NEWS

(GLACIER)– The final 2.7 miles of State Route 542/Mount Baker Highway, also known as the Road to Artist Point, closed for winter at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15. The highway remains open to the closure point at Heather Meadows (milepost 54). Winter recreationalists who use areas of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest beyond the closure point are encouraged to monitor conditions throughout the season, according to a news release from the Washington State Department of Transportation. Earlier this month, WSDOT maintenance crews worked to prepare the highway for winter by repairing guardrail, clearing ditches and removing hazardous trees. The scenic highway usually closes     (read more)

(OLYMPIA)- The Washington Department of Ecology issued $794,804.89 in penalties of $1,000 or more from Jan. 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025. $133,761.93 of that total was issued in the first quarter and $661,042.96 in the second quarter. Ecology works with thousands of businesses and individuals to help them comply with state laws. Penalties are issued in cases where non-compliance continues after Ecology has provided technical assistance or warnings, or for particularly serious violations, according to a news release from the agency. The money owed from penalties may be reduced from the issued amount due to settlement or court rulings. Funds collected go to the state’s general     (read more)