MIPA in place for Bellingham area, Free America walkout protest in downtown Bellingham draws over 200 people, One fatality reported in I-5 crash near Ferndale. A fatal multi-vehicle crash shut down southbound Interstate 5 in Ferndale for several hours last night, Bellingham man arrested following reported stabbing, Schools celebrate Treaty Day, Stranded skier rescued after overnight stay near Mount Baker, Skagit County Commissioners and City Councils Sign North Star Interlocal Agreement, Coast Guard to offer Bellingham boat safety class, Governor’s new budget blueprint receives criticism across the board, WA Lawmakers Hear Testimony on Ghost Gun Improvement Bill, Dirty Dan Harris reopens, Community Forum on South Fork Nooksack River Scheduled for January 27, Free or Cheap
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KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, January, 21. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: MIPA in place for Bellingham area
The Washington State Patrol has issued a Missing Indigenous Persons Alert for 16-year-old Ariel Feliciano (are-EE-el fuh-LEE-see-AN-o).
The alert was issued following a request from Lummi Police. Feliciano was last seen around 12:30 pm last Friday, January 16th, in the greater Bellingham area. She is listed as approximately 5’2” and 130 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was wearing ripped jeans and a red hoodie.
The WSP asks anyone who has seen Feliciano or has information on her whereabouts to call 911.
STORY: Free America walkout protest in downtown Bellingham draws over 200 people
Bellingham students helped drive a downtown protest yesterday afternoon.
Cascadia Daily News reports middle‑ and high‑schoolers with megaphones led chants at a 200‑person demonstration outside the Federal Building, filling all four corners of Cornwall and Magnolia before marching through downtown.
Students from Shuksan Middle School spread word of the protest through social media and bathroom signs; they then took a WTA bus to join students from Bellingham, Options, and Blaine high schools. Many of them said they were driven by concerns for their families and frustration with federal policies. Other community members joined in, carrying signs and urging action.
The event was part of the Free America Walkout, a larger national protest where people across the country left work or school to oppose recent federal immigration actions and policies affecting transgender people. Similar demonstrations have been growing nationwide this month following high‑profile immigration incidents, including the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
STORY: One fatality reported in I-5 crash near Ferndale
A fatal multi-vehicle crash shut down southbound Interstate 5 in Ferndale for several hours last night.
The Washington State Patrol and WSDOT (WASH-dot) say all southbound lanes between Main Street and Slater Road were blocked, with backups stretching more than two miles. The scene was eventually cleared, and traffic fully reopened around 9:15 p.m.
STORY: Bellingham man arrested following reported stabbing
A 32-year-old Bellingham man was arrested last Saturday on suspicion of first-degree assault after allegedly stabbing someone known to him.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Guide Meridian Road at 2:15 p.m. for a reported stabbing. Officers saw two people leaving a residence, one with a bandage covering a wound on their arm. The wounded individual told police the 32-year-old man stabbed them.
The wounded individual was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center, while the 32-year-old was taken into custody. He remains at Whatcom County Jail on a bail of $1 million; no charges have been filed yet.
STORY: Schools celebrate Treaty Day
Tomorrow is Treaty Day, and a day off for Bellingham schools.
On January 22nd, 1855, the United States and the Lummi Nation signed the Point Elliott Treaty, a solemn agreement between two sovereign nations. Meeting in Mukilteo (muk-ull-TEE-oh), leaders pledged to share the land and resources of this region — which were the homelands of the Lummi people for more than 150 generations.
Today, Treaty Day is a day to reflect, learn, and honor the agreements that shaped our state. It’s officially observed by Bellingham Public Schools, the Ferndale and Nooksack school districts, as well as Whatcom Community College. Washington school districts may choose whether or not to participate in observances. Educators across the region say recognizing Treaty Day helps ensure students learn a more complete and accurate history of our area.
The 7th Annual Treaty Day Film Festival will be held this Sunday at the Pickford Film Center.
STORY: Stranded skier rescued after overnight stay near Mount Baker
One misstep on Mount Baker last Saturday turned a ski trip into an overnight rescue.
Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Deb Slater says deputies got a report of an injured skier near Table Top Mountain around 8:30 p.m. Search and Rescue made contact, and the skier told deputies he had hurt his ankle but had enough food, water, and shelter to wait for help.
