Man extradited from Missouri to face child rape charges in Whatcom County, Cascadia Elementary offering free meals for kids, Developing options prompt WSDOT to delay removal of I-5 graffiti boulder, Public comments open on proposed pair of increases to state ferry rates, Whatcom Health Department confirms measles case, says carrier is “isolating,” and “not a risk”, Public comments open on proposed pair of increases to state ferry rates, Money from Purdue Pharma lawsuit set to arrive, New trail opens above Lake Whatcom, PSE warns of power shutoffs in parts of Whatcom, Kroger set to close stores throughout Washington and Oregon, Annual Bike Swap, Crab season opens July 17th – YAY!
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KMRE brings you local news for Monday, June 23rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Man extradited from Missouri to face child rape charges in Whatcom County
A Missouri man has been arrested in a long-running child sex abuse case out of Whatcom County.
My Bellingham Now reports 32-year-old Aleksandr Meshkov, a former Blaine resident, was taken into custody last week. A warrant was issued for his arrest back in 2011 after a child reported being sexually assaulted by him in their home.
Detectives were unable to locate Meshkov at the time and later learned he had left Washington. He was found living in Missouri and taken into custody there on June 11th, pending extradition.
Meshkov was booked into the Whatcom County Jail last Wednesday on two counts of child rape.
Whatcom News reports he was later released after posting $100,000 bond — or $10,000 in cash bail.
STORY: Cascadia Elementary offering free meals for kids (Jun 23) Hungry for summer? Free meals are back for kids at Cascadia Elementary.
The Ferndale School District is offering free breakfast and lunch to all kids 18 and under, Mondays through Thursdays through July 10th — no sign-up or ID needed.
New meal times are in effect: breakfast runs from 8:30 to 8:50 a.m., and lunch is served from 11:20 to 11:50. There’s no service on Fridays.
The district says it’s a great way to keep kids nourished and energized for summer fun.
STORY: Developing options prompt WSDOT to delay removal of I-5 graffiti boulder
At the last moment, several possible options have emerged that would save Bellingham’s celebrated Graffiti Rock.
The 8-foot tall, 100-ton boulder, located near exit 246 on the northbound I-5, has become an ad hoc message board, community art project, and celebrated city landmark since it was first painted in 1969. The Washington State Department of Transportation had announced that the boulder would need to be moved or destroyed to make way for a new construction project, and explored multiple options for relocation to various public and private sites. Significant obstacles emerged, however, including the boulder’s size and weight, the presence of high levels of cadmium and
lead in the layers of paint, and the necessity for any new site to provide maintenance, environmental safeguards, and adequate pedestrian access.
This spring saw the Bellingham Rock Facebook page post photo collections, as well as pleas for any organizations or individuals who might be able to help. Now, Frank Youngblood, owner of the Timberline Apartments complex on the Bill MacDonald Parkway, and Jeff Holman, who owns Northstar Stone and Landscape Supply near the Slater Road I-5 exit south of Ferndale, have signaled interest in relocating the Rock to their properties.
WSDOT has allotted extra time for discussion and full exploration of the possible saving of the Rock. The agency expects to hold a meeting in early July to discuss next steps.
STORY: Public comments open on proposed pair of increases to state ferry rates
Ferry fares may be going up—and Washington transportation officials want your input.
The Washington State Transportation Commission is proposing a 3% fare hike for vehicles and passengers this fall, with another 3% increase next spring. They’re also considering raising the summer peak-season surcharge to 35% and extending multi-ride passes from 90 to 120 days.
These changes aim to help meet the state’s two-year ferry revenue target of over $400 million.
The commission is taking public comment on the proposed increases through August 5th, with a final hearing set for a day after.
Details and a link to submit feedback are available at wstc.wa.gov.
STORY: Whatcom Health Department confirms measles case, says carrier is “isolating,” and “not a risk”
Whatcom County has reported its first measles case of the year.
In a news release Friday, Whatcom County Health and Community Services confirmed one person has contracted measles and is currently isolating at home, but poses no risk to the public at this time.
The county says it is working with the state health department, St. Joseph Medical Center, and Family Care Network to trace possible exposure sites and notify anyone who may have come into contact with the virus.
Health officials stress that vaccination remains the best protection. Dr. Meghan Lelonek (lay-LUHN-nick), co-health officer for Whatcom County, says the MMR vaccine not only protects individuals but also safeguards vulnerable community members like infants and those with compromised immune systems.
Anyone with questions about symptoms or vaccine options should contact their healthcare provider or visit the Washington State Department of Health’s webpage on measles.
STORY: Funding secured to repair Sumas housing development destroyed in 2021 flood
New support is on the way for senior housing in rural Whatcom County.
According to its website, the Bellingham and Whatcom County Housing Authority says it has secured enough funding to begin repairs on the flood-damaged Sumas Square Apartments — a senior housing complex left uninhabitable after the November 2021 floods.
Thanks to funds from the state Department of Commerce, FEMA, and insurance, the 11-unit site is now slated for reconstruction. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with residents returning as early as 2027.
Meanwhile, Habitat for Humanity has received a $15,000 grant from AARP to assist low-income homeowners aged 50 and up in Maple Falls, Sumas, Everson, and Nooksack. The grant will fund critical repairs, including roof work, wheelchair ramp installations, and yard cleanups for up to 20 homes.
STORY: Money from Purdue Pharma lawsuit set to arrive Washington state is set to receive up to $105.6 million from a historic $7.4 billion national settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family — the largest deal to date involving individuals linked to the opioid crisis.
