WCSO arrests two Everson men following 3-month investigation, Class action lawsuit launched over Mount Baker Imaging data breach, Weekend winter storm forecast prompts indefinite closure of North Cascades Highway, Port of Bellingham eyeing cruise ship addition to Fairhaven terminal, Three arrested by RCMP Border Integrity officers near Lynden, Lake Whatcom forestland management plan open for public comment, New report shows apprenticeships in WA continue decade-long rise, Free and cheap
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KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, November 13. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: WCSO arrests two Everson men following 3-month investigation
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office says two men are in custody following a major fentanyl investigation.
Deputies arrested 73-year-old Arthur Villalon (VEE-ya-lon) and 32-year-old Hilario Adame-Monreal (il-ARE-ee-o uh-DAHM mon-RAY-all) after serving a search warrant on East Pole Road in Everson. Investigators say Adame-Monreal is tied to a transnational drug organization trafficking fentanyl into Whatcom County.
Sheriff Donnell (duh-NELL) Tanksley called the case part of an “urgent public safety crisis” and thanked multiple agencies for their joint effort.
STORY: Class action lawsuit launched over Mount Baker Imaging data breach
Mt. Baker Imaging and Northwest Radiologists have notified patients about a major data breach that happened nearly 10 months ago, and affected more than 348,000 Washington residents.
Officials say the breach allowed unauthorized access to patient information, including names, Social Security numbers, and medical details. A class action lawsuit filed in Whatcom County accuses the companies of waiting months to alert patients and failing to protect sensitive data. The Office of the Attorney General confirmed the breach was first reported in July but says it’s unclear why notification letters were delayed.
Patients with questions can call the company’s assistance line at 855-291-2706.
STORY: Weekend winter storm forecast prompts indefinite closure of North Cascades Highway
A major storm will close The North Cascades Highway east of Newhalem, also known as Highway 20, indefinitely this weekend.
The Washington State Department of Transportation says heavy snow is filling avalanche chutes near Washington Pass, making travel unsafe. The closure begins at 5 p.m. tonight between Ross Lake Dam and Silver Star. Crews will reassess conditions Monday, and officials say there’s a chance the route could reopen briefly next week—depending on how much snow the storm brings.
STORY:
And speaking of WSDOT, the public is invited to an online open house to learn more about a planned project on SR 539 between I-5 and Kellogg Road.
The project, scheduled for summer 2027, will repave the roadway and include ADA improvements, as well as strategies for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users. The open house runs through Monday, Dec. 1st, at engage.wsdot.wa.gov. Participants can provide feedback on proposed roadway enhancements.
STORY: Port of Bellingham eyeing cruise ship addition to Fairhaven terminal
Fairhaven could become the next launch point for cruise ships to Alaska.
The Port of Bellingham says it is exploring the idea. An agreement with Global Port Holdings — a U.K.-based cruise operator— was introduced for consideration at this week’s Port Commission meeting. Global Port Holdings wants to conduct a year-long feasibility study focused on turning the Fairhaven Cruise Terminal into a home port for small and mid-sized cruise ships.
The study would come at no cost to the port and examine market demand, infrastructure needs, and community impacts. Port officials say the move could bring major economic benefits, with more visitors flying into Bellingham, staying in local hotels, and shopping nearby.
Commissioners are expected to vote on the proposal November 18.
STORY: Three arrested by RCMP Border Integrity officers near Lynden
Three people were taken into custody in October after reportedly crossing illegally from the U.S. into Canada near Lynden.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the group fled on foot from the U.S. Border Patrol before being picked up by a waiting vehicle. All three, along with the driver, were arrested and turned over to Canadian authorities for further processing. Investigations are ongoing.
STORY: Lake Whatcom forestland management plan open for public comment
A new plan for managing more than 13,000 acres of public forestland in the Lake Whatcom watershed is now open for public review.
The Lake Whatcom Forest Management Plan, developed by Whatcom County, the City of Bellingham, and ecological consultants, outlines steps to protect water quality, improve forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and support recreation. The plan includes recommendations for selective thinning, road maintenance, and sustainable forest management, with funding and staffing influencing implementation.
Residents can provide feedback through November 20th at engagebellingham.com.
STORY: New report shows apprenticeships in WA continue decade-long rise
Apprenticeships in Washington are booming, with the number of participants up more than 70% over the past decade.
Programs now extend beyond construction trades into health care, education, and even veterinary and retail jobs. Apprentices gain paid, on-the-job experience along with classroom instruction, earn credentials and sometimes college credit. According to a report from the Washington Student Achievement Council, apprentices earn significantly more than peers not in the programs, while employers see strong returns. State initiatives like Career Connect Washington and the Native American Apprenticeship Assistance Program have supported growth, though funding cuts and geographic gaps remain challenges.
Officials expect the trend to continue as demand for skilled workers rises.
WX: Wet It All On Black
And now for the weather:
A lot of rain is headed for us here in Whatcom today, with between half and three-quarters of an inch expected to hit the ground. Daytime temperatures are projected to reach into the mid-high 50s, with wind gusts expected to reach up to 27 miles per hour. The evening should see the rain slow to a mild drizzle, and temperatures to fall down into the low 40s.
Expect more wind and rain tomorrow, though likely not nearly as much as today.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THARE-un) Danielson, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), Bella Mae, and Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee). 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 your donations. Check out our Patreon page or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _________, and thank you for listening!
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STORY: Free and cheap
Ferndale’s Got Talent 2025 will be held Friday, November 14th at 7pm at the Ferndale High School auditorium. All proceeds go to scholarships for Ferndale theater arts seniors. Tickets are $10.
Sat Nov 15, Cordata Park Work Party Support riparian and wetland restoration with NSEA and the City of Bellingham at one of Bellingham’s most loved parks. 9am-12pm – Bellingham, WA | Click here for more information.
Sat Nov 22, California Creek Tree Planting, Join NSEA, Whatcom Conservation District, and Whatcom Land Trust to improve habitat near Drayton Harbor! 9am-12pm – Blaine, WA | More information coming soon!
Sat Dec 6, Deer Creek Tree Planting, Support coho salmon by improving riparian habitat along Deer Creek and planting trees and shrubs! 9am-12pm – Bellingham, WA | Click here for more information.
Sat Dec 13, Connelly Creek Tree Planting, Improve wetlands with NSEA and the City of Bellingham in the Connelly Creek Nature Area. 10am-1pm – Bellingham, WA | Click here for more information.
