ABC Recycling withdraws plan for controversial metal shredder along Bellingham waterfront, Suspects in Whatcom Co. drug investigation accused of assaulting witness while out on bail, Whatcom County Council votes to investigate handling of sexual harassment claim, Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish opening for the season, The WA GOP passes resolution to stop using the word “democracy”, Social Security expands rental subsidy, Commercial pot seizure at U.S./Canada border crossing lands in B.C. court, Members of two Hall of Fame rock bands will perform at NW WA Fair
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STORY: ABC Recycling withdraws plan for controversial metal shredder along Bellingham waterfront
ABC Recycling has decided to cancel its controversial metal shredder project near Bellingham’s waterfront.
In a letter from Andrew Anthony, the company’s VP of U.S. operations, the company announced that it is withdrawing permit applications for development in the Birchwood neighborhood. The cancellation scraps plans for a major project permit, site plan review, and the preparation of an environmental impact statement. ABC Recycling’s application, submitted in October 2023, came just before the County Council considered a moratorium on new heavy industry, which ultimately failed.
Both Bellingham City Council and Whatcom County Council had been closely scrutinizing the application following public concerns about noise and pollution. The proposed metal shredder facility faced community backlash due to concerns about noise, pollution, and environmental impact.
STORY: Suspects in Whatcom Co. drug investigation accused of assaulting witness while out on bail
A man and a woman out on bail for drug charges are now accused of witness tampering.
Last Thursday, Benjamin Vallejo (vai-YA-ho) and Ashley Andrews were arrested on multiple weapon and drug charges after a months-long investigation by the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force. According to police records, a witness in the case told authorities that Vallejo threatened his life on Sunday while punching him numerous times in the face.
Authorities located Vallejo and Andrews at their residence in Lynden, and arrested them again on multiple charges, including suspicion of intimidating a witness. They are currently being held in custody at Whatcom County Jail.
STORY: Whatcom County Council votes to investigate handling of sexual harassment claim
In a special County Council session on Tuesday, members unanimously voted to initiate a formal investigation into the county’s handling of sexual harassment allegations against a former Public Works director.
The decision follows a recent Cascade PBS investigation and public outcry for transparency. George Roche, representing the prosecutor’s office, addressed the council, highlighting policy effectiveness but human failures. While Roche said the council had no legal liability in the situation, council members said they aim to address accountability concerns and assess the county’s HR system’s efficacy.
According to the Cascadia Daily News, council members seemed to struggle to understand the full extent of the issue regarding the allegations and on their oversight role in personnel matters and complaints. Some members expressed frustration with the lack of communication from county administration and criticized County Executive Satpal Sidhu for not disclosing the allegations earlier. On Tuesday, Sidhu distributed an email to County workers taking responsibility for his actions in the matter.
The council plans to outline the investigation’s scope and process in the upcoming meeting on Tuesday, May 7th.
STORY: Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish opening for the season
The aquatic invasive species check stations at Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish are opening for the season this weekend.
Boaters on Whatcom County waterways need a 2024 Aquatic Invasive Species permit to enter the water. The course is easy to complete, helps protect the Whatcom lakes, and it can save boaters some time when launching.
Learn more, and get a discount, by visiting the Whatcom Boat Inspection program page.
STORY: Inslee rebuffs calls by gubernatorial candidates to buy diesel ferries
Governor Jay Inslee is taking on gubernatorial candidates from both parties over their consideration of diesel ferries.
Republican candidate Dave Reichert is touting a plan to buy diesel ferries to quickly rebuild the depleted fleet. The Inslee-endorsed Democrat, Attorney General Bob Ferguson, also said he’s willing to consider diesel ferries.
Inslee told a news conference last week that switching back to diesel ferries would not only be bad for the environment and the fleet but it would also delay the ability to get boats on the water by at least a year. Statements from state transportation officials indicate that a change in the state’s ferry purchase contracts now would cause more delays.
Washington is expected to pick a builder for its new class of electric-hybrid ferries this summer, with two new vessels targeted for delivery by late 2028.
STORY: The WA GOP passes resolution to stop using the word “democracy”
The Washington Republican party has passed a resolution restricting the use of the word “democracy”.
Within the resolution, the party banned the word “democracy” — a word that is historically associated with both sides of the political spectrum. Instead, they recommend the use of “republic” and “republicanism”. Additionally, after candidates left the GOP state convention last month, party delegates began crafting a platform that includes a resolution that would remove the public’s right to elect senators – instead giving state legislatures the sole power to select the members of the second body of congress.
According to reporting by the Seattle Times, Washington Republicans at the convention said that they fear the country is inching toward democracy – something they view as antithetical to their cause. The document outlining the resolution reads, quote, “every time democracy is used… it serves to promote the principles of the democratic party… of which we oppose”.
While some members opposed the resolution, they were outweighed by the overwhelming support in the attendance.
WX: Rain
Your Whatcom County weather – Today will be sunny with a high of 57 degrees. Tonight will be mostly clear and have a low of 39. The sun should continue into tomorrow, with temperatures getting a little warmer.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman, Kye Salinas (KEY suh-LEE-nus) 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. Check out our Patreon page or go to kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m ________________, and thanks for listening.
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STORY: Social Security expands rental subsidy
The Social Security Administration announced they will expand the rental subsidy policy for those on Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSI provides monthly payments to individuals with disabilities, blindness, or those aged 65 and older with limited income and resources to cover basic needs like rent, food, and medicine. The department says the rule aims to simplify and broaden rental subsidy policies nationwide, improve program equality and reduce administrative burden. The expanded policy will apply nationwide starting September 30th, and will potentially increase payment amounts and eligibility for many.
For more details on SSI eligibility and applications, visit the SSA website.
STORY: Commercial pot seizure at U.S./Canada border crossing lands in B.C. court
A British Columbia cannabis grower is suing a Kelowna-based shipping company for compensation over a truckload of marijuana seized at the U.S. border.
Last May, a delivery truck driver for Seven Elks Shipping Inc. mistakenly crossed into the U.S. at the Blaine border while transporting cannabis products from We Grow B.C. U.S. Customs seized the load, with a retail value of more than $800,000 dollars. According to an official spokesperson for Customs and Border Patrol, the driver said he was traveling domestically in Canada and was not seeking entry to the U.S. but made a wrong turn, ending up at the CBP Pacific Highway Cargo Facility. We Grow B.C. is seeking more than $11,000 in shipping fees, as well as compensation for the seized goods, and reputational loss.
Marijuana is legal in B.C. and Washington state. However, bringing the drug into the U.S. from across the border is a federal crime.
STORY: Members of two Hall of Fame rock bands will perform at NW WA Fair
https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/local/article288149975.html
The Northwest Washington fair has announced two hall of fame musicians added to its lineup.
The fair will run from August 8th-11th and will feature rapper Ludicris, Christian rock band Leeland and songwriter Chris Janson.
Additionally, former member of Kiss
