WAWU strike ends after two days, Bellingham woman facing multiple charges after nightclub altercation, alleged harassment, No criminal charges to be filed against Bellingham police sergeant accused of abuse, Lighthouse Mission accepts offer for Willows Inn property, Pipeline Safety Trust to host pipeline explosion remembrance events, Judge dismisses NBA legend John Stockton’s COVID lawsuit against WA AG
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KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, May 23rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: WAWU strike ends after two days
The Western Academic Workers United (WAWU) announced a tentative agreement has been reached with Western Washington University, ending a two-day strike by educational student employees.
The strike concluded with an announcement on Wednesday night, and workers will not return to the picket line on Thursday. WAWU will discuss the contract details at a town hall meeting planned for today.
Further details on the agreement are expected as the story develops.
Tune in after the 5pm News for a closer look at the WAWU strike.
STORY: Bellingham woman facing multiple charges after nightclub altercation, alleged harassment
A Bellingham woman is facing multiple charges after an altercation at The Happy Place earlier this month.
According to Western Washington University Police, on May 3rd, Maia Jade Bear-Schiesser (SHY-ser) assaulted the first victim by reportedly hitting him hard in the left ear, and possibly rupturing his eardrum. She was removed by club security, but later returned and assaulted the second victim, sent threatening texts, and caused $750 in damages to their car.
Bear-Schiesser was arrested on suspicion of first-degree and second-degree assault, harassment, malicious mischief, and reckless endangerment.
STORY: No criminal charges to be filed against Bellingham police sergeant accused of abuse
A Bellingham police officer, Joshua McKissick, will not face charges for domestic abuse due to insufficient evidence, as determined by the Skagit County Prosecutor’s Office.
The case was referred to Skagit County by the Whatcom County Prosecutor’s Office on May 8th. After examining allegations of harassment and sexual assault and meeting with the alleged victim, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Branden Platter found no criminal acts and announced the decision on Tuesday.
McKissick, 44, had been investigated by the Lynden Police Department for domestic abuse allegations in late 2023, leading to his reassignment to administrative duties by the Bellingham Police Department (BPD). He was placed on administrative leave following a domestic violence protection order and an order to surrender firearms. He remains on paid leave as an internal investigation continues.
STORY: Lighthouse Mission accepts offer for Willows Inn property
Lighthouse Mission Ministries has accepted an offer from a prospective buyer for The Willows Inn properties on Lummi Island.
The properties, assessed at about $2.4 million in 2023, include the eight-bedroom, eight-bath Willows Inn and another property with a three-bedroom home and two small cottages. The sale proceeds will fund the construction of a new $27 million homeless services facility, which is expected to double the capacity of the previous shelter.
This new facility, replacing the old Holly Street shelter, will accommodate up to 400 people, with 300 regular and 100 overflow spaces. The sale marks a significant step in Lighthouse Mission’s efforts to address homelessness, using proceeds from the donation by former owners Tim and Marcia McEvoy. The Willows Inn, once a top-rated restaurant, had faced legal issues including staff underpayment and allegations of misconduct.
The buyer’s identity and offer price remain undisclosed until the sale is finalized.
STORY: Pipeline Safety Trust to host pipeline explosion remembrance events
Starting in June, the Pipeline Safety Trust will host a week of events to remember the 25th anniversary of the Olympic Pipeline disaster.
On June 10, 1999, a ruptured pipeline above Whatcom Creek pumped over 200 thousand gallons of gasoline into the waterway. The fuel gushed down the creek and ignited, exploding in an enormous fireball and sending a towering curtain of black smoke over Bellingham. The event killed 3 people, caused $45 million in property damage, and destroyed 26 acres of greenery along the creek. The Pipeline Safety Trust arose in the aftermath of this, and is now hosting a week of events in partnership with the City of Bellingham, Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, RE Sources and Whatcom Land Trust. They start in June and range from a film screening, sign unveiling, and a remembrance gathering.
A full schedule of events is available at PSTrust.org.
STORY: Washington Fish and Wildlife close Nooksack to summer fishing
Changes are coming to fishing in Whatcom County– the State Department of Fish and Wildlife will prohibit fishing on all parts of the Nooksack River in the western half of Whatcom County.
The department said the closures will take effect starting Saturday, May 25 and will include the Mainstem, North, Middle and South forks of the river.
The mainstem of the Nooksack will close through July, and the forks will likely stay closed until Sept. 30.
Fish and Wildlife says the closures will protect wild steelhead trout and critically endangered spring Chinook salmon over the summer. Closures like this are seasonal, but this year it is more expansive and includes more restrictions than past years. Other rivers in Washington state will remain open for fishing because they have large numbers of hatchery fish returning to spawn.
Anglers should check Fish and Wildlife’s website for details and updates.
STORY: Judge dismisses NBA legend John Stockton’s COVID lawsuit against WA AG
On Wednesday, a judge dismissed NBA Hall of Famer John Stockton’s COVID lawsuit against Washington.
Stockton has been a vocal critic of COVID-19 restrictions and brought legal action against the Washington State Attorney General’s office. On Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas O. Rice dismissed the lawsuit over pandemic rules that restricted doctors from speaking out against what Stockton called, quote, “the mainstream COVID narrative.” Judge Rice dismissed the lawsuit saying it was brought prematurely because the Washington State Medical Commission had not concluded its investigation into some of the doctors listed in the claim. Judge Rice also ruled that medical commissions have the right to regulate professional conduct even though that conduct may involve speech.
According to the Attorney General’s office, the commission charged doctors Thomas Siler (SIGH-ler) and Richard Eggleston with unprofessional conduct in spreading COVID misinformation online and in newspaper opinion columns. The doctor’s misinformation included statements that the vaccines are unsafe and that COVID tests are inaccurate.
The commission’s proceedings are ongoing.
WX: Sunny
Your Whatcom County weather today – Expect a mix of clouds and sun, with a high of 65 degrees. Temperatures will drop to a low of 51 tonight. Rain is projected to come early tomorrow morning.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman, and Kye Salinas (KEY suh-LEE-nus). 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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FREE OR CHEAP 24th
After the Memorial Day Parade on Saturday, why not head over to Elizabeth Station for a free Spring Community Market on May 25th from 3-to-8 PM at 1400 W Holly St. The event will feature games, music, and local vendors with unique items.
