Lynden nurse charged with medication theft, Mild weather stalls growth of Perry Fire, two smaller blazes spotted in North Cascades, PeaceHealth announces nonspecific structural changes to leadership and staffing, State leaders vow to challenge federal delay of Hanford waste treatment plant, Free or Cheap, Bellingham real estate group reports dip in local mortgage rates, Bellingham Zen Buddhism community opens doors on newly renovated temple, Free or cheap (KILL 9/19), Election Town Halls slated for October (kill 10/4), Tree coupon back (fill)
Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Friday, September 12th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
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.
Last month, the state Department of Health filed a complaint against Allyson Allen, which accuses her of taking 31 oxycodone (ox-ee-KOE-dohn) pills from a resident at Lynden Manor between August and October of 2021.
State records show the facility’s nursing director told investigators that Allen admitted to the theft and tried to conceal it by replacing the oxycodone with lorazepam (lor-A-zeh-pam). 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.
Allen, whose nursing credential expired back in February, has 20 days to respond before the case moves toward a hearing.
STORY: Mild weather stalls growth of Perry Fire, two smaller blazes spotted in North Cascades
The Perry Fire in the North Cascades has slowed — but it’s not out.
Thanks to cooler temperatures and light rain, the fire is holding steady at just over 1,500 acres. Crews recently completed a successful burnout near Little Beaver Campground, while helicopters work to protect historic structures nearby. However, the break in weather may be short-lived — sunshine, warmer temperatures, and possible lightning are expected through the weekend. Fire crews are on standby for any flare-ups.
Smoke has eased for now, but that could change fast. Anyone who is sensitive to air quality is urged to keep an eye on conditions at www.fire.airnow.gov.
Meanwhile, Cascadia Daily News reports two new fires. The Arctic Fire, near Mount Prophet, and the Neve (NAVE) Fire, near Thunder Creek, are both small, and currently do not pose a threat to visitors or park infrastructure.
One final note — campfire bans remain in effect across the entire North Cascades National Park Complex, including Ross Lake, Lake Chelan, and Stehekin (stuh-HEE-kin).
STORY: PeaceHealth announces nonspecific structural changes to leadership and staffing
Leadership cuts have hit the top ranks at PeaceHealth.
Cascadia Daily News reports the health system says it has eliminated several high-level roles — including executives, vice presidents, and chief medical officers — in a sweeping reorganization announced on Wednesday.
The exact number of layoffs is unclear as of now. PeaceHealth called the move a “difficult choice” in response to ongoing challenges in the healthcare industry.
This shakeup follows a 1% workforce reduction in May, and comes as the medical group continues a $400 million expansion at its Bellingham hospital.
No word yet on how much the cuts are expected to save — however, some of the eliminated roles had seven-figure compensation packages.
STORY: State leaders vow to challenge federal delay of Hanford waste treatment plant
Governor Bob Ferguson says he’ll fight any move to delay turning radioactive waste into glass at Hanford’s vitrification plant.
The 580-square-mile Hanford nuclear site has 56 million gallons of radioactive and hazardous chemical waste in underground tanks. During World War II and through the Cold War, the plant chemically processed uranium to remove plutonium for the nation’s nuclear weapons program. Some of the waste has been stored for 80 years in leak-prone tanks that sit above groundwater that is slowly moving toward the Columbia River, which flows through the site.
On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Patty Murray said that Energy Secretary Chris Wright had admitted to actively stalling the startup of the massive Waste Treatment Plant. Last night, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell had this to say:
[clip: CANTWELL HANFORD AUDIO, 1:06, out: “…counting on for years”]
Governor Ferguson calls Wright’s actions a violation of legal agreements and a waste of taxpayer dollars. Senator Murray said about $30 billion has been spent to date on construction, testing and commissioning of the vitrification plant, which includes an $18 billion contract with Bechtel (BEK-tell) National.
The U.S. Department of Energy, however, insists it’s still on track to begin operations by October.
STORY: Free or Cheap
It’s Friday — if you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s a bit of what’s going on around the county.
The 18th Annual Whatcom County Farm Tour is taking place tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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.
Mark your calendars for the 13th Annual Run with the Chums tomorrow 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.
Finally, the Lincoln Theatre in Mount Vernon will host Dudestock 2025 tomorrow beginning at 7 p.m. The event seeks to celebrate the 27th anniversary of The Big Lebowski, the classic crime comedy by the Coen brothers. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best bathrobes and quaff a few White Russians or Sarsaparillas. The theatre says that, quote, “prizes will be awarded for best costume in several categories, including a chance to win a comfy couch seat in the theatre for the show” unquote. Tickets can be purchased at the Lincoln Theatre’s website for $15.
WX: I’m runnin’ outta jokes; could we get, like, one hailstone?
And now for the weather:
The weather today is expected to be, what else, but more warm sunshine? Highs will remain in the upper 60s and low 70s, with some steadily increasing cloud cover throughout the day. This should leave us with a mostly overcast evening, and temperatures dropping down to lows in the mid-50s.
The weekend will be largely sunny as well, before showers roll in overnight and stick around throughout Sunday and Monday morning.
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, and Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee). 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!
##
STORY: Bellingham real estate group reports dip in local mortgage rates
If you’ve been waiting for the housing market to turn a little more buyer-friendly, now might be the time.
Mortgage rates in Whatcom County have recently dropped into the low six-percent range, according to Bellingham’s Muljat (MOE-lee-at) Group real estate agency. A 30-year fixed mortgage averaged 7% back in May — but today, it’s closer to 6.3%. That change could save buyers hundreds of dollars a month.
Local brokers say while rates are not expected to fall much further without a big shift in the economy, the slight dip could help bring more buyers into the market.
STORY: Bellingham Zen Buddhism community opens doors on newly renovated temple
Bellingham has a brand-new Zen temple.
After years of planning, Red Cedar Zen has officially opened the doors to Sansui-ji (SUN-soo-ee GEE), or Mountains and Waters Temple, in the Birchwood neighborhood. Located at Cedarwood Avenue, the fully accessible space is now home to regular meditation sessions, classes, and retreats, both in person and online.
The Soto Zen practice community has been active in Bellingham since 1991, but this is the first time they’ve had a permanent temple of their own. The group blends traditional Zen forms with a strong spirit of inclusion and accessibility.
Guiding Teacher Nomon (NOH-muhn) Tim Burnett, a long-time Zen practitioner and teacher, says the new temple is the result of years of vision, community effort, and spiritual commitment.
Those interested in more information on schedules, or how to get involved, can visit redcedarzen.org.
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: 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.
