Woman faces attempted homicide charge following fire that destroyed another Lummi Nation home, Whatcom County passes resolution aimed at combating fentanyl, East Whatcom residents launch newsletter, website, Ski to Sea officially sells out for first time in 13 years, Inslee signs new gun laws, including ban at transit facilities, libraries, Unsafe levels of lead found in some bargain cinnamon products, New COVID guidelines
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STORY: Woman faces attempted homicide charge following fire that destroyed another Lummi Nation home
A Lummi Nation woman is facing multiple charges, including arson and attempted homicide, after a home burned down on the reservation last Tuesday.
Lummi Police Chief Jay Martin told The Bellingham Herald the fire was started around 4 am when Chardelle Lynn George Rosario (shar-DELL), aged 44, set a flammable liquid on fire in an attempt to burn an individual to death. While the victim was able to escape without major injuries, a trailer in the driveway caught fire, which then spread to the main residence. The incident happened the same night another Lummi Nation home was destroyed by fire. However, according to the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office, the two fires are completely unrelated.
Bellingham police arrested Rosario March 21st at Zuanich Point Park (zoo-AHN-ich) when officers identified a vehicle that matched a description they were given. Rosario tried to escape, but was stopped by police. She resisted arrest, but was subsequently subdued and booked into Whatcom County Jail. Rosario is being charged with suspicion of attempting to elude a police vehicle, second-degree malicious mischief and resisting arrest.
Authorities have not identified the person who Rosario reportedly attempted to set on fire.
STORY: Whatcom County passes resolution aimed at combating fentanyl
Yesterday, the Whatcom County Health Board adopted a unanimous resolution declaring the fentanyl crisis a state of emergency– similar to an earthquake, pandemic, or a flood.
Between 2022 and 2023, Whatcom County experienced a 43% increase in overdose deaths, fueled by cheap and easily available opioid drugs, such as fentanyl. In the meeting, District Court Judge Angela Anderson told the Health Board that she was dismissing at least one drug case every week because the person facing trial had died of an overdose.
If adopted by the Bellingham City Council on April 9th, the emergency declaration would allow administrators to bypass limits on hiring and spending. According to supporters, more funding could then go to paramedic services and a planned 23-hour crisis intervention center.
City Council is likely to officially approve the resolution in two weeks.
STORY: East Whatcom residents launch newsletter, website
Residents of the Mount Baker Foothills have started a project aimed at bridging the gap between rural inhabitants and essential resources.
Nearly a decade in development, the Foothills Communication Hub will integrate the events, information, and resources available to East Whatcom County residents. Spearheaded by Matthew Thuney (TOON-y) and Carl McDaniel, the project faced setbacks following Thuney’s passing in 2022 but is now poised for launch.
In a recent announcement, editor Melonie Ancheta said the hub’s core objective is to share information about available resources, and is made up of a website and a free monthly print publication, the Foothills Outlook. Through collaboration with community radio station, KAVZ 102.5, the hub aims to amplify its reach, facilitating public service announcements and broadcasting essential information.
According to Ancheta, the newsletter will be distributed all over eastern Whatcom County, including Kendall, Maple Falls, Glacier, Deming, Van Zandt, Welcome and Acme.
STORY: Ski to Sea officially sells out for first time in 13 years
Ski to Sea has sold out for the first time in 13 years.
The last time they sold out their 500 spots was in 2011, although they did come close last year with 485 entries.
Race organizers have also warned participants of a low snowfall this winter, which may result in alternate routes.
Registered racers must provide their team names by April 19th.
STORY: Inslee signs new gun laws, including ban at transit facilities, libraries
Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed multiple gun restriction bills into law on Tuesday.
New safety and reporting requirements go into effect for gun dealers, owners, and law enforcement agencies. Key measures include background checks for employees of gun dealers, lost or stolen firearms must now be reported within 24 hours, firearms are prohibited in certain public spaces without concealed-carry permits, and confiscated firearms can now be destroyed.
While praised by advocates for stricter gun laws, the bills faced strong opposition from Republicans and gun industry groups, who raised concerns about the impact on gun dealers and the constitutionality of the measures. Despite potential legal challenges, Washington’s Attorney General Bob Ferguson highlighted his success defending previous gun laws in court.
STORY: Unsafe levels of lead found in some bargain cinnamon products
An unsafe amount of lead has been found in bargain cinnamon products.
The alert began late last year when the food and drug administration recalled several cinnamon applesauce pouches containing lead. The Washington Poison Center subsequently sent out a public health alert when unsafe lead levels were also found in ground cinnamon.
Supreme tradition Ground Cinnamon, sold in dollar tree and family dollar, is one brand that contained too much lead. Other brands catering to Latino consumers include La Fiesta ground cinnamon, Marcum ground cinnamon, MK cinnamon powder, Swad cinnamon powder and El Chilar ground cinnamon. The FDA recommends checking your cabinets for these brands as they are known to have a long shelf life.
Excessive exposure to lead is dangerous to everyone, but it is especially harmful to infants – as it can stunt the body’s ability to grow.
STORY: New COVID guidelines
The CDC and Washington State Department of Health announced an update to their guidance on COVID-19.
Individuals who catch covid can now resume normal activities when symptoms improve and when they are fever-free without medication for 24 hours. Additional precautions like wearing masks, improving ventilation, and testing before indoor gatherings are encouraged, especially around vulnerable individuals.
According to the CDC, patients can remain contagious even after symptoms improve: COVID-19 for 5-10 days, flu for 5-7 days, and RSV for 3-8 days.
WX: Rain
Your Whatcom County weather today – expect showers, with a high of 52 degrees and winds up to 14 mph. There is a chance of thunderstorms tonight and a low of 41. More rain is predicted for tomorrow.
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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