NEWS

(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)

(LYMAN)– North Cascades Highway travelers will soon see a permanent speed limit reduction along a mile-long stretch of State Route 20 through Lyman in Skagit County. The speed limit will be reduced from 55 mph to 50 mph in both directions of SR 20 through Lyman between mileposts 73.63 and 74.73. The decision to reduce the speed limit was made in response to community safety concerns, a review of speed and collision data, and coordination with the town of Lyman, according to a news release from the Washington State Department of Transportation. WSDOT maintenance crews will replace the existing speed limit signs with new signs the     (read more)

(STANWOOD)- Emergency repairs are now underway on a critically vulnerable, 5,000-foot section of the Skagit Bay Dike that was severely damaged by recent winter storms and ongoing coastal erosion. The City of Stanwood joined local, tribal, county, state and federal partners on Thursday, July 30, 2026, to break ground on the first phase of the Skagit Bay Dike Project, also known as the Diking District 7 Fish Passage and Levee Improvements Project. Over the next several weeks, contractors will rebuild and reinforce the section of the dike that is in the most critical condition, according to a news release from the City     (read more)