Rescuers held off until daylight. Bellingham Mountain Rescue and Mount Baker Ski Area personnel headed out around 8:30 on Sunday morning, reached him in under an hour, and brought him out by toboggan.
The injured skier was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Medical Center for evaluation.
STORY: Skagit County Commissioners and City Councils Sign North Star Interlocal Agreement
Skagit County and four cities have locked in a new regional pact to tackle homelessness and behavioral health.
County commissioners and the cities of Mount Vernon, Sedro‑Woolley, Anacortes, and Burlington have signed an interlocal agreement formalizing the North Star partnership.
The move cements a coordinated approach to some of the county’s toughest challenges, using shared planning and data to guide decisions. The agreement commits all five governments to a shared vision of stable housing, timely behavioral health support, and coordinated help when residents need it.
North Star launched in 2022 and brings together local governments, first responders, housing providers, and health agencies. The partnership has already secured $24 million from the state to expand the Skagit STAR Center, opened Martha’s Place — the county’s first permanent supportive housing project — and introduced shared software to help first responders coordinate care.
Next steps include developing transitional housing for people leaving detox or jail, as well as expanding crisis‑response services countywide.
STORY: Coast Guard to offer Bellingham boat safety class
Since 2016, the State of Washington requires every boater born after 1955 to carry a Boater Education Card.
If you’re new to the area or new to boating, and don’t have a card, don’t worry; the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in Bellingham has announced it will offer an online water awareness course. The program is offered every spring, lasts eight hours, and is held on Zoom with a live instructor. All participants will be eligible to apply for the Boater Education Card once they complete the course, which costs around $25.
For more information, search for Bellingham Coast Guard boating safety classes.
STORY: Governor’s new budget blueprint receives criticism across the board
Governor Bob Ferguson’s first budget proposal is facing widespread pushback, as lawmakers and the public weigh how to close a projected $2.3 billion shortfall.
According to the Washington State Standard, dozens of critics objected to proposed cuts to child care programs, public schools, colleges, and universities over three days of public hearings. There was also pushback against Ferguson’s plan to redirect hundreds of millions of dollars in climate funds toward tax credits for low-income working families.
Supporters applauded Ferguson’s backing of an income tax on millionaires, but warned it could take years to generate revenue, and urged lawmakers to find more immediate solutions. Education leaders cautioned that additional cuts could have long-term consequences, while climate advocates said shifting carbon auction dollars undermines the intent of the state’s climate law.
Democrats in the House and Senate are now drafting their own spending plans, with final decisions expected before the legislative session ends on March 12th.
WX: Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 50 Degrees
And now for the weather:
Once again, after a round of heavy morning fog and slick roads, we’re looking at a day of mostly sunshine. Temperatures continue to drop today, with highs set for the upper-40s. This evening looks to be equal parts cloudy and frigid, with temperatures falling as low as the mid-20s.
More of the same looks to be in store for us for the next few days.
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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STORY: WA Lawmakers Hear Testimony on Ghost Gun Improvement Bill
STORY: Dirty Dan Harris reopens
A beloved Fairhaven steakhouse is back up and running.
Dirty Dan Harris has reopened more than two years after the Terminal Building fire forced the longtime restaurant to close. The December 2023 fire caused significant damage to the historic structure, and left the business shuttered as repairs moved forward and the community recovered.
According to recent Facebook posts, the restaurant reopened Sunday under new owner Steve Marandola. Updates to the former Churchill Room have been completed, and is now renamed the Phantom Room. The space can be reserved for private dining.
Owners say they’re grateful for the community’s support and patience throughout the long closure— and say they look forward to welcoming customers back as the landmark spot begins its next chapter.
STORY: Community Forum on South Fork Nooksack River Scheduled for January 27
The Lummi Nation and Nooksack Indian Tribe are inviting local residents, landowners, and partner organizations to a community forum focused on the South Fork Nooksack River. The event will take place Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 4–7 p.m. at the Rome Grange, 2821 Mt. Baker Highway.
Attendees can learn about salmon recovery efforts, flood management strategies, and ongoing river restoration projects. The forum offers a casual, welcoming environment to meet the people leading these initiatives, ask questions, and join discussions about the river’s future. Refreshments and raffle prizes will be available.
RSVP by January 19 via email at outreach@triangleassociates.com or by phone at (206) 981-2229 ext. 102.
STORY: Free or Cheap
