Bellingham Police investigating assault in Cordata neighborhood, Former council member Kershner confirms backing Hutchings in recommendation letter, Lummi Nation accuses fire district EMS of inadequate emergency services, Lengthy bridge replacement work set to begin near downtown, Lengthy bridge replacement work set to begin near downtown, One million chinook salmon die in Skagit County hatchery amid activist warnings, PSE may shut off power to prevent wildfires in some areas, Whatcom judge penalizes WWU for withholding sexual assault records
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STORY: Bellingham Police investigating assault in Cordata neighborhood
Bellingham Police Department are requesting help in connection to an active investigation.
On Friday around 9 a.m., near Northwest Drive and Bakerview Road, BPD was called to investigate a man with significant injuries in a wooden encampment. When they arrived, they found Christopher Grasso with live-threatening injuries, and transported him to the hospital. According to police, investigators were able to document the scene, but some possible witnesses left before officers arrived.
Anyone with information regarding the assault is asked to contact Whatcom’s non-emergency dispatch line.
STORY: Former council member Kershner confirms backing Hutchings in recommendation letter
Over Saturday, former Whatcom County Council member Kathy Kershner acknowledged she wrote a positive letter of reference for former-county public works director Jon Hutchings.
The letter, along with one signed by County Executive Satpal Sidhu, in support of Hutchings who was accused of sexual harassment by women he worked with, are raising concerns about oversight inside County government. Kershner defended her recommendation, citing her positive experiences with Hutchings. Both have declined to comment on questions raised regarding a reported personal relationship between the two. County policy allows relationships between council members and employees but requires adherence to ethical standards.
Deputy Executive Tyler Schroeder has also admitted his role in editing the letter signed by Sidhu, expressing regret for not prioritizing the impacted employees. An ongoing investigation by the County Council into the matter aims to assess compliance with county policies, and identify any failures in the process.
The handling of Hutchings’ resignation, including a 225 thousand dollar settlement, came under scrutiny following a Cascade PBS investigative story.
STORY: Lummi Nation accuses fire district EMS of inadequate emergency services
After the death of a Lummi woman, the Lummi Nation is alleging that the Whatcom County EMS fails to provide adequate services.
The allegations stem from ongoing concerns about EMS declining to transport patients, when transportation would have been appropriate. Chairman Tony Hillaire (HILL-air) says that the death of the 36 year old in April was part of a larger pattern in recent years.
Hillaire’s concerns were expressed in a letter on April 30th to Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund, Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu, and Whatcom County Fire District 7 and 8 Chiefs Bill Hewett and Larry Hoffman. The letter outlined the incident in April, where the woman called 911 reporting shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. First responders then arrived and requested additional help. They later left after she was later able to gain control of her breathing, deeming it a panic attack and cancelling the request. A few hours later, the patient’s spouse called 911 saying she was unresponsive. When Whatcom EMS arrived, the patient was found dead.
Sidhu responded to the letter, saying that he was concerned about the report of a larger trend, and while that the county executive role does not directly supervise fire departments, he acknowledged his responsibility as a member on the EMS Oversight Board.
STORY:Lengthy bridge replacement work set to begin near downtown
Two Whatcom Creek Bridges are under construction this summer.
According to the Public Works Department’s monthly newsletter, both the Meador Avenue and James Street bridges will be under construction beginning this month. According to the Public Works Department, construction will switch between the two bridges to be less impactful on fish in the creek. All businesses will have access points during construction and one bridge will be open to traffic. The project is expected to cost $8.5 million and will be covered by state and federal grants.
A public meeting regarding the project will be held today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bellingham High School auditorium. The project is expected to take a few months.
STORY: One million chinook salmon die in Skagit County hatchery amid activist warnings
About one million young Chinook salmon died due to a mechanical failure at a hatchery in Skagit County.
According to the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Samish Hatchery, co-managed with the Lummi Nation and the Nooksack Indian Tribe, experienced heavy rain causing floating debris to clog an intake screen. The clog resulted in low water levels and poor water quality in the outdoor pond holding 2 million Chinook fry. Nearly half of the salmon died, affecting release plans into the Samish River. An alarm failure exacerbated the incident.
Concerns over hatchery conditions have prompted a lawsuit that alleges violations of the Endangered Species Act. Activists argue that government-funded hatcheries exceed fish production limits, threatening at-risk species.
Fish and Wildlife is investigating.
STORY: PSE may shut off power to prevent wildfires in some areas
Puget Sound Energy, the state’s largest utility, is warning customers it could turn off power in some communities to prevent its power lines from sparking wildfires.
According to PSE spokesperson Christina Donegan, the preventive blackouts could happen anywhere if conditions are dangerous, however it would be a, quote, “tool of last resort.”
The possible blackouts might pose the greatest harm to vulnerable residents who rely on essential electronic medical equipment — such as dialysis machines, ventilators and infant apnea monitors. PSE says it will give customers a two day notice.
Recent catastrophic and fatal wildfires ignited by utility-owned lines have prompted the changes, such as the Labor Day fires of 2020, when five homes were destroyed in Pierce County.
Currently, the areas at highest risk for shutoff are Greenwater, Pierce County; Skykomish, King County; Concrete, Skagit County; rural areas east of Snoqualmie Pass like Cle Elum and Kittitas; and parts of west Thurston County and Vashon Island.
WX: Stormy
Your Whatcom County weather – Today is rainy and stormy, with a high of 56 degrees. The storms will continue into the night, as temperatures drop to a low of 44. The showers are likely to continue overnight, but should clear up as the day progresses.
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: Whatcom judge penalizes WWU for withholding sexual assault records
