Authorities say suspected car thief raced from Bellingham to Skagit County before crashing, City of Blaine names new police chief, Lummi Island Ferry fares to increase after decline in revenue, ridership, Whatcom educators: State money still short of what’s needed to fund public schools, WSDA local food system infrastructure grant applications open, Inslee signs fentanyl bill sending money to WA tribes hit by opioids
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KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, March 21st. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Authorities say suspected car thief raced from Bellingham to Skagit County before crashing
A Bellingham suspect of grand theft auto attempted to flee from police before crashing into a barrier in Skagit County.
Authorities say Lukes Robert Skinner, aged 33, stole car keys from the owner of a 2003 Honda Accord in a Mcdonald’s parking lot in Bellingham on the morning of February 22. Dispatch then heard reports of a vehicle traveling at high speeds and making dangerous passes on the shoulder southbound on I-5.
After driving 25 miles, the driver crashed into a barrier on the Skagit County bridge. Skinner was arrested by officers after being found attempting to flee the scene on foot, and was taken to the Hospital after complaining of back pain.
Skinner was booked into Whatcom County jail on March 18th.
STORY: City of Blaine names new police chief
The city of Blaine has hired a new police chief.
Recent reporting by the Northern Light says Rodger Funk, currently the chief inspector at the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, is now set to become its next chief. Funk has 28 years of law enforcement experience, including various leadership roles, and expressed excitement about the opportunity. Blaine received 16 applicants from a nation-wide search and selected Funk after a thorough evaluation process involving three interview panels.
Michael Munden, interim police chief, has been asked to remain with the department under the new leadership. Funk’s employment contract now awaits city council approval.
STORY: Lummi Island Ferry fares to increase after decline in revenue, ridership
Lummi Island Ferry fares will increase soon amid a two year decline in revenue.
The Whatcom County Council unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday that requests Executive Satpal Sidhu to increase fares. The resolution also allocates $358,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds to the Ferry Fund.
A proposal was shared by Sidhu on Monday that would see a 54% increase of the pedestrian multi-ride fare, and a 37% increase of the vehicle with driver multi-ride fare. Nearly 80 Lummi Island residents attended the Monday meeting to voice concerns about the increases and the financial impact on those living on the island. Ferry Advisory Committee members proposed an alternative fare increase that would be half that of Sidhu’s proposal.
Ridership of the ferry last year decreased by around 10% in single-rides, and about 5% in multi-rides. Public works staff attributed the drop in ridership to COVID-19 changing riding patterns and behaviors in general. That year, the ferry brought nearly half a million less revenue than expected.
Exact fare increases won’t be finalized until next week.
STORY: Whatcom educators: State money still short of what’s needed to fund public schools
Superintendents from Whatcom County are expressing mixed feelings about the additional education funding passed by the state Legislature.
In recent reporting by the Cascadia Daily, Whatcom school leadership acknowledged some relief from the $333 million increase in the operating budget for education and $306 million in the capital budget for school construction. However, Meridian School District Superintendent James Everett, Bellingham Public Schools Superintendent Greg Baker and Nooksack Valley School District Superintendent Matt Galley said the state still falls short of adequately funding public schools. Despite increases in staffing allocations and materials costs, they say the funding fails to match inflation, leaving essential school costs unfunded.
Special education funding received a small bump, which is seen as helpful but insufficient. Capital budget increases are noted, yet still deemed insufficient to meet the demands of real construction costs. The superintendents express gratitude for the extra funding but highlight ongoing challenges with the state’s funding model and remain concerned about the dependence on local levies to fill funding gaps.
STORY: WSDA local food system infrastructure grant applications open
Over $2 million in grants are available for farms, ranches, food processors, and food distributors that support local food systems.
Offered by the Washington State Department of Agriculture, the grants are designed to strengthen the connections between Washington’s regional food supply chains. The funding will help local farms, processors, and distributors that are critical in maintaining the local food system statewide. Grant amounts range from 10 to 75 thousand dollars and can be used for planning, equipment, and facilities.
More information is available on the WSDA website and applications are due by April 17th.
STORY: Inslee signs fentanyl bill sending money to WA tribes hit by opioids
On Tuesday, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed seven bills aimed at addressing the fentanyl crisis in the state.
Native American communities in Washington experience opioid overdose rates five times the state average. The legislation aims to support initiatives such as treatment facilities and education programs. Additionally, a bill called the Lucas Petty Act, named after a teenager who died from fentanyl-laced marijuana, will incorporate fentanyl education into public school curriculum. Another bill focuses on improving opioid education, overdose prevention, treatment access, and first-responder resources statewide. One measure is expected to provide nearly $8 million annually to federally recognized tribes until at least 2031, sourced partly from a settlement with opioid distributors.
Lummi Nation declared a state of emergency last year over fentanyl, adding drug-sniffing dogs and checkpoints, as well as revoking bail for drug-related charges. The tribe also opened a seven-bed facility to help members with withdrawal and get them on medication for opioid use disorder. According to Dr. Jesse Davis, medical director of the Lummi Healing Spirit Opioid Treatment program, in its first five months the facility treated 63 people.
WX: Sun
Your Whatcom County weather – there’s a chance of showers today, with a high of 56 degrees and light winds. Later tonight, expect more rain with a low of 46. Tomorrow will bring more of the same.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman and Tristan Trudell. 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. If you would like to help keep local news accessible, check out our new Patreon page at patreon.com/kmrenews or go to kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m ________________, and thanks for listening.
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