Reichert Enters Race For Governor, Bellingham Shot in the Thigh, Fires Affect Local Travel, Local Homeless Advocates Unveil Draft Plan, Police Seek Missing Man, Local Man Receives Judgement After Years of Abuse, NW Detention Center Gets Closer Look
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KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, July 5th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: REICHERT ENTERS RACE FOR GOVERNOR
According to public records, Republican Dave Reichert (RYE-kurt), a former sheriff and congressman, is running for governor.
Reichert is recognized for his efforts in capturing the “Green River Killer” during his tenure as sheriff and his subsequent term as a U.S. Representative. In Congress, Reichert focused on issues such as expanding wilderness areas, improving the foster care system, and combating sex trafficking.
Governor Jay Inslee, the longest-serving governor in the U.S., announced in May that he would not seek re-election for a fourth term.
STORY: BELLINGHAM MAN SHOT IN THE THIGH
A 35-year-old woman from Seattle, Washington, was arrested on Monday for shooting a Bellingham man in the thigh.
According to Lt. Claudia Murphy of the Bellingham Police Department, Easter M. Iosefa (eye-oh-SEE-fa) was visiting a 21-year-old male in the 500 block of York St. when an argument broke out between them. Iosefa fired multiple shots from a small black handgun, hitting the victim in the thigh.
When the police arrived, she fled the scene, but was later apprehended without incident. The gun was not found on her person, but a K-9 unit located it in the area where she had fled. Iosefa was arrested for first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and third-degree malicious mischief and is currently being held without bail.
The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.
STORY: FIRES AFFECT LOCAL TRAVEL
A brush fire yesterday near the Clayton Beach Overlook on State Route 11/Chuckanut Drive has led to the closure of the road in both directions.
The closure is approximately seven miles north of Bow. Firefighters, along with the Washington State Patrol and the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Incident Response Team, are present at the scene. Vehicles are being redirected away from the closure, and there is currently no estimated time for the reopening of SR 11.
Also yesterday– first responders were called to the vicinity of Laurel Road and Guide Meridian following reports of a structure fire. Two occupants escaped unharmed, another was transported to Peacehealth St. Joseph Medical Center. One occupant was found deceased inside the structure.
STORY: POLICE SEEK MISSING MAN
The Bellingham Police Department is seeking the public’s help in finding a missing man diagnosed with dementia. Edgar B. Aberilla, is 72 years old, about 5’1″, and weighs about 140 pounds, with black hair and glasses. He was last seen at Lowe’s at about 5:30pm yesterday and was wearing a blue T-shirt, khaki shorts, brown shoes, and carrying a brown shoulder bag.
STORY: LOCAL HOMELESS ADVOCATES UNVEIL DRAFT PLAN
Local advocates in Whatcom County have unveiled a draft plan called the “Big Lift” aimed at significantly reducing homelessness in our area.
The plan was created by: a group called Serenity Outreach Services, local political candidates, and the Bellingham Tenants Union. It urges local government to declare homelessness a public health emergency and outlines the construction of an emergency sheltering center with four villages. Each village would contain 25 tiny homes and a central building for essential services. The tiny homes are estimated to cost around $12,000 each, totalling about $1.2 million for the 100 proposed homes.
Proponents of the “Big Lift” emphasize a phased approach, transitioning individuals from emergency shelter to temporary tiny home villages and eventually to permanent affordable housing or home ownership.
STORY: LOCAL MAN RECEIVES JUDGMENT AFTER YEARS OF ABUSE
A Whatcom County Superior Court judge has approved a $13.35 million dollar settlement in a lawsuit on behalf of a severely developmentally disabled man who was abused for years.
The lawsuit was filed against the Department of Social and Health Services and the Northwest Regional Council and is believed to be the largest ever levied against DSHS for a severely disabled adult. The case alleges that DSHS, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Northwest Regional Council failed to protect James Rupke (RUP-kee) from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment by his state-paid caregiver, Alf Vatne (VAHT-nee).
Rupke was reportedly kept in a rundown shack infested with rats for over 30 years, while Vatne used the money meant for Rupke’s care on personal travel. The lawsuit also states that Vatne sexually abused Rupke and claims that the two government agencies did not properly assess Vatne’s qualifications or provide adequate oversight.
The court recently appointed legal guardians for Rupke, and ordered the funds placed in a trust for his protection. DSHS expressed its commitment to working with community partners to improve the care and protection of vulnerable clients.
STORY: NW DETENTION CENTER GETS CLOSER LOOK
The Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma is one of the largest immigration detention centers in the country. Complaints of unsanitary conditions have been ongoing for years. Reporter Eric Tegethoff has more on this story.
DETENTION AUDIO
STORY: AIR QUALITY EXPECTED TO STAY POOR UNTIL TOMORROW
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the western slopes of the Cascades due to warm, dry temperatures in the 80s, which could potentially ignite more wildfires and cause existing ones to spread. The Warning remains in effect until 7 p.m. tonight. Additionally, the Department of Natural Resources reports two large wildfires burning east of the Cascades. As a result, local air quality is slightly affected, with Whatcom County experiencing “moderate” air quality, while areas like Birch Bay and Sumas have air quality deemed “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Individuals who are more sensitive to air pollution are advised to wear masks when outdoors. It is expected that the air quality in Whatcom County will improve tomorrow.
WX: Sunny and Warm
Today will be mostly sunny with a high of around 82F in Bellingham, but hotter in the county. Winds from the southwest at 5 to 10 mph, and clear skies. Overnight lows will be about 58F. Tomorrow, expect sun, along with a few high clouds, and temperatures around 81 degrees. Expect some decrease in clouds late in the afternoon with lows around 60. Expected humidity will be between 66% and 68%.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteer Myles Weber. 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. I’m ________________ and thanks for listening.
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