serco — the multinational corporation contracted by the FAA to staff the control tower — to close the tower on Tuesdays and every fourth Wednesday of the month. On their end, controllers working at Bellingham Airport have been limited to working ten-hour shifts and six consecutive days.
An analysis conducted by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette found that roughly 98% of airport towers across the U.S. fail to meet staffing levels recommended by the FAA and the controllers’ union. Concerns have grown after the deadly mid-air collision in Washington, D.C. last month — with 67 killed, it was the deadliest U.S. air disaster in nearly 24 years.
STORY: Deadline approaching for financial aid for property owners affected by November windstorms
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management reminds residents the deadline to apply for Washington State financial assistance for storm damage is Monday, March 3rd.
Low-income residents who suffered major damage, or lost their primary home due to the bomb cyclone windstorms last November, may qualify for aid through the state’s Individual Assistance program. The program offers financial support for extended sheltering, home repairs, and other disaster-related needs.
Deputy Director Matt Klein urged affected residents to reach out as soon as possible to determine eligibility. Assistance is available to households earning 80% or less of the area median income, as defined by HUD.
For more information, residents should contact the Office Division of Emergency Management before the March 3rd deadline.
STORY: State SC reaffirms commitment to equity amid federal pressure
The state Supreme Court returned to Bellingham today for its Traveling Court program.
At a Q&A session Wednesday at Western Washington University, justices answered questions about the court’s role, its ties to the U.S. Supreme Court, and the growing challenges to DEI efforts.The nine-member court includes five justices of color, six women, and representation from LGBTQ+ and disability communities—a diversity they say is a strength.
Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis (mon-toh-YA LEWIS), a former Western professor and Whatcom County Superior Court justice, called the recent federal opposition to DEI efforts frustrating. She stressed that these initiatives ensure qualified individuals get considered, not that unqualified candidates receive opportunities.
The justices will hear oral arguments today in the Wilson Library Reading Room.
WX: Beware of carnivorous cloud rhinos impeding giant peach traffic
And now for your Whatcom County weather:
Expect cloudy skies today with highs in the upper 40s and scattered showers later in the evening, as temperatures drop slightly to right around 40 degrees.
The rain is expected to pick up tomorrow, to the tune of up to half an inch of precipitation.
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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