NEWS
(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)
(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)
(OLYMPIA)– Starting Jan. 1, 2026, a scheduled 4-cent increase in the price for plastic film carryout bags at Washington restaurants and retailers will raise their minimum cost to 12 cents per bag from the current 8 cents. The increase is part of a 2020 law meant to encourage shoppers to bring their own carryout bags. The minimum charge for a paper carryout bag will remain at 8 cents, according to a news release from the Washington Department of Ecology. Washington’s single-use plastic bag ban was implemented in 2021 and prohibits thin, .5 mil disposable plastic bags. The law sets standards for thicker, 2.25 mil reusable plastic film bags (read more)
(SKAGIT COUNTY)- On Monday, November 10th, 2025, the Skagit County Commissioners approved Resolution #R20250259, adopting the 2026 ferry fare schedule. The new fare schedule will be in effect starting January 1, 2026. The Commissioners additionally approved Resolution #R20250260, which establishes a method for riders with non-expiry COVID punch cards to exchange the unused rides for equivalent electronic tickets (e-tickets), according to a news release from the county. Non-expiry COVID paper punch cards can still be used through December 31, 2025. However, beginning January 1, 2026, all unused cards will need to be converted to non-expiry e-tickets for travel. Conversion is by appointment at the Anacortes ferry terminal. (read more)