NEWS
(SKAGIT COUNTY)- Due to the continued risk of fire and the commitment of shared firefighting resources to ongoing wildland fire response efforts across Washington State, the Skagit County Fire Marshal’s Office is implementing a complete burn ban effective Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. The burn ban prohibits all outdoor open burning in unincorporated Skagit County. The only exception is agricultural burning, which may continue only when conducted in accordance with applicable state and local regulations and any required permits, according to a news release from the county. Propane fire tables and other gas-fueled cooking appliances are permitted during (read more)
(ANACORTES)– State Route 20 will be reduced to a single lane for 19 days around the clock beginning Monday morning, Aug. 17, near Campbell Lake Road. The work is part of an intersection improvement project. An automated traffic signal will alternate traffic through the three-way intersection near milepost 46 from 6 a.m. Monday, Aug. 17, to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4. People traveling through the area should expect delays, especially during busier travel times, according to a news release from the Office of the Secretary of State. Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will begin building up and grading the intersection so (read more)
(OLYMPIA)- Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs appointed Melody Sky Weaver to serve as the next Washington State Librarian. Weaver brings more than two decades of public library experience to the role. She will begin her tenure at the Washington State Library on Oct. 1, according to a news release from the Office of the Secretary of State. “My mission is to transform lives through the power of libraries,” Weaver said. “I consider this my calling in public service. I am profoundly honored to assume the role of Washington State Librarian.” Weaver currently serves as the Community Services Director for (read more)
(SKAGIT COUNTY)- Skagit County, in collaboration with the Skagit Council on Aging (SCOA), and the mayors of Burlington and Mount Vernon, recently explored options for the future operation of the Burlington and Mount Vernon senior centers. This discussion came at a timely moment, as Burlington's longtime senior center coordinator transitioned from the role, creating a natural opportunity to evaluate and strengthen the long-term sustainability of senior services in both communities, according to a news release from the county. During the discussion, SCOA expressed interest and agreed to assume operations of the two senior centers and continue working with the (read more)
(MOUNT VERNON)— More than a year after departing Anacortes on an ambitious scientific and educational journey, the sailing vessel One Ocean is returning home after completing the historic Around the Americas Expedition. The public is invited to welcome the crew as they arrive at Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes at approximately 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 11. Following the arrival, the celebration will continue with a community reception at the Anacortes Yacht Club, where guests are invited to meet the crew, hear stories from the voyage, and enjoy complimentary food and refreshments, according to a news release from Skagit Valley College. (read more)