Second person sentenced for last year’s Bellingham encampment shooting, Mount Vernon man sentenced to 23 years for murder of man in bar fight, among other charges, Longtime Whatcom nonprofit leader named interim executive director of Northwest Youth Services, Recreational shellfish harvesting closed for several locations in Skagit County, Dept. of Justice requests turnover of WA’s complete voter database, Reykdahl releases state assessment results, Lynden nurse charged with medication theft, Free or cheap (kill 9/12), Free or cheap (kill 9/19), Free or cheap (kill 9/12), Election Town Halls slated for October (kill 10/4), Tree coupon back (fill)
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KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, September 11th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Second person sentenced for last year’s Bellingham encampment shooting
A Bellingham man has been sentenced to 17 months in prison for his role in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Zachariah Janusiewicz (JENN-uh-savitch) last year.
According to court records, 34-year-old Gale Raynard Jefferson pleaded guilty to charges of rendering criminal assistance and unlawful imprisonment. While Jefferson himself did not fire the fatal shot, prosecutors say he helped cover for the shooter, 37-year-old Coleen Clark, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison back in June.
Janusiewicz’s family set up photos of him around the courtroom yesterday. They told the judge and reporters afterward they did not feel justice was served.
STORY: Mount Vernon man sentenced to 23 years for murder of man in bar fight, among other charges
A Mount Vernon man has been sentenced to nearly 23 years in prison for murder.
The Skagit County Superior Court sentenced 43-year-old Jorge Vasquez after he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the April 2024 shooting death of 28-year-old James White.
Prosecutors say Vasquez forced his way back into a Mount Vernon home during a fight and fired multiple shots, which killed White. He also received concurrent sentences for burglary, assault, and drug possession.
The agreed-upon sentence is on the higher end of the standard range for a class A felony, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
STORY: Longtime Whatcom nonprofit leader named interim executive director of Northwest Youth Services
Northwest Youth Services has a new interim executive director.
The nonprofit’s board announced yesterday that longtime local leader Karen Burke will step into the role.
Burke has led several Whatcom County nonprofits, including YWCA Bellingham and DVSAS, and most recently served as Chief Operating Officer for YWCA USA. The board says her charge is to stabilize operations, rebuild community trust, and guide the organization through a strategic turnaround over the next two years.
The youth services nonprofit has faced turmoil since the resignation of former CEO Jason McGill last fall, as well as subsequent investigations into its workplace culture and finances.
STORY: Recreational shellfish harvesting closed for several locations in Skagit County
Multiple recreational shellfish harvest closures are in effect in Skagit County.
Shellfish samples showed elevated levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins — as a result, the recreational harvest of all species is prohibited in Samish Bay. Furthermore, a news release by Skagit County states that many small islands — such as Sinclair and Guemes (GWEH-miss) — have completely closed the harvest of butter and varnish clams, save for the southern shoreline from Kelly’s Point east to Long Bay.
Paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins cannot be destroyed by either cooking or freezing. The toxins may cause symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to rapid pulse and/or respiratory distress. While crab meat itself is not affected by these toxins, crab entrails and so-called “crab butter” may contain biotoxins.
Harvesters are asked to always check for closures either on the Shellfish Safety Map or by calling the Marine Biotoxin Hotline.
STORY: Several Ferndale businesses close
Ferndale is losing several longtime businesses.
Dimitri’s Restaurant, a Main Street fixture for 40 years, shut its doors in May. Barb’s Pies and Pastries announced it too will close, as owner Barb O’Brine retires after 25 years. The Outlaws Saloon, which opened in 2011, faces an uncertain future after a sale fell through. Finally, Cozy Corner Books & Coffee, also in business for 14 years, is closing after its lease was not renewed.
STORY: Dept. of Justice requests turnover of WA’s complete voter database
The U.S. Department of Justice has asked Washington state for its full voter database — including names, addresses, birthdates, and partial Social Security or driver’s license numbers.
A letter signed by Assistant U.S. Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon (DYLAN) says the information would be used to check compliance with federal voting laws, and would be, quote, “subject to federal privacy protections” unquote. Dillon heads the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, which in Trump’s second term has shifted its traditional focus on voting rights protection to voter fraud investigation.
Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said on Tuesday that his office is reviewing the request, but that they are likely to refuse it. According to the Seattle Times, Hobbs added yesterday that he would not release any data until the DOJ was clear about what they plan to do with the data.
According to the Brennan Center for Justice, at least 26 other states have received similar letters.
STORY: Reykdahl releases state assessment results
Washington students are showing signs of academic recovery, with improvements in both reading and math scores on the state’s 2025 assessments.
