Extended heat wave expected to hit western Washington later this week, Parents file suit against Bellingham Public Schools following alleged sexual assaults of student, Federal agencies investigating death of man found near Ferndale, Arrest made in connection with sexual assault of Sudden Valley teenager, WWU to construct new academic building on Olympic campus
Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, July 3rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Extended heat wave expected to hit western Washington later this week
The first extended heat wave of the summer is expected to hit Western Washington later this week.
Temperatures in Whatcom County will rise daily, reaching the lower 80s by the weekend. The National Weather Service recommends people drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. If you work or spend time outside, take extra precautions and, when possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
STORY: Parents file suit against Bellingham Public Schools following alleged sexual assaults of student
The parents of a student at Wade King Elementary are suing Bellingam Public schools.
The lawsuit, filed on June 24th, alleges that the schools failed to protect their 10-year-old son from repeated sexual assaults from another male student while on the school bus.
The parents claim the district had prior knowledge and documented history of similar incidents regarding the same perpetrator, and that they failed to report the sexual abuse to law enforcement or state child welfare officials, as is required by law.
The parents are seeking general and special damages, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, and any other relief the court deems just and proper for the emotional, psychological and other damages the incidents inflicted on their son.
The lawsuit also shows that at some point in June of last year the district initiated a Title IX Investigation into the 10-year-old boy’s claims, but still reportedly neglected to contact the appropriate authorities.
Bellingham Public Schools has 20 days to respond.
STORY: Federal agencies investigating death of man found near Ferndale
Multiple federal agencies are investigating the death of a Mexican citizen found near the Canadian border.
The body of 23-year-old Chayanne (CHAI-un) Silva-Perez was found near the intersection of Portal Way and Faris Road in Custer on June 20th. Authorities say that Silva-Perez died of multiple blunt impact injuries, and the incident was ruled an accident by the county Medical Examiner’s Office.
Homeland Security, the U.S. Border Patrol, and Customs and Border Protection are investigating Silva-Perez’s death, which is suspected to have been part of a human smuggling operation. Those with information about the incident are asked to contact Homeland Security’s tip line.
STORY: Arrest made in connection with sexual assault of Sudden Valley teenager
A transient man has been arrested for the sexual assault of a teenager in Sudden Valley.
24-year-old John Rodgers was taken into custody after being identified by detectives on June 2nd as a former Whatcom County Jail inmate.
The victim, a 15-year-old girl, said she had met Rodgers on social media in May, and he told her he could provide her with alcohol. A search warrant on Rodgers’ social media revealed he was aware that the victim was underage and the posts also confirmed the date and time of the assault which took place on May 6th during a hike in the woods.
Surveillance video showed Rodgers stealing two bottles of liquor from a grocery store on the same day as the alleged incident. He was found at a homeless shelter where he was arrested for rape, theft, offering alcohol to a minor and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes.
STORY: WWU to construct new academic building on Olympic campus
Both Olympic College and Western Washington University’s Board of Trustees have approved a proposal for a new academic building on the Olympic-Poulsbo campus.
Since 1993, Western has offered bachelor’s and master’s degree programs on the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas through their “Western on the Peninsulas” program. However, Western’s Chief of Staff Becca Kenna-Schenk (SHENK) says the building currently used by Western does not have enough space to accommodate expanding academic programs.
Kenna-Schenk noted that a rise in regional population growth spurred interest from Washington’s legislature to increase educational access on the Peninsulas.
According to the proposal, the project will cost almost $74 million dollars and the proposed budget would come almost entirely from state funds. If Western receives funding, the building should open by the 2026–27 academic year.
STORY: All about fireworks on the Fourth of July
Tomorrow is the Fourth of July, and the City of Bellingham wants to remind everyone that consumer fireworks, including sparklers, are banned within the city limits.
All public displays require a permit, and fines for violations range from $250 to $1,000. However, that’s not the case throughout Whatcom County. Blaine permits consumer fireworks from July 1st to the Fourth, except in certain areas. Ferndale allows state-legal fireworks only on July 4 from 9:00 a.m. to midnight. And in Lynden, only “safe and sane” fireworks are allowed, and they can only be used during specified hours from July 1st to July 5th. And according to the Whatcom County website, fireworks are allowed in unincorporated Whatcom County on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th during specified hours, even with an active ban on open burning.
In addition, Washington state law specifically prohibits dangerous types of fireworks like firecrackers and M-80s. The National Safety Council reminds everyone to use fireworks away from people and flammable materials, wear protective gear, and have water available.
Backyard fireworks may be off the table in Bellingham, but if you’re looking for something to do over the Fourth of July holiday, here are some options:
Peoples Bank 4th of July Spectacular: Bellingham’s main fireworks show at Zuanich Point Park starting at 10:30 PM, hosted by the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Blues, Brews & BBQ at Hotel Bellwether: Enjoy music by The Atlantics from 7-10 PM, followed by a fireworks show over Bellingham Bay. The BBQ starts at 5:30 PM.
4th of July Fireworks Cruise: San Juan Cruises offers a boat trip from 7:30-11:00 PM with a crab and chicken dinner, cruising around Chuckanut and Bellingham Bays before the fireworks show.
Elizabeth Park Concert Series: Featuring Mary Ellen Lykins and the CC Adams Band, with vendors on-site. The event is family-friendly and free.
And finally– the 4th of July Baseball Game: Watch the Bellingham Bells vs. Bend Elks at Joe Martin Field. The first 900 fans receive a special edition hat.
Also a reminder that the KMRE news crew is taking the day off– but we’ll be back on Friday.
WX: Sun
And now for your Whatcom County weather:
Today we’ll see early clouds, with skies becoming mostly sunny this afternoon. High 69F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. The evening will see temperatures drop to a low of around 52.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman, Carlee Schram (CAR-lee SHR-am), Kyler Cantrell, Ikumi Mashiko, and Anna Vickers. 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 ________________, have a safe and happy Fourth of July!
##
