Lummi Nation Officer Shot, Bellingham man arrested on suspicion of stealing over $9K in sports cards, Commission dismisses complaint against Sedro-Woolley mayor’s failure to disclose potential conflict of interest, Commission dismisses complaint against Sedro-Woolley mayor’s failure to disclose potential conflict of interest, Swimming advisory issued for Wildcat Cove in Larrabee State Park, Whatcom County student vaccination rate falls below state average, $5.5 billion in frozen federal education funding released to states, millions bound for Whatcom and Skagit counties, Growing wildfire sparks in southeast Whatcom County (Held pending further information – not on fire incidents site now), Auditor seeks to appoint committee members for November voters’ pamphlet (KILL 8/11), Free or Cheap (Kill 9/12)
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KMRE brings you local news for Monday, July 28th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Lummi Nation Officer Shot
A traffic incident early this morning ended with a Lummi Nation police officer being shot multiple times.
The 37-year-old officer was contacting a driver whose vehicle went into a ditch on North Red River Road; the driver responded by opening fire and fleeing on foot. The officer was rushed to the hospital, and has since undergone surgery.
Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell Tanksley called it a “horrific incident” and urged the community to support the officer, their family, and the Lummi Nation Police Department.
The suspect remains at large, and an investigation is underway.
STORY: Bellingham man arrested on suspicion of stealing over $9K in sports cards
A man suspected of stealing $9,000 worth of sports cards and attempting to sell them to a Bellingham card shop has been arrested.
According to the Bellingham Herald, the theft was reported on July 7th by the owner of the cards, who is familiar with the suspect. After attempting to sell the cards to multiple shops, the suspect was arrested last Thursday on first-degree charges of theft and trafficking in stolen property.
STORY: Commission dismisses complaint against Sedro-Woolley mayor’s failure to disclose potential conflict of interest
The Washington State Public Disclosure Commission has concluded its review of Sedro-Woolley Mayor Julia Johnson’s financial disclosures.
The investigation followed a complaint alleging incomplete reporting of business interests.
The complaint centered on Johnson’s reported business association with Tight Lies LLC, a real estate holding company owned by her spouse and which owns property in Sedro-Woolley. Johnson clarified she is not a co-owner, does not take part in decision-making, and was unaware of some of the company’s government-related activities.
Last year, Tight Lies LLC received a grant for just over 92-hundred dollars from the Sedro-Woolley Community Development Grant Program for refurbishing a building — information missing from Johnson’s initial financial disclosure. She amended her form last Monday to include the grant.
The commission noted that guidance at the time was unclear on reporting certain grants. With Johnson’s cooperation and her lack of prior violations, the case was dismissed. That dismissal came with a reminder to file complete and timely disclosures to maintain public trust.
STORY: Swimming advisory issued for Wildcat Cove in Larrabee State Park
Whatcom County Health and Community Services has issued an advisory, warning against all swimming or wading at Wildcat Cove in Larrabee State Park.
Recent test samples revealed high levels of enterococcus (en-tuh-roh-KOCK-uhss) bacteria at Wildcat Cove. According to the EPA, enterococci (en-tuh-roh-KOCK-eye) live in warm-blooded animals’ intestinal tracts. Its presence in water can indicate fecal contamination, as well as the presence of disease-causing pathogens, including the norovirus and dangerous strains of E. Coli.
The public is being strongly encouraged to avoid contact with the water in the affected areas. Small children and the chronically ill run especially high risks of infection.
Health officials plan to post warning signs, which will remain in place until testing confirms that water quality once again meets safety standards.
STORY: Whatcom County student vaccination rate falls below state average
Student vaccination rates in Whatcom County have dropped below Washington’s average.
New data from the state Department of Health shows that roughly 86% of the county’s K-thru-12 students were up to date with required immunizations during the 2024-2025 school year, while the state average stood at about 90%. This was also the lowest vaccination rate for Whatcom County in the past five years; it’s reflective of a trend seen across the state, which has seen student vaccination rates drop for five consecutive years.
