Top Stories: Bellingham police grant; hope for stroke recovery; fatal crash

The Bellingham Herald reported on a major police funding boost, a medical breakthrough for a local stroke survivor, a deadly crash and a devastating house fire. Here’s a quick look at the top stories from Whatcom County.

Here are key takeaways:

• The Bellingham Police Department secured a $3.7 million grant from the state Criminal Justice Training Commission to hire new officers, unfreeze three positions and buy drones, dash cams and grappler devices. Bellingham is one of only nine agencies statewide to receive funds under the program.
• Lynden organist Keith McKenzie, who lost function on his left side after a 2021 stroke, has regained the ability to play piano scales and perform daily tasks through a UW clinical trial using a brain stimulation implant. The temporary device, used during rehab, is designed to improve outcomes beyond standard therapy.
• Two drivers were killed in a head-on collision in the 200 block of West Axton Road on Monday at 11:33 p.m. One vehicle caught fire and both drivers were declared dead at the scene; one has been identified as Edward Stroud, 69.
• A Maple Falls family of four lost their home in a late-night fire on Monday, May 18, though all family members evacuated safely. Fire District 14 Chief Jerry DeBruin said the blaze appeared to be caused by an electrical failure or short, and the American Red Cross is assisting the family.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.