NEWS

(MOUNT VERNON)- The Mount Vernon Police Department on June 11, 2026 at approximately 5:30pm, was dispatched to a report of several gunshots in the 1300 block of South 2nd Street in Mount Vernon. According to a news release from the Mount Vernon Police Department, through investigation it is believed there was an altercation between two groups with several shots fired. A 23-year-old male was stuck by gunfire. Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, Mount Vernon Police Department, and Mount Vernon Fire, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. This is an ongoing investigation. Information will be released as it becomes available.     (read more)

(SKAGIT COUNTY)- In accordance with Washington state stormwater management regulations, the Skagit County Stormwater Program will expand its municipal stormwater permit area starting on July 1, 2026. New additions to the permit area include parcels around the current permit area and unincorporated land around Anacortes. As the permit area expands, projects within the newly added areas will be subject to the full set of County stormwater minimum requirements, as described on Skagit County’s stormwater permitting webpage, according to a news release from the county. The municipal stormwater permit area is the area covered by the County’s Phase II Western     (read more)

(OLYMPIA)– Just in time for international soccer matches, traveling into the United States from Canada on Amtrak Cascades trains will be a little easier – and quicker. Beginning June 8, 2026, Amtrak Cascades passenger trains connecting Vancouver, British Columbia with 18 stations in western Washington and Oregon began offering streamlined customs inspections for passengers traveling into the United States, according to a news release from the Washington State Department of Transportation. Under a “preclearance” designation, trains no longer need to stop in Blaine, Washington, for U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents to board and conduct a second review of declaration cards, luggage and     (read more)

(GLACIER)– In time for weekend recreating, the final 2.7 miles of State Route 542/Mount Baker Highway—also known as the Road to Artist Point—reopened for the season at 7 a.m. Wednesday, June 10. Since late May, Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews have removed as much as 20 feet of snow covering the highway and the Artist Point parking lot, according to a news release from WSDOT. Many of the trails accessed from Artist Point remain under deep snow, and most signs with directional maps are still unavailable. Vault toilets and garbage cans are available at Artist Point. Recreationalists should plan     (read more)

(MOUNT VERNON)– Beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 11, the State Route 536 Skagit River/Division Street Bridge will close to eastbound traffic through the duration of a project to repaint the historic bridge. Contractors working for the Washington State Department of Transportation are expected to finish this important preservation work in early 2027 before the start of the 2027 Skagit Tulip Festival, according to a news release from WSDOT. Beginning Thursday night, people traveling eastbound from West Mount Vernon will need to detour using northbound Avon Allen Road, eastbound SR 20 and southbound Interstate 5. People coming from the Anacortes or Oak Harbor area should     (read more)