Whatcom County Council introduces amendment to close legal loophole regarding reporting of court settlements, Nearly half of Whatcom County workers polled report fearing workplace harassment, Bellingham man pleads guilty to possession of child pornography, Travis Decker declared deceased by U.S. Marshals Service, local law enforcement still urging caution, Free showing of documentary exploring mental toll on first responders set for tonight at BHS, Independent review of Whatcom’s fire districts releases report, officials claim numerous inaccuracies, Projected tax revenue in Washington has fallen by over half a billion in wake of latest proposed budget, WA 3rd best for teachers, FREE OR CHEAP, New draft homeless plan, Election Town Halls slated for October (kill 10/4), Tree coupon back (fill)
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STORY: Whatcom County Council introduces amendment to close legal loophole regarding reporting of court settlements The Whatcom County Council has introduced an amendment to close a legal loophole regarding employee settlements.
The move comes after a 2024 exposé by Cascade PBS revealed the Council had been kept in the dark about a $225,000 settlement paid in 2023 to an employee who accused her manager of sexual harassment and retaliation.
The settlement, linked to former Public Works Director Jon Hutchings’ resignation in 2022, was routed through the Washington Counties Risk Pool, which previously allowed the county to bypass council approval. Under the proposed amendment, council members would be notified of all third-party settlements within 30 days, and a council member would serve as a risk pool representative.
Supporters say the change ensures transparency and prevents taxpayers from being left unaware of significant payouts.
STORY: Nearly half of Whatcom County workers polled report fearing workplace harassment
In a related story, a new independent report reveals deep concerns over how Whatcom County handles workplace harassment complaints.
Nearly half of the county’s 1,200 employees took part in a survey conducted by the Matrix Consulting Group; many of them said investigations are too slow and untrustworthy. Among those who filed complaints, more than 60 percent were dissatisfied with the process or its outcomes, and over half feared retaliation for speaking up. The $100,000 review was ordered after revelations that former Public Works Director Jon Hutchings was allowed to resign in 2022 amid allegations of sexual harassment.
County Council members say the findings send a clear message that stronger policies and greater accountability are urgently needed.
STORY: Bellingham man pleads guilty to possession of child pornography
A Bellingham man has pleaded guilty to charges involving child sexual abuse material.
Thirty-two-year-old Joshua Luke Reppert (REH-pert) admitted in Whatcom County Superior Court to the possession of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Reppert was already under state supervision for similar crimes when a yearlong investigation uncovered more than 100
explicit images and videos of real children and over 250 involving animated abuse. He was arrested in May after Bellingham Police was assigned cybertips from Google and X by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Reppert’s sentencing will be scheduled after a Department of Corrections pre-sentence investigation.
STORY: Travis Decker declared deceased by U.S. Marshals Service, local law enforcement still urging caution
The search for the Army veteran accused of killing his three young daughters near Leavenworth may finally be coming to an end.
Federal prosecutors revealed that the U.S. Marshals Service has advised Travis Decker is believed to be dead, after human remains were found less than a mile from where the girls’ bodies were discovered in June. Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison says DNA testing is still underway to confirm the identity, and warns that the Marshals’ announcement could be premature. The remains, which included bones and clothing that matched Decker’s, were located in steep, heavily forested terrain during a fourth grid search of the mountainside.
The discovery comes nearly four months after Decker vanished, which sparked a massive manhunt that cost millions and shut down campgrounds and trails around Leavenworth.
STORY: Free showing of documentary exploring mental toll on first responders set for tonight at BHS
A powerful film about the mental health crisis among first responders will screen in Bellingham tonight.
Sponsored by the Whatcom County EMS Council and EMS Foundation, the documentary PTSD911 will be shown from 6 to 9 p.m. at Bellingham High School.
Directed by Conrad Weaver, the film explores the hidden psychological toll faced by police, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers. While admission is free, tickets are required and can be reserved online via the PTSD911 Facebook page.
Seating is limited, and the public is welcome — with a special invitation extended to first responders.
