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Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 77F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..
Mainly clear. Low 59F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Firefighters from IAFF Local 106 Bellingham/Whatcom County Professional Firefighters will be raising money on Tuesday, Aug. 16 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Fill the Boot program. They will be present at two locations from 10 am to 3 pm: the corner of 19th and Front streets, and the intersection of Guide Meridian and Birch Bay Lynden Road.
The international Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) have been working together since 1954 to raise awareness and funds to empower those living with neuromuscular disease.
Corrections deputies save two lives during one shift
WHATCOM — While assisting medical staff during an inmate medication pass at approximately 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, a Whatcom County Corrections Deputy noticed an inmate walking up the stairs with an improvised rope, made of pieces of sheets and towels.
According to an Aug. 5 press release from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, the deputy immediately called for backup to intervene in a suicide attempt, and opened the outer sally port door to prepare for emergency entry.
The inmate had reportedly tied one end of the handmade rope to the upper railing and placed the other end around his neck.
The inmate then began to climb over the stair handrail and slowly lower himself until he was about three feet above the floor.
The inmate then reportedly let go of his handhold and the rope stretched to the point that his feet were on the ground. The rope then broke.
Back-up deputies arrived and immediately entered the housing unit. As they entered the unit, the inmate began to move back up the stairs to where the rope was tied, WCSO reported.
Deputies worked together to move him off the stairs and physically restrain him. He was then escorted to a safety cell on the first floor where he was seen by Medical and Mental Health staff and placed on close watch to prevent any additional attempts at self-harm.
WCSO also reported Friday that at approximately 9:30 p.m., jail central control reported an inmate having a seizure.
“Several deputies immediately responded to the cell and found the inmate laying on his back, unconscious but breathing,” the WCSO report states.
A quick assessment of the situation based on training given to all corrections deputies indicated the inmate was most probably suffering from a fentanyl overdose. Two doses of Narcan were immediately administered, and an EMS Aid Car was called.
“The inmate’s breathing improved, and he began to regain consciousness and was able to respond verbally to the deputies,” WCSO reported.
Deputies continued to monitor the inmate’s breathing and pulse until medical aid arrived.
The inmate was then transported to the hospital for further care and assessment and returned to the facility and placed in a medical observation unit. His cell was searched. However, nothing was found.
Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo stated that the County Jail is housing an “unprecedented number of inmates who have severe mental health and substance abuse issues.
“As a result, our corrections deputies work in an incredibly dangerous and challenging environment,” Elfo said. “Nonetheless, they rise to the occasion and perform competently and compassionately. Their rapid and successful responses to these two incidents undoubtedly resulted in the saving of human lives. We should all be very proud of the work they do.”
Deputies arrest man for controlled substances homicide
WHATCOM — On May 7, 2021, Blaine Police Department responded to a report of the death of a 30-year-old woman named Aeschli Wilkinson in the 700 block of E Street in Blaine.
Blaine Police Department requested the assistance of the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office to investigate a possible controlled substance homicide when the County Medical Examiner’s toxicology report indicated fentanyl was in Wilkinson’s system after a preliminary drug test.
The investigation found that Wilkinson had been in contact with 31-year-old Blaine resident Tanner Larson about obtaining pain killers. According to these messages, Larson sold Wilkinson pills on multiple occasions between April 28 and May 6.
Wilkinson was found dead on May 7 around 8:30 a.m.
After a lengthy investigation, probable cause (PC) was developed to charge Larson with controlled substances homicide.
On Aug. 3, Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Deputies, with the assistance of the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force, located Larson in the 4300 block of Meridian St. in Bellingham. He was placed under arrest for his outstanding PCs.
Larson was searched incident to arrest. Cash, a zip lock bag with an unidentified powder, four empty zip lock bags, burnt foil with narcotic residue and a bag with about 100 blue M-30 pills which weighed 12.9 gross weight grams (fentanyl) were found in the search.
Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo said that the Sheriff’s Office “will continue to prioritize the investigation of deaths resulting from the street sale of this drug as homicides.
“Potential users of this drug should be aware of its lethal nature and those that deal in the drug should know that if a death results, they will be charged with homicide,” Elfo said.
Larson was booked into Whatcom County Jail for controlled substances homicide, with additional charges of delivery of controlled substance (fentanyl) and delivery of a counterfeit substance.
-- Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office
Woman rescued by helicopter in darkness
WHATCOM — At approximately 8 p.m. July 29, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Nooksack Falls for a report of a woman who fell over the falls and was possibly swept downstream.
According to an Aug. 2 WCSO press release, witnesses reported seeing an woman clinging to the side of the hill and thought she had fallen into the rapids.
Fire personnel and United States Border Patrol agents also responded.
Deputies located the vehicle believed to belong to the woman and were able to identify her through documents found inside.
Because of dangerous conditions due to the water rapids, deputies requested assistance from Naval Air Station Whidbey Search and Rescue Air and Marine who responded with a helicopter to find the individual.
In total darkness, NAS Whidbey SAR found the woman, conscious and breathing, and hoisted her by helicopter out from the canyon.
The woman was transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s Medical Center and treated for external injuries.
“We are grateful that this incident ended in survival,” said Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo. “I would like to extend my appreciation to all of the agencies and individuals who assisted in this rescue, particularly the team from Naval Air Station Whidbey whose incredible skills and bravery made this successful outcome possible.”
Gasoline prices back under $4 gallon
As of Tuesday, Aug. 9, the U.S. national average price of gas has fallen back under the $4 mark to $3.99 per gallon for the first time since early March, according to GasBuddy.
