NEWS

(NAS WHIDBEY ISLAND)– There are aircraft carrier-based flight training operations scheduled to occur at the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island complex the week of Sept. 22-28, 2025. People living in local communities should remain aware that the aforementioned operations are not the only operations out of NAS Whidbey Island, particularly at Ault Field, which is a 24-hour-a-day operational facility. There are many other training evolutions that people may hear. However, aircraft carrier flight training operations are types of operations that involve lower altitude flight training in close vicinity to the airfield, according to a news release from the base. Coupeville carrier     (read more)

(PORT TOWNSEND)– After leaks in pipes at the Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) spilled wastewater into Port Townsend Bay on two occasions earlier this year, the Washington Department of Ecology has fined the mill a total of $20,000 for the two water quality violations. The pulp and paper mill spilled approximately 1,000 gallons of condensed water from the plant's steam system into Port Townsend Bay in early January of this year, and discharged approximately 114,000 gallons of untreated wastewater from the pulp and paper making process in April, according to a news release from Ecology. Brian Peterson, PTPC's senior vice president of Operations,     (read more)

(OAK HARBOR)– Construction will begin Monday, Sept. 22, on a compact roundabout that will improve mobility and safety along State Route 20 north of Oak Harbor. The new roundabout will be built at the intersection of SR 20 and West Fakkema Road. Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will complete most of the roundabout construction during a five-day, continuous closure of SR 20, scheduled for 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, through 5 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1. Weather could delay the schedule, according to a news release from WSDOT. Prior to the extended weekend closure, travelers can expect single-lane closures beginning Monday, Sept. 22,     (read more)

(SEATTLE)– For the first time in over 20 years, the fall state ferry schedule for the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route will stay in place through winter and spring, providing additional service for island communities. This less traveled, “off-peak” season starts Sunday, Sept. 21 and goes through Saturday, June 13, 2026, and is a result of community input, according to a news release from the Washington State Department of Transporation. Last session, the Legislature appropriated funds to give the San Juans increased service through the winter season. Keeping the schedule the same during these nine months gives island residents more service. It also helps     (read more)

(OLYMPIA)- Every September, SepticSmart Week serves as a great reminder for homeowners to check their on-site septic systems. For many rural households, septic systems are the primary wastewater treatment option available. In Washington, about one-third of households rely on septic. That's close to one million homes, according to a news release from the Washington Department of Ecology. Every year, septic systems in Washington treat more than 300 million gallons of wastewater; that’s equivalent to 454 Olympic sized swimming pools. Homeowners play a critical role in keeping these systems working properly by scheduling regular maintenance and inspections. About 10% of septic systems     (read more)