NEWS
(OLYMPIA)— The Office of the Secretary of State is now accepting nominations for Washington’s Medals of Merit and Valor. Nominations for both awards can be made until September 20. The Medal of Merit recognizes people who perform outstanding services for Washington and its residents. The Medal of Valor is awarded to anyone who has saved, or attempted to save, the life of another at the risk of their own safety and is not acting in the course of duty as a Washington police officer, firefighter, or other government-employed first responder, according to a news release from the Office of the (read more)
(PORTLAND, OR)- The USDA Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Region announced the region’s 2023 Volunteer and Service Award nominees this week in advance of National Volunteer Week, which begins April 21st. A total of twelve individuals and groups from Oregon and Washington are being recognized for their outstanding service in 2023. The nominees will be considered for a Forest Service National Volunteer and Service award and winners will be announced during National Volunteer Week, according to a news release from the Forest Service. "Congratulations to our regional volunteers and volunteer groups that will be representing the Region nationally in the (read more)
(OLYMPIA)– The Washington State Transportation Commission is updating the state’s 20-year plan for transportation and will begin its first round of listening sessions in April and May, with six meetings planned throughout the state. The Washington Transportation Plan serves as the guidepost for state, regional and local plans, establishing priorities and goals for transportation statewide, according to a news release from the WSTC. The listening sessions will focus on gathering early input from statewide leaders, interested parties and the public on what the top transportation priorities, needs and challenges are in their part of the state. All meetings will (read more)
(MOUNT VERNON)- Former U.S. Secretary of Defense, director of the CIA, Texas A&M University president, and second lieutenant in the U.S. Airforce, Dr. Robert M. Gates, will speak at McIntyre Hall on Wed., May 8 at 7 p.m. This event is co-hosted by Community Action of Skagit County and the Skagit Valley College Foundation, according to a news release from SVC. “An Evening with Dr. Robert M. Gates” will offer a fireside chat, moderated by SVC President Dr. Christopher Villa, where Dr. Gates will discuss veterans, higher education, and leadership. Proceeds from this event will benefit veterans (read more)
(SKAGIT COUNTY)- The Skagit Board of County Commissioners has placed an emergency medical services (EMS) levy renewal on the April 23, 2024, special election ballot. The purpose of the ballot measure is to renew the levy at a sufficient rate to continue critical funding for 24-hour EMS response. Ballots were mailed to voters in early April and must be postmarked by April 23, 2024, or placed in a ballot box by 8 p.m. on election day, according to a news release from the county. The EMS levy must be renewed by voters every six years, and the current levy is set to expire (read more)