Sheriff’s office investigates animal cruelty case, Bellingham man arrested in connection with B.C. school shooting, Bellingham woman arrested in connection with July hit-and-run in Birch Bay, Ranch Quarry EIS scoping phase complete, Lynden man survives hippo attack on honeymoon, writes book about experience, Whatcom County Flood Preparedness Week, WSDOT reports all ferries back in service, WA joins coalition seeking settlement from two drug companies accused of artificial price inflation, Flood Preparedness Open House (run 10/9 or 10/12), Bellingham to hold public hearing over proposed regional fire authority (run 10/9 or 10/12), Public invited to Port of Bellingham open house (Oct 29), Health department cider pressing safety (weak story – break glass only in emergency), F&C Oct 10
Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, October, 7. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Sheriff’s office investigates animal cruelty case
A Whatcom County dog rescue has been accused of animal cruelty.
Detectives say they found roughly 30 dogs living in severe neglect at a property on Russet Avenue, where the group had been housing animals. The rescue, Pittie Project PNW, is run by 38‑year‑old Ashley Georgia of Bellingham.
Deputies reported seeing dogs with open wounds, signs of parasites, matted fur soaked with urine and feces, and animals so underweight their bones were visible. Investigators say many had no access to clean water or adequate food.
The property owner cooperated and allowed detectives inside the property. A search warrant was later issued so the dogs could be seized and receive immediate medical care. It was found that volunteers had previously removed 13 dogs from the property after seeing the animals’ condition. Investigators say Georgia had received food donations and thousands of dollars intended for the animals’ care.
All remaining dogs are now being treated by the Whatcom Humane Society. The sheriff’s office says criminal charges are pending.
STORY: Bellingham man arrested in connection with B.C. school shooting
A Bellingham man is facing federal charges for allegedly helping plan a deadly school shooting in British Columbia.
Prosecutors say 30‑year‑old James Cody Bryant spent months advising and assisting the shooter, 18-year old Jesse Van Rootselaar (ROT-sell-er), before the attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in February. Court documents allege Bryant provided money, technical help and tactical guidance, and that he agreed to record and broadcast the shooting. Additionally, investigators say Bryant tested livestreaming equipment with the shooter, sent funds for items used in the attack, and even gave advice on how to start a car moments before the shooter left for the school.
Canadian authorities say Van Rootselaar killed two people at home, then drove to the school and killed five students — as well as an educational assistant — before committing suicide.
U.S. prosecutors say Bryant faces a conspiracy‑to‑murder persons in a foreign country, a crime that can carry a life sentence.
STORY: Bellingham woman arrested in connection with July hit-and-run in Birch Bay
A Bellingham woman has been arrested months after a hit‑and‑run in Birch Bay.
Deputies say the crash happened on Birch Bay Drive on July 27th. The driver made a sudden U‑turn, braked hard, and swerved toward the shoulder. A passing cyclist hit the back of the vehicle, suffering a small laceration on the knee and soreness in their head, neck and leg.
Investigators say the driver — 56‑year‑old Michelle Jarrell‑Orr — briefly got out of the car, but left after a male passenger told her to get back in. Three witnesses backed up the victim’s account, and the victim managed to photograph the vehicle.
Deputies identified Jarrell‑Orr as the owner, and the victim picked her out of a photo lineup. Sedro‑Woolley Police arrested Jarrell-Orr on Monday; she was booked into the Whatcom County Jail without incident.
STORY: Ranch Quarry EIS scoping phase complete
The proposed Ranch Quarry project in Whatcom County continues to advance.
County staff and consultants say they have reviewed all public comments and finished the scoping phase of the project’s Environmental Impact Statement. The EIS will study two options: the Proposed Action, allowing the quarry to move ahead, and a No Action alternative.
The project would create a long‑term surface mine on a 108‑acre site near Sumas (SOO-mass), supplying rock and gravel for regional construction and infrastructure. It’s planned to operate in phases over several decades, with on‑site crushing and hauling.
The EIS will look at potential impacts to the land, water, air, wildlife, cultural resources, and transportation.
The public will have a chance to comment on the draft EIS later this year.
STORY: Lynden man survives hippo attack on honeymoon, writes book about experience
A Lynden man is sharing his story of being attacked by a hippo on his honeymoon.
As reported by the Cascadia Daily News and Newsweek, Samuel and Anna McKee were canoeing in Botswana in September 2025 when a hippo charged their boat and dragged Samuel under. Anna ran towards the hippo and managed to scare the animal off, helping her husband to safety.
