NEWS

FEMA housing inspectors begin evaluating storm-damaged properties for possible disaster aid

(CAMP MURRAY, WA)– Residents who applied for federal individual assistance resulting from the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred in designated counties December 5-19, 2025, will soon be contacted by housing inspectors with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Those who suffered disaster-related damage in Chelan, Grays Harbor, King, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, and Whatcom Counties - including the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, Lummi Nation, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Nisqually Indian Tribe, Nooksack Indian Tribe, Puyallup Tribe, Quinault Indian Nation, Samish Indian Nation, Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe, Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe, Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, Squaxin     (read more)

Northbound I-5 reopens south of Bellingham after clearing March 19 landslide, stabilizing slope

(BELLINGHAM)– Both lanes of northbound Interstate 5 reopened Wednesday, April 15, south of Bellingham after a March 19 landslide between milepost 248 and 249 forced them to close. The Washington State Department of Transportation executed an emergency contract March 21, and crews began working seven days a week stabilizing the slope and clearing debris. Geotechnical engineers performed a final inspection to confirm the stability of the slope before northbound I-5 lanes reopened, according to WSDOT. Slope stabilization and clearing At approximately 9:30 p.m. March 19, a 250-foot-long, 100-foot-tall section of a slope above northbound I-5 sent thousands of cubic yards of boulders, trees and other debris toward     (read more)

Skagit County and City of Mount Vernon to host Seniors Townhall

(MOUNT VERNON)- The Skagit County Commissioners and City of Mount Vernon will host a townhall event to discuss Mount Vernon senior services on Monday, April 27th, at from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Mount Vernon Library Commons, 208 W. Kincaid Street, Mount Vernon. The event will feature a panel of speakers representing the Skagit Board of County Commissioners, City of Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon City Council, Northwest Regional Council, and Skagit Council on Aging. A moderator will ask various questions of each panelist regarding senior services funding, the future of the Mount Vernon senior center facility, and the upcoming     (read more)

2026 Stormwater Management Program Plan open for public comment April 15 to May 1

(SKAGIT COUNTY)- Skagit County’s 2026 Stormwater Management Program Plan draft will be open for public comment from April 15th until May 1st. The Stormwater Management Program Plan describes what Skagit County will do to protect natural waterways from stormwater pollution (pollution that flows off roads, sidewalks, and other surfaces when it rains) in 2026, according to a news release from the county. The plan covers several topics, including: - The requirements of Skagit County’s Stormwater Permit from the Washington State Department of Ecology - How Skagit County’s Stormwater Program finds and control pollution from various sources - Skagit     (read more)

April special election ballots mailed in 16 participating counties

(OLYMPIA)— Washington counties participating in the April 28 special election have officially mailed ballots to eligible voters. The 18-day voting period began on Friday, April 10. Only 16 counties are participating in the special election, with 8% of Washington voters eligible to cast a ballot. This special election includes 17 measures and 17 districts, with a majority of races covering school districts, according to a news release from the Office of the Secretary of State. Voters participating in the April special election must return their ballots by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28. Ballots can be placed in an official county drop box, returned in person at     (read more)