NEWS
(SKAGIT COUNTY)- The Skagit County Board of Commissioners is now soliciting public comment on the draft Skagit County 5-Year Homeless Housing Plan. The draft has been developed by Skagit County Public Health, and a task force comprised of North Star Advisory Group members, community partners, and people with lived experience. The plan establishes priorities and actionable goals to guide funding decisions and reduce homelessness in Skagit County over the next five years (2025-2030) and is required by the Washington State Department of Commerce, according to a news release from the county. The full draft of the Skagit County 5-Year (read more)
(SKAGIT COUNTY)- Effective 8 a.m. on October 03, 2025, and until further notice, residential yard and land-clearing fires are once again permitted within areas of unincorporated Skagit County. In unincorporated Skagit County, burn permits are required for piles larger than four feet by four feet. These permits can be obtained online through the new Burn Permit Request and Permit System, according to a news release from the county. Residential yard and land-clearing fires are restricted to natural vegetation, including leaves and tree trimmings. Garbage, household trash, lumber, construction waste, or demolition debris may not be burned. Please burn responsibly. Remember, smoke, (read more)
(OLYMPIA)– The Office of the Secretary of State (OSOS) encourages all K-12 students and educators across Washington state to participate in the 2025 Student Mock Election, open now until Election Day, Nov. 4. The Student Mock Election is a non-partisan, educational event that teaches how to be an informed voter, promotes civic awareness and participation, and gives students hands-on experience with the democratic process by allowing them to cast votes on issues and candidates using grade-appropriate lessons, according to a news release from the Office of the Secretary of State. “When young people understand how elections work and see themselves as part (read more)
(OLYMPIA)- High school seniors and others can now apply for financial aid for the 2026-27 academic year. Applying for financial aid is a crucial first step toward college and career training. Completing a financial aid application opens up more options for the future. “Washington is one of the most, if not the most generous in terms of financial assistance,” Governor Bob Ferguson said. “I want every eligible student to take advantage of this money for college, apprenticeships and other education or training. To access that money, all you have to do is fill out the form. You will never (read more)
(SKAGIT COUNTY)- The Skagit Board of County Commissioners hosted a public meeting Monday, September 29, with Public Health staff to discuss a recommendation to transition the contract for the senior nutrition program to an alternate provider in the community. As stated in a press release on September 9, 2025, the County Commissioners requested Public Health staff to present options for reducing the budget, including evaluation of either reducing hot congregate meals and hot meal deliveries or transitioning the senior nutrition program contract to a nonprofit. After Monday’s meeting, the County Commissioners directed Public Health to provide notice to the Northwest Regional (read more)