Federal investigation into Lummi Nation fentanyl overdoses results in 17 arrests across multiple states, U.S. Marshals release new photos and video of suspect in August’s fatal Concrete house fire, offering reward for information, Bellingham’s MindPort exhibit gifted to indigenous-led nonprofit, Ferndale HS evacuated due to safety concern, Deceased climber found on Mount Baker identified, WA ferries to increase prices as ridership falls, Free and cheap
Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, October 4th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.
STORY: Federal investigation into Lummi Nation fentanyl overdoses results in 17 arrests across multiple states
On Wednesday, federal authorities arrested 17 people in connection with a multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed fentanyl to members of the Lummi Nation.
The investigation was triggered by the Lummi Indian Business Council’s declaration of a state of emergency after the death of four tribal members from fentanyl overdoses in September 2023. Investigators linked the deaths to the Jackson Drug Trafficking Organization, led by Marquis (mar-KEECE) Jackson. The indictment includes his family members in Renton: parents Mandel and Matelita Jackson, as well as Markell Jackson and Miracle Patu-Jackson. The family is accused of drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracies. According to a news release by U.S. Attorney Tessa Gorman, Markell is a fugitive, while Matelita and Miracle were released on bond. The people arrested and charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute were 41-year old Robert Bellair, 42-year-old Thomas J. Morris, 40-year-old Patrick James, and 50-year-old Ronald Finkbonner. Bellair is from Ferndale, while the other three are from Bellingham.
Arrests were made across several states, including Washington, Kansas, and Montana. Law enforcement seized nearly 850,000 fentanyl pills, 7 kilos of fentanyl powder and other drugs, as well as firearms and cash.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the DEA, FBI, and Lummi Nation Police, and aims to stop the flow of fentanyl into indigenous communities and beyond.
STORY: U.S. Marshals release new photos and video of suspect in August’s fatal Concrete house fire, offering reward for information
The U.S. Marshal Service has released a video of a suspect in a triple homicide in Concrete.
50-year-old Jason Birman is wanted for questioning after his wife Erin, her son, Taylor Dawson, and Dawson’s girlfriend, Jillian Van Boven, were found dead by gunshot in a house fire on August 9th. Birman faces a warrant for three counts of second-degree murder. Authorities are offering a combined reward of $15,000 for information leading to his arrest. Birman is 5’11”, balding with blonde hair and blue eyes, glasses, and a distinct speech pattern.
Tips can be submitted through the U.S. Marshals Office or Crime Stoppers.
STORY: Bellingham’s MindPort exhibit gifted to indigenous-led nonprofit
The soon-to-be vacant MindPort Exhibits building is being gifted to an indigenous-led nonprofit.
In a news release yesterday, MindPort Executive Director Tallie Jones announced the building on Holly Street will be gifted to Children of the Setting Sun Productions. CSSP plans to transform the space into “Setting Sun Labs,” featuring interactive galleries, production studios, and other public offerings. Jones emphasized that the transfer ensures the site remains a significant cultural hub in downtown Bellingham.
Founded in 1995, Mindport is scheduled to close on November 3rd. Renovations will begin next spring, with CSSP projected to open by spring of 2026.
STORY: Ferndale HS evacuated due to safety concern
Ferndale High School was evacuated yesterday after authorities responded to an anonymous bomb threat.
Students and staff were released early, and the premises were thoroughly searched by law enforcement. No evidence of a credible threat was found.
In a joint statement yesterday evening, both Ferndale Police and the city’s school district wrote that the threat may have been related to “swatting” that has been happening around the country. “Swatting” is making a false report of a serious emergency, designed to send officers to a location and possibly harm people.
Counselors will be available at school for students and staff if needed. The source of the call is under investigation.
STORY: Deceased climber found on Mount Baker identified
The climber who died in a crevasse on Mount Baker’s Coleman-Deming route on Monday has been identified.
Sebastian Urban, a 39-year-old climber from Squamish, British Columbia, had been reported missing two days earlier. The Whatcom County medical examiner’s report says that Urban, who had embarked on a solo climb, died from multiple blunt force injuries after a fall. His body was discovered at the bottom of a 6-foot crevasse by a U.S. Navy helicopter crew.
The recovery involved multiple agencies, including a squadron from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Bellingham Mountain Rescue, and the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.
STORY: WA ferries to increase prices as ridership falls
The Washington State Ferry system has implemented a 4.25% fare increase to make up for passenger decline and operational challenges.
The fare hike aims to meet a farebox revenue target of $419 million, which would cover 57% of the system’s operating costs. The remaining 43% of operations, as well as all capital expenses, are funded by the state.
Ridership has slowly recovered but remains below pre-pandemic levels. Fewer sailings, workforce shortages, and aging vessels have forced the ferry system into a reduced schedule. The agency is also grappling with staffing issues, due to upcoming retirements.
However, the system’s fortunes may change with the potential introduction of five hybrid-electric ferries in 2028. The state plans to fully electrify the fleet by 2040, with funding coming primarily from state sources.
STORY: Free and cheap
It’s Friday – if you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s a little of what’s going on around the county.
Ragefest is taking place tonight at the Blue Room. The show will celebrate the release of the third issue of The Rage, Western’s arts, culture and lifestyle magazine. Sage Valentine is hosting the show, and the lineup includes an opening DJ set from Tekhia Jones and performances from Drayton, King Youngblood, and Instant Crush. Doors open at 7, and music starts at 8. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the Blue Room website.
The Bellingham Dockside Market will run tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Coho Way, where fishermen will be selling freshly caught fish directly from their boats. More information is available on the market’s Facebook page.
Finally – this weekend, the eighth annual Bellingham Seafest is taking place at Zuanich Point Park. Attendance is free, and the festival will include attractions such as live music, a beer and wine garden, boat rides and the Lummi Nation traditional barbecue salmon. KMRE will be tabling at Seafest so come and say hello!
Forecast: Sky water
And now weather
Expect intermittent rain with highs around 60 degrees, southern winds gusting up to 23 mph, and evening lows in the upper 40s.
The forecast for Saturday and Sunday is mostly sunny skies.
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 your donations. Check out our Patreon page or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _David Korb_______________… thanks for listening.
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