Overall, the data shows Whatcom County had the 15th-lowest immunization rate in Washington during the past school year. Washington requires students to be fully vaccinated against measles and at least 10 other diseases; however, state law allows parents or guardians to claim exemptions for religious, medical, or personal reasons.
STORY: Angled parking along Bellingham’s State Street will be back-in only, beginning this week
Drivers in downtown Bellingham are getting a new perspective — literally.
The city has rolled out back-in angled parking on State Street, the first time this method is being used locally.
Crews were out this morning converting head-in angled spots to back-in angled parking along State Street, between Holly Street and the roundabout where Forest, State, and Boulevard streets intersect.
City officials say this new parking style improves safety by giving drivers better visibility when pulling out — especially to spot bikes and cars — as well as making loading and unloading safer by directing people toward the sidewalk instead of traffic.
The change affects only the angled spaces on the left side of State Street.
More information is available at www.cob.org.
STORY: $5.5 billion in frozen federal education funding released to states, millions bound for Whatcom and Skagit counties
Millions of dollars are headed to Whatcom and Skagit counties after the U.S. Department of Education released funds for Washington’s K-thru-12 schools.
The hold was lifted on Friday, clearing the way for nearly $137 million in federal funds for Washington’s K-thru-12 schools, including much-needed funds for Whatcom and Skagit County schools.
According to the Cascadia Daily News, Mount Vernon faced a loss of about $2 million, and Bellingham faced a loss of $1 million.
State Superintendent Chris Reykdal (RIKE-doll) said the reversal is welcome news, especially for programs serving Washington’s most vulnerable students. The funds support critical areas like migrant education, multilingual learners, teacher training, and after-school services.
Reykdal emphasized that Washington will continue to uphold its own education standards, and resist efforts to privatize public schools or implement discriminatory policies.
WX: Seventy-six degrees of Kevin Bacon
And now for the weather:
We’re looking at another warm, sunny day today, with the U.V. index rating capping out at 8 and highs in the mid-70s. Skies should remain relatively clear throughout the day and into the evening, with temperatures cooling down to lows around the high-50s tonight.
Sunshine looks to be in the forecast for the foreseeable future, with temperatures looking to get ever closer to the 80s as days go by.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Cody Mills,
Aidan Larson, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), Bella Mae, Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee), Nate Landi (LAND-ee) and Hailey LeRoy (luh-ROY). 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. Check out our Patreon page or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _________, and thank you for listening!
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STORY: Growing wildfire sparks in southeast Whatcom County (Held pending further information – not on fire incidents site now)
STORY: Auditor seeks to appoint committee members for November voters’ pamphlet (KILL 8/11)
Do you have strong opinions on local school taxes? Here’s your chance to speak up.
The Whatcom County Auditor’s Office is seeking residents to serve on Against Committees for two Bellingham School District levy measures on the November 4, 2025, ballot.
The district didn’t appoint members to write opposing statements, so the Auditor is stepping in — and looking for volunteers.
To qualify, you must be a registered voter in the district, work cooperatively with other committee members, and have email access. At least one person must be willing to be named in the official pamphlet.
The deadline to request an appointment is noon on August 11, and final statements are due by 4:30 p.m. the same day.
More information is available at whatcomcounty.us/elections.
STORY: Free or Cheap (Kill 9/12)
https://www.whatcomcd.org/run-with-the-chums — Sat, Sept. 13
Mark your calendars for the 13th Annual Run with the Chums on September 13th at BP Highlands in Birch Bay.
This free, family-friendly 5K fun run celebrates salmon, clean water, and community. All ages and paces are welcome, and the scenic course offers stunning views of Whatcom County’s shoreline.
Kids 10 and under can enjoy the Smolt Sprint obstacle course starting at 9:30 a.m., with the 5K kicking off at 10.
Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m.—arrive early for a free T-shirt while supplies last. Leashed pets are welcome!
https://www.whatcomwin.org/whatcomwaterweek – Sept 13 – 21st
