NEWS

(NORTH CASCADES)- With a significant snow and rain forecast, the Washington State Department of Transportation will temporarily close State Route 20 North Cascades Highway at 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13. The closure will be between Ross Dam Trailhead (milepost 134) on the west side and Silver Star gate (milepost 171) on the east side. Drier weather is in the forecast beginning next week, and maintenance and avalanche crews will reassess conditions on Monday, Nov. 17, with the potential to clear and reopen that section of the highway. There is no estimated time to reopen. Reopening the route is not certain and is based on     (read more)

(OLYMPIA)- Washington has joined Lumina Foundation’s State Attainment Collaborative, a multi-state initiative to help states revise or adopt goals for ensuring people get education or training that leads to good jobs. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) will lead the state’s efforts, according to a news release from WSAC. This work will build momentum toward Goal 2040: By 2040, three-fourths of adults in the U.S. labor force will have college degrees or other credentials with value that lead to meaningful careers and economic mobility. Through the collaborative, Washington will work alongside education, business, civic, nonprofit and policy leaders     (read more)

(SKAGIT COUNTY)- The Skagit County Commissioners have adopted a 0.1% sales tax in Skagit County to be used for public safety programs and services. Washington State House Bill 2015 (HB 2015) provides local governments the ability to adopt a 0.1% sales tax to provide additional resources for improving public safety. The bill permits cities and counties to adopt the tax increase through approval by the local legislative body. In Skagit County, the legislative body is the Board of County Commissioners. The new tax will add $0.10 for every $100 spent in Skagit County, according to a news release from the county. The primary purpose of     (read more)

(MARBLEMOUNT)– Skagit County Public Works will close the Cascade River Road/Marblemount Bridge near State Route 20 (milepost 106) Thursday, Nov. 13, as part of a bridge rehabilitation project. From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, no traffic will be allowed over the bridge. People should detour using SR 20, SR 530 and Rockport Cascade Road, according to a news release from the Washington State Department of Transportation. People traveling in the area also should expect delays and do their part to keep the road crew safe, such as driving slowly and removing distractions.     (read more)

(SEATTLE)– At 11:11 a.m. on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, all Washington State Ferries that are underway will sound their whistles. This special moment is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the people who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Each vessel in operation that day will also fly the flag of one of the six military branches – Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy or Space Force – or the Merchant Marine flag. They will also fly the POW/MIA flag to honor those who were prisoners of war or declared missing in action during their service,     (read more)