Woman arrested after bringing loaded weapons to Bellingham Police Department, Whatcom judge penalizes WWU for withholding sexual assault records, Ski to Sea ski leg most likely will happen, Fairhaven’s ‘pit’ could be home to four-story buildings, Ski to Sea ski leg most likely will happen, Bellingham accepting applications for Small and Simple grants, Homelessness on the rise among Washington’s K-12 students, Social Security expands rental subsidy, Fecal pollution threatens 15 popular shellfish harvest areas, Whatcom improves
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Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, May 7th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Woman arrested after bringing loaded weapons to Bellingham Police Department
A Bellingham woman is in custody after bringing loaded firearms to the Bellingham Police Department parking lot.
Yesterday at around 10:30 a.m., Bellingham Police Department received reports of a woman carrying a rifle in their parking lot. Following the report, a safety perimeter was set up to block Grant Street off to traffic. Adjacent office buildings and schools were also notified. According to the BPD, while negotiators and officers attempted to converse with the woman, they noticed she was carrying another firearm. The woman informed them that both weapons were loaded, but was unable to communicate clearly with officers, leading them to believe that she was experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Authorities were able to distract the woman and remove the firearms without force or injury.
The woman was taken into custody, and it is unsure if she will face charges. Both weapons were confirmed to be loaded.
STORY: Whatcom judge penalizes WWU for withholding sexual assault records
After five years of litigation, a judge is penalizing Western Washington University more than $111,000 for withholding the names of students charged with sexual assault on the campus.
Three journalism students, Erasmus Baxter, Asia Fields, and Julia Furukawa, sued the University for violating the Washington State Public Records Act by redacting the information and failing to explain their reasoning. Judge David Freeman of Whatcom County Superior Court penalized WWU $15 per day for each of the 27 student names.
Despite attempts to settle, the case proceeded to determine penalties, with Western suggesting a lower penalty range. The judge’s ruling affirmed the importance of each redacted name as a separate public issue, potentially representing 27 separate news stories.
Further proceedings may involve attorney fees, with a final order expected soon.
STORY: Fairhaven’s ‘pit’ could be home to four-story buildings
A Bellingham developer hopes a building code change will allow him to build in the Fairhaven parking lot known as “The Pit”.
Current codes for the lot, located on the corner of Mill Avenue and 11th Street, only allow structures below 4 stories. Potential buyer David Ebenal, President of Dominion Sustainable Corporation, is asking the city for a code amendment that will allow them to build two 4-story structures.
Project architect David Christenson designed the Village Books building as well as Fairhaven Gardens. Christenson says the project is not finalized but will likely entail three mixed use buildings with 175 to 180 rental apartments, underground parking, and a rooftop bar.
Per a new agreement with the city planning department, at least 20 percent of the units must be affordable housing, the South Bay trail will be granted a perpetual easement, and view corridors will be placed in between the buildings as a gesture to residents with a bay view.
The City Council will hold a public meeting on June 3rd regarding the potential code change.
STORY: Ski to Sea ski leg most likely will happen
Organizers of Ski to Sea say the ski leg is most likely going to take place.
The annual race is a seven legged multisport event that happens on Memorial Day weekend. The race runs from Mt. Baker Ski Area to Bellingham Bay. Snow is essential for the two ski components, cross country and downhill.
According to the most recent race newsletter, organizers say they’re not at 100%, but are at 95%, which is, quote “pretty darn close”. The final decision about the course will be made on May 13, following the Junior Ski to Sea Race.
As of May 2, Washington is at 66% of normal snowpack per USDA reports. Mount Baker is at 67% of normal.
STORY: Bellingham accepting applications for Small and Simple grants
The city of Bellingham is now accepting applications for Small and Simple grants.
The program is designed to give funding to small neighborhood projects in order to enrich the community, both on the community level and city wide. Project applications should focus on one or more of the following categories: Communities and Connections, Neighborhood Signs, and Tree Planting. Applications are being accepted from neighborhood associations, with grant values of up to 10 thousand dollars per neighborhood. More details can be found at the city of Bellingham website.
Applications are due by May 31st.
STORY: Homelessness on the rise among Washington’s K-12 students
A new report from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction reveals a rise in homelessness among students in the state’s school system.
During the 2022-2023 school year, over 42,000 children in Washington experienced homelessness, jumping almost 15% from the previous year. Demographic analysis also reveals 3.8% of all Washington students are without stable housing. Higher rates of homelessness are found among Gender X students– those who do not identify as male or female– and specific ethnic groups.
The report indicates that most homeless students share housing due to economic hardship, with some living in shelters, hotels, or unsheltered conditions and are associated with academic difficulties. According to the report, the school environment often provides the only source of stability for these students, underscoring the need for identification and assistance.
While support efforts have shown progress, local districts play a pivotal role in coordinating services and are often funded through temporary federal grants. According to OSPI, sustainable funding solutions are required to maintain those efforts.
WX: Sunny
Your Whatcom County weather – Today is sunny and clear with a high of 58 degrees. Temperatures will drop to a low of 42 tonight, with winds blowing as fast as 14 mph. The sun will likely continue to shine all week.
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: Fecal pollution threatens 15 popular shellfish harvest areas, Whatcom improves
