Large-scale drug bust out of Meridian St. encampment, Inslee visits Whatcom County, Bham Public Schools unveiling new Special Education center, Peace Health responds to questions (sort of), State grants fund digital navigation services for new users, Bike race to close portion of Mount Baker Highway
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STORY: Large-scale drug bust out of Meridian St. encampment
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office announced yesterday the seizure of over 22 pounds of suspected fentanyl powder and fentanyl-laced pills last month from a man running a drug operation out of a homeless encampment in Bellingham.
On August 29th, 34-year-old Rigoberto Vasquez Martinez, was pulled over by Oregon State Police during a routine traffic stop south of Salem, Oregon. Police discovered over 70 thousand fentanyl-laced pills and subsequently arrested Martinez. The Whatcom Sheriff’s Office Gang and Drug Task Force also searched a storage unit belonging to Martinez in Lynnwood and found nearly 8 pounds of fentanyl and other drugs. Martinez’s compound in the homeless camp on Meridian St. was also searched and shotguns, an assault rifle, and drugs were found.
STORY: Inslee visits Whatcom County
Governor Jay Inslee was in Whatcom County yesterday.
During the visit, Inslee toured the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center and Foothills Food Bank which serves more than 350 households each week.
The Food Bank’s executive director, Sam Norris, talked with Inslee about the growing difficulties of running the operation with just two full-time staff and a group of volunteers. According to Norris, the food bank saw a dramatic increase in usage after the end of the temporary boost in SNAP benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
East Whatcom is currently deemed a rural food desert by the USDA due to the lack of access to grocery stores and high poverty levels.
Inslee also toured the Opportunity Council’s resource center, where he visited the Mt. Baker Head Start program, and attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the VMC electric vehicle factory in Ferndale.
STORY: Bham Public Schools unveiling new Special Education center
Yesterday, Bellingham Public Schools unveiled the new location for a Special Education program that serves students through the age of 21.
The program, named Community Transitions, provides services intended to prepare students with mild to severe disabilities as they transition to life after high school. The program offers a part-time schedule of classes as well as job-coaching, work-based learning opportunities, and case management.
The new building is located near the WECU on Birchwood Avenue.
STORY: Peace Health responds to questions (sort of)
(AnThu) Recent changes in the palliative care program housed at St. Joseph Hospital has left the Whatcom County community with questions. Reporter Emma Toscani sat down with Peace Health Leadership to find out more.
Dr Scott Foster Story Audio
STORY: Bike race to close portion of Mount Baker Highway
Another portion of the Mount Baker Highway is set to be closed for part of the upcoming weekend, as the Mount Baker Hill Climb will shut down the eastbound side of the road between Glacier and Artist Point from 7 a.m. to noon this Sunday.
The event sold out for the first time this year, and will see hundreds of cyclists in both competitive and recreational divisions tackle over 4,400 ft of elevation during the 22-mile climb. Those wanting to watch the race are encouraged to carpool and arrive early to make sure you get a spot.
STORY: State grants fund digital navigation services for new users
The Washington State Department of Commerce announced on Monday that it will be giving out nearly $15 million in grants to continue expanding access to the internet through digital navigator services.
Commerce defines digital navigators as “trusted guides who assist community members in internet adoption and the use of computing devices.” Digital navigators help users navigate, gain skills, and acquire digital devices in a culturally competent manner. Navigators help a wide range of people, such as seniors, veterans, English language learners, and students seeking technical support. Washington currently provides navigators to all 39 counties through the Broadband Office and also through community partners like Goodwill, TechConnect, and the Seattle Housing Authority.
Under these new grants, Whatcom County will offer services to residents through various Community Health Centers, organizations like Communities in Schools, or programs like the Link to Care WA hotline.
In its three-year history, the Digital Navigator program has helped more than 200 thousand Washington residents access digital services, devices, and skills.
WX: Rainy Day, Cloudy Night
Mostly cloudy skies early today will start to clear, and become partly cloudy by afternoon. Expect a high of 68 degrees, with clear skies and a low of 49 overnight. Tomorrow, the sun comes back for a few days, with a high of 73. The sun is expected to stay with us until Sunday when cloudy skies will roll back in.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Susan Lindsey, Emma Toscani and Carlos Braga. 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. I’m ________________ and thanks for listening.
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