State Superintendent Chris Reykdal (RIKE-doll) released the results yesterday, showing 71 percent of students met at least foundational grade-level standards in English language arts, and 63 percent did so in math. The annual tests, taken by students in grades 3 through 8 and 10, are used to measure progress toward college-level readiness.
Washington students outperformed most of their peers nationally, ranking second in English and fourth in math among 12 states using the same testing system.
Still, Reykdal acknowledged that opportunity and achievement gaps persist, especially for historically underserved student groups.
Reykdal said students who are experiencing poverty are performing 25% lower because their families do not have the same access to resources as those not experiencing poverty.
[clip: Reykdal-1, :11, out: “…in student achievement”]
Reykdal noted students of color are also underperforming, and said additional investments are needed to bridge the gap.
[clip: Reykdal-2, :08, out: “…that’s DEI”]
To help address those disparities, Reykdal said his upcoming budget proposal will include new funding to strengthen math instruction in kindergarten through eighth grade.
WX: Two Mild ‘n Lazy Guys
And now for the weather:
It’s another day of sun here in Whatcom, with mostly clear skies and highs around 70 degrees. The weather should remain fairly mild as we move into the evening, when we can expect to see mostly clear skies and lows in the mid-50s.
Tomorrow forecasts call for… more sunny weather and highs in the 70s.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THARE-un) Danielson, Cody Mills, Aidan Larson, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), Bella Mae, Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee), Nate Landi (LAND-ee) and Hailey LeRoy (luh-ROY). 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 _________, and thank you for listening!
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STORY: Lynden nurse charged with medication theft A former nursing assistant in Lynden now faces professional misconduct charges after the alleged theft of a patient’s pain medication.
The state Department of Health filed a complaint against Allyson Allen, which accuses her of taking 31 Oxycodone pills from a resident at Lynden Manor between August and October 2021.
The Bellingham Herald reports the facility’s nursing director told investigators that Allen admitted to the theft and tried to conceal it by replacing the Oxycodone with Lorazepam. Police later examined the resident’s pill pack and found the foil backing had been broken and taped over, with different pills inside.
Allen also reportedly confessed during a police interview. She was criminally charged in 2022 with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and drug delivery.
Her nursing credential expired in February 2025. The Department of Health filed new unprofessional conduct charges in August.
Allen has 20 days to respond before the case moves toward a hearing.
STORY: Free or cheap (kill 9/12)
The 18th Annual Whatcom County Farm Tour is set for Saturday, September 13, from 10 to 4. The free, self-guided event invites all ages to visit local farms, meet the people who grow our food, and learn how it makes its way from field to table.
STORY: Free or cheap (KILL 9/19)
As part of Whatcom Water Week, the Whatcom Land Trust is hosting a Forest Water Scavenger Hunt at Stimpson Family Nature Reserve on Saturday, September 20, from 10 to 4. Families can pick up an activity booklet at the trailhead, then explore the forest to learn how trees and streams keep water clean and cool. The free, family-friendly event includes kid-friendly activities and a Water Wise take-home memento.
STORY: Free or Cheap (Kill 9/12)
https://www.whatcomcd.org/run-with-the-chums — Sat, Sept. 13
Mark your calendars for the 13th Annual Run with the Chums on September 13th at BP Highlands in Birch Bay.
This free, family-friendly 5K fun run celebrates salmon, clean water, and community. All ages and paces are welcome, and the scenic course offers stunning views of Whatcom County’s shoreline.
Kids 10 and under can enjoy the Smolt Sprint obstacle course starting at 9:30 a.m., with the 5K kicking off at 10.
Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m.—arrive early for a free T-shirt while supplies last.
STORY: Election Town Halls slated for October (kill 10/4)
This year’s election is all about local power — from city councils to school boards — and Cascadia Daily News wants voters to hear directly from the candidates.
You’re invited to two free town halls in October at the Sehome High School Theater in Bellingham. The first, focused on County Council races, is Saturday, October 4. The second, covering Bellingham City Council candidates, is Saturday, October 11. Both run from 6 to 8 p.m.
It’s your chance to ask questions, raise concerns, and hear where candidates stand before ballots drop.
Admission is free, but an RSVP is required. Reserve your seat for county races at CascadiaDaily.co/WhatcomTownHall, and for city races at CascadiaDaily.co/BhamTownHall.
STORY: Tree coupon back (fill)
Bellingham’s Tree Coupon Program is back this fall. Residents can get up to $100 off per tree at participating nurseries to plant on private property. The city says last year’s program added more than 500 trees, boosting
Bellingham’s urban canopy. Sign-ups are online, and coupons are valid from October through May.