Samuel endured the night without rescue after the attack before a helicopter flew him to a hospital in South Africa. He spent weeks recovering overseas and months in therapy back home.
The couple, both raised in Whatcom County, say the ordeal reshaped their first year of marriage and deepened their gratitude.
The McKees have written a book about the attack and their relationship, and plan to seek a publisher soon.
STORY: Whatcom County Flood Preparedness Week
Flood Preparedness Week starts next Monday in Whatcom County.
County Executive Satpal Sidhu issued the Flood Preparedness Week proclamation, saying early action can save lives and reduce damage when high water arrives.
The county will share simple steps like how to assemble a grab‑and‑go kit, sign up for emergency alerts, and protect your home from flood damage, along with updates from its annual storm briefing and flood newsletter.
Officials say the goal is to give residents practical tools before the winter storms return.
UPDATE: WSDOT reports all ferries back in service
Ferry service is back to normal today after Monday’s engine‑room sick‑out brought much of the system to a halt.
All routes are now running on their regular schedules. A handful of early‑morning sailings were cancelled yesterday as crews were reassembled, but Washington State Ferries says full service was restored system-wide by afternoon.
King 5 reports the disruption began when 23 engine‑room workers called out Monday, leaving 13 boats without the crews needed to operate. Riders across the region faced long delays and, in some cases, no way off their islands.
Workers say the action followed arbitration that left them with no raises or cost‑of‑living adjustments under their current contract. Riders called the shutdown a wake‑up call for how dependent island communities are on ferry access.
Officials say discussions on staffing and compensation will continue.
STORY: WA joins coalition seeking settlement from two drug companies accused of artificial price inflation
Washington is seeking approval of a major drug‑price settlement.
Attorney General Nick Brown says the state has joined a coalition of 43 states and territories asking a federal court to sign off on a $400 million agreement with generic drugmakers Sandoz and Fougera (fow-GAIR-ah). Both companies are accused of inflating prices and limiting competition for years.
The motion, filed in federal court in Connecticut, also alleges Sandoz shifted assets to avoid liability. Under the settlement, the company would adopt internal reforms aimed at preventing future price‑fixing and ensuring fair competition in the generic drug market.
Washington’s share would be more than $12 million. Consumers who bought certain generic drugs between 2009 and 2019 may qualify for compensation. Information on eligibility is available at AGgenericdrugs.com.
WX: Sun is in the sky, I salute to the number-one guy
And now for the weather…
Expect clouds with sun today right up until nightfall. Daytime highs in the mid-to-high 60s are expected, falling closer to 50 degrees later tonight. Expect mostly clear skies overnight.
But wait, there’s MORE… sunshine and clouds in the forecast for tomorrow.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRAH-guh), Kyler Cantrell (can-TRELL), Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), KAI (eye) Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee), Jenny Lam, Doug Langworthy, and Cheri Cloninger (SHARE-ee CLAWN-in-jer). 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. To help support our work, check out our Patreon, or Substack, or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _________… thanks for listening!
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STORY: Flood Preparedness Open House (run 10/9 or 10/12)
STORY: Bellingham to hold public hearing over proposed regional fire authority (run 10/9 or 10/12)
STORY: Public invited to Port of Bellingham open house (Oct 29)
The Port of Bellingham will hold an open house for the public on Thursday, October 29th.
Community members can talk with Port staff and project leaders about the future of the waterfront, airport, harbors, events and community programs, while sharing their questions and ideas.
The free event will include refreshments and information stations. And, while supplies last, anyone who gets a passport stamped at all the stations can take home a rubber Disco Duck.
The event runs from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Squalicum Boathouse.
STORY: Health department cider pressing safety (weak story – break glass only in emergency)
Cider‑pressing season is here, and health officials are reminding Whatcom County residents to handle unpasteurized cider safely.
Raw cider can carry bacteria like E. coli, which pose higher risks for young children, pregnant people, older adults, and anyone with weakened immunity.
Officials are asking people pressing cider at home – or attending a community pressing event – to clean and sanitize grinders and presses between batches; make sure volunteers wash their hands; and keep anyone who’s been recently sick away from food handling. Only apples picked from the tree should be used, and they should be rinsed well before pressing. Any apples that are bruised or dirty should be tossed.
Finally, officials are urging people to store cider in sanitized jugs; for the safest product, people should also pasteurize it by heating it to 158 degrees. This ensures any harmful bacteria is killed.
Officials say these steps help keep fall cider traditions safe for everyone.
F&C Oct 10
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