Gas prices have decreased more than $1 per gallon since peaking at $5.03 on June 14, fueled by falling oil prices over the last month.
It’s been a record-breaking year at the pump, with a majority of motorists seeing three different handled prices, including $3, $4 and $5. Beginning in March, gas prices in the U.S. rose above $4 per gallon for the first time since 2008, as Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.
Global supply began to tighten, with demand also rising into the summer, causing inventories to tighten to uncomfortable levels. The previous record-high of $4.10 per gallon was broken in April, and gas prices soared to a new all-time high average of $5.03 per gallon in June.
Areas of California saw average prices near $7 per gallon this summer, and diesel prices saw their biggest premium to gasoline prices ever.
GasBuddy recommends drivers always shop around for gas, as conditions are changing quickly and stations within a few blocks can vary in price by over 30¢/gal.
GasBuddy also offers users the opportunity to receive notifications when prices at their favorite stations change in order to not get caught paying too much.
Applications solicited for Organizational Grant Program
FERNDALE — The City of Ferndale provides grants to various human services and economic development organizations to enhance the quality of life for homeless, low-income and senior residents and to promote economic development within the City.
The challenge given the City’s inability to serve all needs for all people and all businesses is to determine how to create the greatest impact with available funding. Proposals will be evaluated by city staff and approved or denied by the Ferndale City Council as part of the budget process.
Interested organizations can fill out the application on the City of Ferndale website’s Forms and Applications page by Sept. 15. Email the completed application to Communication Officer Riley Sweeney at rileysweeney@cityofferndale.org or drop it off at City Hall, 2095 Main St.
Aug. 24 candidate forums on Zoom
WHATCOM — Beginning at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 24, Bellingham City Club will feature the races for state senator/District 42 and Public Utility District No. 1 Commissioner 3 at its online zoom program.
Candidates Sharon Shewmake (D) and Simon Sefzik (R) are vying for the senate seat. Jaime Arnett and Eric Davidson are competing for the PUD 1 Commissioner District 3.
The community is invited to this free educational meeting. To register and for more information, visit bellinghamcityclub.org.
Bellingham City Club’s mission is to inform, connect, and engage our community to strengthen the civic health of our region.
Whatcom County Health Department investigates county’s first Monkeypox Virus Case
The Whatcom County Health Department is investigating a confirmed case of monkeypox virus (MPV) in a local resident.
The person in their 50s tested positive on Tuesday, Aug. 2 was not hospitalized and is isolating at home.
According to an Aug. 3 media release from the Whatcom County Health Department, the first cases in Washington were linked to international travel. Whatcom County’s first case appears to be linked to exposure in King County.
WCHD is working to identify anyone who may be a close contact of this first case. The Health Department states that it has a “limited amount of vaccine on hand to administer to any high priority close contacts of the infected person.”
MPV causes a rash that looks like bumps, sores, blisters or ulcers. Some people also have flu-like symptoms.
MPV is a viral disease not often seen in the United States. For most people, the risk of serious illness is also low. So far, no one in the U.S. has died in the current outbreak. However, the disease can be serious, especially for children, people who are immunocompromised, or pregnant.
Anyone can get MPV. The virus spreads during close, physical contact with:
• MPV rash, sores or scabs.
• Objects, fabrics or surfaces a person with MPV used.
• Respiratory droplets or oral fluids from a person with MPV.
• MPV can spread as soon as symptoms start until all sores heal and a fresh layer of skin forms. This can be several weeks.
It can take as long as three weeks from the date of exposure before someone develops symptoms, although in most cases symptoms develop within 7-14 days.
If you have a painful new rash, sores, or other symptoms:
• Avoid sex or intimate contact.
• Work with the WCHD to identify and reach out to contacts who may have been exposed and could be eligible for vaccine to prevent illness.
• See your healthcare provider. Remind them MPV may be circulating in the community.
• There are antiviral treatments available to those who have severe disease
Men who have sex with men may be at higher risk because the virus is spreading in these communities.
For more information, visit the DOH MPV website at doh.wa.gov/monkeypox.
Northwest Washington Fair announces complimentary admission/discount days
The Northwest Washington Fair is pleased to work with community partners to provide complimentary and discount admission days to first responders, military service members, kids ages 12 and under, and Western Washington University students, alumni and staff.
All community members receive complimentary gate admission on Sunday, Aug. 14, from 8-9 a.m. courtesy of WECU. Must enter through gate 2 or gate 5.
Monday, Aug. 15, the Northwest Washington Fair celebrates people who rush in to give aid, with complimentary gate admission for all law enforcement officers, EMTs and firefighters with valid ID, including their spouse and children, made possible by Puget Sound Energy. Must enter through gate 1 or gate 5.
Tuesday, Aug. 16, the Fair says thank you to our nation’s heroes by providing complimentary gate admission for all active duty, retired and veteran military personnel with valid ID, along with their spouse and children. Must enter through gate 1 or gate 5. Complimentary gate admission made possible by Victory Legal Services.
Kid’s Day is Wednesday, Aug. 17. Arrive at gate 1 or gate 5 and all kids age 12 and under receive complimentary gate admission, made possible by WRS.
The Northwest Washington Fair is thrilled to partner with Western Washington University to provide $2 off gate admission to all WWU staff, students and alumni with valid ID on Thursday, Aug. 18. Tickets must be purchased at gate 1 or gate 5.
For more information, visit www.nwwafair.com or call 360-354-4111. The 2022 Northwest Washington Fair will be presented Aug. 11-20.