NEWS

(WINTHROP)– State Route 20 North Cascades Highway will close for the winter season at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4. Rainy Pass (elevation 4862 feet) and Washington Pass (elevation 5475 feet) will close between Ross Dam trailhead (milepost 134) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171). Depending on conditions, the closure points are typically moved to lower elevation closure points later in the season, moving to the Newhalem gate (milepost 120) on the west side and Early Winters gate (milepost 178) on the east side, according to a news release from the Washington State Department of Transportation. WSDOT will close SR 20 North Cascades Highway for the winter due to conditions     (read more)

(OLYMPIA)– ‘Tis the season for giving and supporting our community – just make sure you aren’t giving to scammers. As we approach Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2, Secretary of State Steve Hobbs encourages donors to “Pause. Check the Cause” to ensure their donations are going to legitimate charities. Assured Giving, a collaboration campaign between the Office of the Secretary of State (OSOS) and the Washington State Attorney General’s Office (AGO), provides resources and information that can help Washingtonians avoid deceptive or fraudulent solicitations and empower donors to make educated and informed giving decisions, according to a news release from OSOS. “The     (read more)

(OLYMPIA)– A new report from the Washington Department of Ecology details how $1.5 billion of Climate Commitment Act (CCA) revenue was invested in local communities during the 2023-25 biennium - the most comprehensive accounting of CCA spending to date. The report can be found on Ecology's website. The investments can also be viewed on the CCA Dashboard. “The Climate Commitment Act is moving us toward a low-carbon economy and helping our most vulnerable communities adapt to the realities of climate change,” said Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller. “Having detailed, transparent information about CCA spending ensures that lawmakers can continue to guide those     (read more)

(ANACORTES)— Skagit Valley College is launching a new marine surveying program this winter. The program, Marine Surveying: Yachts and Small Craft, is designed to prepare students for careers in the marine industry. The program includes an intensive nine-week, in-person course that runs Feb. 23-April 24, 2026, at the SVC Marine Technology Center in Anacortes. The program offers training in vessel inspection, valuation, and reporting, blending technical knowledge with hands-on experience. Students will gain the skills and industry certifications needed to conduct professional condition and valuation surveys for vessels up to 65 feet in length, according to a news release from SVC. “Marine surveying     (read more)

(SKAGIT COUNTY)- The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) has awarded the Outstanding Service to Veterans Distinguished Service Award to Chris Diaz, Skagit County Veterans Service Specialist Lead, in recognition of his exceptional accomplishments and contributions to veterans in Skagit County. Diaz was offered the opportunity to be a guest of honor in the Auburn Veterans Parade on November 8th, according to a news release from the county. Each year, WDVA recognizes two individuals and one team who go above and beyond in their service to veterans and their families with Outstanding Service to Veterans Awards. Whether they     (read more)