STORY: Independent review of Whatcom’s fire districts releases report, officials claim numerous inaccuracies
In a related story, a new report recommends major changes to how Whatcom County delivers fire and EMS services, but local fire officials say it gets some key facts wrong.
The county-funded Fire Services and EMS Assessment Final Report published this month proposes 19 changes that include fire district consolidation, increased transparency, shared resources, and the coordination of dispatch centers.
However, some fire chiefs say the report contains inaccuracies — such as incorrect station addresses and outdated district boundaries — and that it does not fully reflect the work already being done. Volunteer brigades in Newhalem and Diablo were left out entirely.
According to reporting by the Cascadia Daily News, district leaders also say they were not properly consulted. They also worry that suggestions about transparency could damage public trust, especially when voter approval is required for funding.
While the proposed consolidation of Districts 7 and 17 has potential, officials say any merger must be mutually beneficial and approved by voters. Despite frustrations, some fire officials say the report may still improve communication moving forward.
County Council members say they’ll review the recommendations with input from fire and EMS leadership, as well as newly hired staff.
STORY: Projected tax revenue in Washington has fallen by over half a billion in wake of latest proposed budget
Washington state now faces a new revenue shortfall, with tax collections projected to drop by over $500 million since earlier forecasts.
In a recent release from Governor Bob Ferguson, officials say receipts for the current two-year budget are down $412 million from three months ago, which adds to previous declines. Revenue has fallen despite billions in tax increases earlier this year, largely due to weaker sales caused by tariffs
and declining trade. Real estate and construction activity are also down significantly, which economists say is likely due to the declining job market and inflation. Lawmakers warn the report sets up a tough legislative session, with potential cuts to services and debate over taxes.
Governor Ferguson called the projections “disappointing but not surprising,” and lawmakers say they are already weighing options for a supplemental budget when the next session begins in January.
WX: Ubercast
And now for the weather:
Some increasing clouds should cool things down today, with temperatures expected to rise to the low-to-mid 60s. We should have less sunshine today, with the U.V. index of rating maxing out at a whopping two. This evening is also expected to be fairly overcast and cool, with nighttime temperatures in the low 50s.
We might see a touch more sunshine tomorrow, with increasing cloud cover throughout the day that will also bring a decent chance of rain. Start flippin’ those coins, folks.
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!
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STORY: WA 3rd best for teachers
According to Wallet Hub, Washington State is the third best state for Teachers in 2025. Over the past decade, Washington has seen an increase in teacher pay of more than 75% Other factors include teacher friendly policies and the state’s fourth lowest time span before tenure goes into effect.
FREE OR CHEAP
A free household paint recycling event is coming to Bellingham—now at a new location. Due to a scheduling conflict, the one-day drop-off on Saturday, October 4 will be held at Barkley Village, 2211 Rimland Drive, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents can safely dispose of unwanted paints, varnishes, primers, and similar products in their original containers,
five gallons or smaller. Usable paint will be recycled into new latex paint. Attendees should stay in their vehicles while staff unload materials. Pre-registration is encouraged.
AND
Friends of the Bellingham Public Library Book Sale Sept. 25 – 27
Visit the Lecture Room at the Central Library for the popular Friends of the Library September Book Sale and browse from a huge selection of books, DVDs, and more. There will be items for all ages, and all proceeds benefit your library. Most items are $2. Credit card and cash payments will be accepted. Items are full price 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 25 and Friday, Sept. 26. On Saturday, Sept. 27, items are half price 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and from 1:15 p.m. to 4 p.m., you can fill a bag for $5.
STORY: New draft homeless plan
Whatcom County has released a draft of its next five-year Homeless Housing Plan, outlining strategies for 2026 through 2030. The plan calls for more overnight emergency shelter beds, standardized data collection, and stronger accountability to better serve underserved groups. New funding sources, including two housing-related sales taxes, are expected to generate at least $15 million over the next five years for affordable housing and shelter projects. However, some recommendations—such as a new tiny home village and a low-barrier night-by-night shelter—still lack full operating funds. The Housing Advisory Committee will review the draft at a public meeting on Thursday, October 9, where residents can offer feedback in person or online.
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.