Attorney General Nick Brown announced the agreement last Monday, saying the funds will help expand treatment centers, support first responders, and improve recovery services across the state.
Under the deal, the Sacklers will give up control of Purdue and will no longer be allowed to sell opioids in the U.S. The settlement, involving all 55 eligible states and territories, is pending final approval in bankruptcy court.
Most of Washington’s share will be paid out in the next three years and must be used to combat the opioid epidemic. With this agreement, the state’s total opioid-related recoveries now exceed $1.29 billion.
WX: Partly City
And now for the weather:
Today should give us a break from drearier weather, with the forecast calling for partial sunshine and highs in the low 70s. The U.V. index rating should cap out at a dangerous 9, so even with substantial cloud cover, please remember to drink water and protect your skin. The forecast for this evening calls for continual overcast skies and lows around 50 degrees.
Tomorrow looks to be fairly warm and sunny as well.
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), 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. 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: New trail opens above Lake Whatcom
The Washington Department of Natural Resources has opened the Olsen Creek Trail System east of Bellingham—the first designated trail network on state trust lands in the county. It includes seven miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, with scenic views of Lake Whatcom, Bellingham Bay, and the Canadian Cascades.
DNR Commissioner Dave Upthegrove says the project expands much-needed outdoor access and was made possible through strong community partnerships.
Groups like the Washington Trails Association and Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition helped build trails designed to protect wildlife habitat and reduce erosion.
Parking is limited at the Y Road trailhead, so visitors are encouraged to carpool. A new trailhead and bridge are in the works.
STORY: Kroger set to close stores throughout Washington and Oregon
Kroger — the parent company of Fred Meyer and QFC — is planning to close around 60 stores across the country over the next 18 months.
The grocery giant, which operates more than 2,700 locations nationwide, announced the closures during its first-quarter earnings report Friday. While specific stores haven’t been named, Kroger says affected employees will be offered jobs at nearby locations. Based in Cincinnati, Kroger operates more than 2,700 stores across 35 states — including 59 QFC locations in Oregon and Washington, and 132 Fred Meyer stores across the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
The company cited a $100 million impairment charge tied to the shuttered stores but expects a modest financial benefit in the long run.
Kroger’s net profits reached $866 million for the quarter — slightly down from last year, but still strong enough to send its stock price soaring nearly 10% by the end of trading.
STORY: PSE warns of power shutoffs in parts of Whatcom
As Washington braces for a dry summer and heightened wildfire risk, Puget Sound Energy is warning some customers they may face power shutoffs.
PSE, the state’s largest utility, says it may again use Public Safety Power Shutoffs — temporary blackouts designed to prevent wildfires sparked by power lines. Last year, the company shared its plans publicly for the first time, calling the shutoffs a, quote, “tool of last resort” unquote.
This year, areas flagged for higher risk in Whatcom County include parts of southeast Bellingham along Lake Whatcom, Glacier, Concrete, and stretches along I-90, Highway 2, Highway 20, and the Mount Baker Highway.
PSE says it used enhanced safety settings in some zones that can cause unannounced blackouts when faults are detected, but it will try to give at least 48 hours’ notice before a planned shutoff. However, restoring power could still take hours or even days after inspections.
Wildfire risk is expected to climb across the state this summer, expanding from Eastern to Western Washington, according to federal fire officials.
Officials urge all customers to update contact information with PSE, and those who rely on life-saving medical equipment at home should ensure they’re registered for “life support” status.
More information on how to prepare for outages is available on pse.com.
STORY: Local schools brace for more cuts
School districts across Washington are bracing for potential federal education funding cuts that could take effect in the 2026–27 school year.
State Superintendent Chris Reykdal is urging communities to learn more and prepare for the widespread impact if the cuts move forward. Meanwhile, local school leaders say they plan two levies for the November ballot aimed at addressing long-term needs.
According to a recent letter to parents from Bellingham Schools Superintendent Greg Baker, a Supplemental Operations Levy that would generate about $4 million per year to help stabilize budgets and meet ongoing operational costs. The second is a new Facilities Maintenance Levy, projected to bring in $11 million annually over six years. It would fund critical repairs like roof replacements, HVAC upgrades, and new windows — helping to preserve aging buildings and allow future bonds to focus on new construction.
STORY: Annual Bike Swap (Kill 6/29)
Get ready to ride—Bellingham’s 6th Annual Bike Swap is rolling into Boundary Bay Brewery on Sunday, June 29.
Organized by Shifting Gears, the event invites residents to drop off used bikes and gear from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Sellers name their prices, and 25% of each sale helps fund programs that lower barriers for women in outdoor sports. The public can grab gear starting at 1pm—everything from bikes to
parts and apparel. Test rides are allowed, and both cash and cards are accepted.
Pre-registration is available for sellers with more than 15 items. More information is available at Lets Shift Gears-dot-org.
STORY: Crab season opens July 17th – YAY! (kill date 7/17!!)
Get your gear ready—Marine Area 7 South, including the San Juans and Bellingham, opens for crabbing July 17th.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says pots can be dropped Thursdays through Mondays, with no crabbing allowed on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
A shellfish license and catch record card are required. The daily limit is five male Dungeness crabs, at least 6-and-a-quarter inches wide, plus six red rock crabs of any sex. Crab must be kept whole so size and sex can be verified.
Area 7 North – from Inati Bay to Point Roberts — remains closed. WDFW expects that season to open in mid-August, once shell condition sampling wraps up.
Always check for emergency closures before heading out. More info at wdfw.wa.gov.
