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KMRE brings you local news for [Friday], [June 9]. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Blaine Woman Facing 11 felonies, life in prison
Tana Perkins Reneau (reh- NO) from Blaine has been accused of torturing four children over a period of several years. Reneau is facing almost a dozen felony charges, and could be sentenced to life in prison.
The charges include four-counts of second-degree child assault; three counts of first-degree incest; one count of first degree child rape and other instances of child abuse.
Each of the felony charges also include at least three aggravating factors, which could allow prosecutors to ask for more than the maximum sentence in Washington state. Reneau was arrested on June second, she is currently awaiting arraignment which is scheduled for June 16.
Whatcom county deputy prosecutor Kacie Emerick declined to comment on whether Reneaus husband will face charges, saying that it is still an active investigation.
An active community member, Reneau has been involved in the North Whatcom Young Life organization, acted as the director of Lions Camp Horizon, a camp for children and adults with physical or mental disabilities, and operated a candy company where she employed young adults with developmental disabilities.
Renau is currently running for an open seat on the Blaine School Board, and will tentatively remain on the ballot for the August first primary.
STORY: Fentanyl Deaths Rising
Whatcom County Health and Community Services released a report showing Fentanyl related deaths are still on the rise. Dr. Greg Thompson told the Whatcom county council on Tuesday that deaths by drug overdose have more than doubled in the past year.
In 2021 Whatcom County saw 44 unfortunate deaths from drug overdose, compared to 2022 when there were at least 90. Since the beginning of 2023, 35 deaths have been reported, but many cases are still awaiting toxicology reports.
The Center for Disease Control estimates that 84 percent of drug related deaths among 10 to 19 year olds were due to fentanyl. More than half of the fatalities were youth with no known history of opioid use.
Whatcom County Health and Community services is calling for more public education on addiction and drug safety. Teens and adults are also encouraged to keep narcan, a nasal spray that can effectively reverse opioid overdoses, with them at all times.
STORY: I-5 Evening Construction Progress
For those heading south this weekend, work continues near Lacey that will cause southbound I-5 to have right lane closures starting on Sunday. Travelers can expect lane closures starting at 7pm and going until the early morning.
STORY:
When ninth grade students pass all their classes, they are four times more likely to graduate from high school within 4 years. Now, a federal- and state-funded project called the Ninth Grade Success Initiative in Washington state is having an impact on improving those numbers.
According to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, recent studies show that schools participating in the initiative from 2019 to 2022 had a six and a half percentage point increase in the number of students who passed all their classes, compared to schools in the same county who didn’t participate. The initiative supports the transition into ninth grade by creating strategies that cater to individual student needs. The initiative has also improved relationships between students and staff, as well as learning rates. The project is primarily funded by state federal funds, however the O.S.P.I. plans to advocate for permanent legislative funding and says they would like to expand the initiative after the federal funding expires in September of 2024.
STORY: Weekend Event Roundup
Looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend? Bellingham has lots going on, including:
- Kulshan Brewing is hosting live music at Trackside by the waterfront. This weekend DJ Mike Nardone will be spinning records from 6pm to 9pm tonight.
- The Bellinghistory Good Time Girls are hosting “Lore and Gore” historical walkthrough Bellingham tonight. From 7pm to 9pm learn about some of the creepier parts of Bellingham’s history on a guided tour through town. The tour costs $20 for a ticket and is recommended only for those 13 and older.
- Bellingham Farmers Market is in full swing for the summer. Come down to the Market Square for food, arts and good times. The market is held every Saturday from 10am – 2pm.
- This Sunday, June 11, the Community Boating Center is hosting their annual Pride Paddle event. The event is free and open to anyone whether you’re an experienced kayaker or completely new.
STORY: KMRE SIGNAL CHANGE
This Sunday is the day– expect a little bit of disruption as we move to 88.3 on your FM dial. 102.3FM will go silent, but KMRE News will be back as usual on Monday– look for us at the beginning of the dial or on-demand at kmre.org.
WX: And now, here’s your Whatcom weather report. Today be ready for cooler temperatures and showers throughout the afternoon. A low of 53 will reach Bellingham this evening accompanied by even more showers.
Tomorrow will be a bit warmer with a forecasted high of 63 degrees, along with sunny partially cloudy skies.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteer Carl Bryden. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p-m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email st 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.
