Update: high-speed Bellingham chase puts two in hospital, Bomb squad dispatched after sparkler bomb is found by Whatcom County authorities serving warrant, Whatcom nails down location for severe weather shelter, Average Bellingham coffee prices slightly below those of state, Whatcom County’s new budget proposal includes use of “banked capacity”, Pertussis outbreak leads to highest number of cases in WA since 2015, Dept. of Natural Resources seeking input on first statewide recreation plan, Bellingham releases plans for updates to Civic Athletic Complex
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KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, October 22st. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Update: high-speed Bellingham chase puts two in hospital
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office has updated information regarding an arrest made earlier this month.
On October 5th, deputies responded to a report of a person passed out in a pickup truck on Olson Road in Ferndale. 37-year-old Randy Chandler was found slumped in the driver’s seat with the engine running. Chandler fled when deputies attempted to approach him, leading them on a high-speed chase before crashing into another vehicle. He was arrested nearby after fleeing on foot.
The Sheriff’s office now says Chandler faces multiple charges, which includes two felonies for vehicular assault and eluding police, along with misdemeanors for DUI and drug possession. Chandler also faces a separate felony drug possession charge from an August 27th incident, when Bellingham police found him passed out in a vehicle surrounded by drug paraphernalia and illegal substances.
He remains in custody as of today.
STORY: Bomb squad dispatched after sparkler bomb is found by Whatcom County authorities serving warrant
A search warrant conducted by Bellingham Police a week ago resulted in a bomb squad being dispatched after the discovery of a homemade explosive device.
According to BPD spokeswoman Megan Peters, investigators determined the device to be a sparkler bomb. Sparkler bombs are homemade fireworks which consist of hundreds of sparkler-style fireworks taped together. The search also revealed a stolen handgun, equipment and paraphernalia commonly used to distribute drugs, as well as $3,000 in cash.
After the search, 46-year-old Joshua Byram from Blaine was arrested on multiple charges, including delivery of a controlled substance. He remains in custody at Whatcom County Jail as of today.
STORY: Whatcom nails down location for severe weather shelter
As Whatcom County faces a potential cold, wet winter due to La Niña (luh KNEE-nyah), officials say they may have found a severe weather shelter solution for local people struggling with homelessness.
After months of looking, the County was unable to find a private organization willing to operate the shelter, so the county’s Department of Health and Community Services says it will now lead the effort and hire and train staff. In addition, Lutheran Community Services at Central Lutheran Church says it will offer overnight space for up to 70 people. The county will contribute $450,000, with Bellingham expected to add $100,000.
Although the newly opened Lighthouse Mission can currently offer only 20 to 40 beds, it hopes to provide up to 100 beds in the future during cold snaps.
STORY: Average Bellingham coffee prices slightly below those of state
According to a new study, Washington state has the third highest price for a cup of coffee in the country – but thankfully, Bellingham roasters brew more for less.
According to Toast – a restaurant point of sale company – The average cup of coffee in the state costs $3.69, which comes behind California at $3.88 and Hawaii with the most expensive cup at $4.89. Bellingham charges 18 cents less than the state average, at $3.51 – with the cheapest cups coming in at less than 3 dollars before tax.
STORY: Whatcom County’s new budget proposal includes use of “banked capacity”
Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu submitted the biennial budget proposal to the county council, which includes a modest property tax increase for homeowners.
Whatcom County has significant “banked capacity” of potential tax revenue compared to other cities our size. In 1986, the Washington State Legislature allowed local governments to levy less than the maximum increase in property taxes allowed under law without losing the ability to levy higher taxes later if necessary. The difference between what the city could charge and what they are charging is referred to as “banked capacity”. Sidhu says this is necessary due to budget pressures from new services and reduced federal funding.
However, some council members oppose the move, citing concerns about burdening taxpayers. If the county doesn’t use banked capacity, it will need to make $7 million in cuts, which would affect public services like food banks, law enforcement, and road maintenance. The county says it is considering long-term strategies for financial sustainability.
Budget deliberations begin at this evening’s Whatcom County Council meeting– the public is invited to attend and give their input with in person, or online.
STORY: Pertussis outbreak leads to highest number of cases in WA since 2015
Whooping cough is spiking throughout the United States and Washington.
Washington state has reported 873 cases through the first 40 weeks of the year, a dramatic increase from 2023 and the highest since 2015. Other Washington counties are also experiencing a sharp rise in reported cases of the disease, also known as pertussis, with Chelan County reporting the highest case rate relative to population. Children aged 1-to-9 are the most affected, with 45% of cases in this age group.
The spike is largely attributed to the return of normal post-pandemic activities, increased exposure, and improved testing methods. Pertussis symptoms are similar to a cold, but with severe coughing fits.
Health officials say the best prevention is vaccination, often included in the tetanus shot. Treatment is available with antibiotics, and severe cases may require hospitalization.
STORY: Dept. of Natural Resources seeking input on first statewide recreation plan
The Washington Department of Natural Resources is seeking public feedback on its first statewide outdoor access and recreation strategic plan.
According to the Department, the plan responds to a 21% increase in recreational use of state lands from 2019 to 2020 since COVID-19. and aims to balance recreation opportunities with the protection of natural, cultural, and tribal resources. DNR has only 18 officers patrolling nearly six million acres, and faces challenges such as unsanctioned trail building, vandalism, and fires.
The new plan covers a broad range of activities, including motorized recreation, hunting, and educational uses, and addresses the need for more consistent funding beyond Discover Pass sales and grants. Although the plan was developed under Commissioner Hilary Franz, a new leader will implement it after the November election.
Public comment meetings on the plan will be held in late October, both in-person and via Zoom.
WX: The sun? Is that real?
The forecast today—scattered clouds will give way to partial sunshine in the afternoon. Daytime highs should float in the mid-50s, and winds are expected to be north-northeastern and calm. Nighttime lows are forecasted in the high 30s.
We’re looking at a similar weather pattern for tomorrow, with partially sunny skies and sporadic chances of showers.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman (COOL-mun), Tristan Trudell, 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 ________________, and thank you for listening.
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STORY: Bellingham releases plans for updates to Civic Athletic
Complex
The City of Bellingham has updated its master plan for the Civic Athletic Complex, which outlines a long-term vision for the community’s main recreational area.
Two new ideas are being considered: one that would increase recreational opportunities and improve climate resiliency at the new Carl Cozier Elementary School, and another that would expand facilities for aquatic and indoor recreation, along with community gathering spaces within the complex.
A public open house to discuss the updates will take place on November 6th, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bloedel Donovan Park’s community building.
