Suspect in shooting of Lummi police officer arrested, WWU student begins tracking fatal sea star disease, BTC and Skagit Valley among 12 colleges statewide to receive grants for workforce development programs, Custer rest areas to close for paving, maintenance, Auditor seeks to appoint committee members for November voters’ pamphlet (KILL 8/11), WA joins lawsuit to block USDA demand for SNAP data, Cicada Killers mistaken for Murder Hornets, Shots reported in Ferndale’s VanderYacht Park (this was a nothing burger… no further info found), Public input wanted on Holly Bike Lane Pilot (kill 9/30), Free or Cheap (Kill 9/12)
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KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, July 29th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Suspect in shooting of Lummi police officer arrested
A suspect was arrested in connection with the shooting of a Lummi Nation police officer early yesterday morning.
26-year-old Javier Peña Flores, a Whatcom County resident, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a massive law enforcement response to the scene on North Red River Road. Authorities say he fired multiple times, injuring the officer, who has since undergone surgery.
Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell Tanksley said the officer was simply doing his job, and thanked the many agencies that helped track down the suspect.
The response included Whatcom County’s mutual aid team, as well as local, state, and federal law enforcement from across the region.
STORY: WWU student begins tracking fatal sea star disease
Strolling along Taylor Dock this summer? If you see bubbles in the bay, that’s Jack Beeson in scuba gear — plunging for something bigger than himself.
Beeson, an environmental science junior at Western, is diving this summer to count sea stars.
Cascadia Daily News reports that, in partnership with the Community Boating Center, Beeson is building one of the first local datasets for sea stars in Bellingham.
He’s spotting those bright purple and orange ochre stars and checking for sea star wasting syndrome — a disease that wiped out West Coast populations in 2013.
Beeson hopes his work will help researchers track their recovery, and inspire people to care about the life hidden beneath the surface.
STORY: BTC and Skagit Valley among 12 colleges statewide to receive grants for workforce development programs
Two local colleges are getting a boost to help students prepare for in-demand careers.
The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges has awarded more than $1.5 million in workforce development grants statewide.
Bellingham Technical College and Skagit Valley College were among the 12 schools chosen for the grants supporting projects that respond to changing industry needs and strengthen local economies.
BTC will use its grant to expand access to process technology education, while Skagit Valley College will modernize its fire and EMT programs to train the next generation of first responders.
Funding for these one-time projects comes from the State Board’s Workforce Development Fund program, which includes Invest in Washington funding.
STORY: Custer rest areas to close for paving, maintenance
Drivers on I-5 near Custer should plan for rest area closures and lane disruptions this week.
The southbound Custer Safety Rest Area is closed for paving through 5am Thursday as part of the Nooksack River to Blaine paving project. Nighttime lane closures on southbound I-5 will also be in place between Birch Bay-Lynden Road and the Nooksack River Bridge from 8pm to 5am through Thursday.
Then, on Saturday, August 2nd, both the northbound and southbound Custer rest areas will close from 8am to 4pm for routine maintenance and water flushing.
Travelers should plan ahead and watch for signage.
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 ballot.
The district did not 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 11th, and final statements are due by 4:30 p.m. the same day.
More information is available at whatcomcounty.us/elections.
STORY: WA joins lawsuit to block USDA demand for SNAP data
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown is suing the federal government to stop what he calls an illegal and invasive data grab.
Washington has joined 20 other states in challenging a USDA demand for personal information on millions of SNAP recipients — including Social Security numbers and home addresses going back five years.
Brown says the move threatens privacy and could harm low-income residents who rely on food assistance. The coalition argues the USDA overstepped its authority and violated federal privacy laws.
This lawsuit is separate from a state lawsuit Brown filed last Thursday in Thurston County against Fidelity Information Services for breaching its contract to deliver SNAP benefits payments.
Washington could lose $129 million in annual SNAP funding if it refuses to comply.
STORY: Cicada Killers mistaken for Murder Hornets
Reports of Northern Giant Hornets are on the rise, but it’s likely a case of mistaken identity.
In a recent Facebook post, the Washington State Department of Agriculture said it and other agencies have received numerous reports, but most turn out to be cicada killers — a large, native wasp that looks similar, but does not bother people or honey bees.
The WSDA thanked the public for staying alert, noting that although the so-called murder hornet was declared eradicated last December, if it got
here once, it could get here again. Sightings can still be reported on the WSDA website.
WX: Sunion rings
And now for the weather:
Today’s forecast calls for mostly clear skies and plenty of sunshine, with a max U.V. index rating of 7 and highs in the upper-70s. Things should remain relatively warm as the day wears on, with evening lows continuing to hover around the high-50s.
Highs for tomorrow are looking to reach into the 80s once again, so bonus points for anyone seen wearing acid-washed jorts.
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: Shots reported in Ferndale’s VanderYacht Park (this was a nothing burger… no further info found)
STORY: Public input wanted on Holly Bike Lane Pilot (kill 9/30) What’s next for Holly Street? Bellingham wants your input.
The City is reimagining the Holly Street corridor—from Ellis to Broadway—and wants to hear from the community.
Now through September 30, you can weigh in on priorities like bike safety, traffic flow, parking, and pedestrian access to help shape the final design.
The plan builds on the 2024 Holly Bike Lane Pilot, with new improvements coming next summer to make the corridor safer and more efficient.
Share your thoughts at engagebellingham.org.
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
