Bellingham resident in critical condition following apartment shooting, WWU admin building vandalized with in apparent pro-Gaza protest, Child Care fund could subsidize parents, Lummi Nation commences project to improve tribal water quality and reduce scarcity, Lummi Nation commences project to improve tribal water quality and reduce scarcity, WTA announces plan to purchase acreage
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KMRE brings you local news for Monday, November 18th. Good afternoon, I’m Theron Danielson.
STORY: Bellingham resident in critical condition following apartment shooting
A man was arrested on suspicion of first-degree attempted murder after someone was shot at a Bellingham apartment complex on Thursday evening.
Following multiple 911 calls, police arrived at the Sterling Meadows complex at around 8 p.m. and found a person with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim received medical aid on the spot before being taken to St. Joseph Medical Center, where they remain in critical condition.
Bellingham Police stated that surveillance footage showed the victim carrying groceries to their apartment and collapsing, then a number of muzzle flashes were seen. It is thought the victim was trying to escape when shot.
In a phone call with KMRE, Lieutenant Claudia Murphy confirmed the suspect’s identity as 19-year-old Alexis Molina. He was arrested after police found a handgun in his apartment that was consistent with evidence found at the scene. Molina, who shares the apartment with the victim, was booked into the Whatcom County Jail on Friday morning and is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing today.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Bellingham Police. Tips can also be submitted online at the City of Bellingham’s website.
STORY: WWU admin building vandalized with in apparent pro-Gaza protest
WWU’s administration building, Old Main, was vandalized on October 22nd in a politically motivated incident related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Police reports indicate that rocks shattered windows, and slogans such as “WWU did not divest” were spray-painted on the building and walkway, causing $2,300 in damages. The phrases referenced demands on the part of some student groups for the university to end investments and academic relationships with Israel.
According to police reports, no injuries or arrests occurred, and the university closed the case due to a lack of suspects. WWU officials told the Bellingham Herald that they did not issue a campus-wide alert, as it is school policy to only issue broad communications when there is an ongoing safety threat, and police did not assess the vandalism to be a threat to community safety. University Police documented the scene, and cleanup efforts were promptly initiated. Some faculty members, like professor Michael Slouber (SLOW-ber), criticized the lack of communication, arguing that the incident’s political nature warranted broader awareness.
The vandalism, classified as second-degree malicious mischief, carries severe potential legal penalties.
STORY: Child Care fund could subsidize parents
The Whatcom County Health Department announced that it will advance the Healthy Children’s Fund by developing subsidies to make child care more affordable.
The fund, approved by voters in 2022, generates nearly $10 million annually and focuses on early childhood care and support for vulnerable children.
In a recent presentation to the County Council, Child and Family Programs Supervisor Sarah Simpson and project consultant Casey Osborn explained that the proposed subsidies are intended to help local households pay less for child care, while making the child care business more sustainable for providers. Families who earn up to 85% of the state median income would be eligible to apply. Subsidies for families and providers are expected to consume nearly one-third of the fund each year.
Whatcom County hopes to increase payments to providers caring for infants and toddlers, whose care is particularly expensive. The county faces a significant shortage of child care slots, with waitlists at most centers.
The Health Department also says efforts to boost enrollment in the state’s underutilized Working Connections Child Care program will also be made. The program offers full subsidies to low-income families, however, only 8-to-15% of eligible families in Whatcom County have enrolled.
The final subsidy plan is expected to be approved tomorrow.
STORY: Lummi Nation commences project to improve tribal water quality and reduce scarcity
The Lummi Nation says it will initiate a project to address water scarcity, saltwater intrusion, and arsenic contamination in its water supply.
The Tribe relies on wells, groundwater aquifers, and a connection to Bellingham’s water system, but dropping water levels and insufficient pressure prompted a Water Conservation Order. Saltwater intrusion and elevated arsenic levels threaten the Lummi Peninsula and Northern Lummi aquifers, with some wells already closed.
To address these challenges, the Tribe secured a $3.4 million federal grant to explore alternative water sources, design a new treatment plant, and conduct a Saltwater Intrusion Risk Study and Management Plan. A recent announcement by Senator Cantwell highlighted the importance of the funding in ensuring safe drinking water for the Tribe. The project will include an examination of the Nooksack River as a potential water source.
This initiative is part of a broader effort, with five Washington tribes receiving nearly $8 million in grants for water infrastructure improvements. The planning phase is set to start next June and finish within three years, with a focus on sustainability and climate commitment.
STORY: WTA announces plan to purchase acreage
The WTA announced that they have partnered with Whatcom Land Trust and Whatcom Million Trees Project to purchase 31 acres near Ferndale.
The initiative aims to offset carbon emissions by preserving trees, with the 13,000 trees capturing an amount of carbon equivalent to the annual emissions of four hybrid-electric buses. The move would also expand the Kelsey Nature Reserve to 51 acres, and connect Butler Creek to the Lake Terrell Wildlife Management Area.
The WTA Board approved the $300,000 purchase, funded through Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, emphasizing the effort as part of broader environmental goals. Board Chair Ali Hawkinson highlighted the partnership’s benefits for air quality, water, salmon, and wildlife in Whatcom County.
WX: I been through the desert on a horse with some rain
And now for your Whatcom County weather:
A week of rain and potential snow is in the forecast, beginning with showers throughout the day and highs in the mid-40s. We’re expecting mild southeastern winds, topping out around 15 mph, and evening lows in the mid-low 30s.
Tomorrow, you can expect overcast for the majority of the day with scattered showers, before settling fully into rainy weather in the evening.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman (COOL-mun), Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Brodey O’Brien, Paloma Ortiz, Anna Hedrick, and Miguel Garduño (MEE-gel gar-DOO-ño). 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 Theron Danielson, and thank you for listening.
