NEWS
(SKAGIT COUNTY)- In 2024, Skagit County’s Farmland Legacy Program protected five farmland properties, permanently safeguarding another 460 acres of prime agricultural soil. Protected properties were in Burlington (80 acres), Conway (66 acres), Mount Vernon (8.5 acres), and Sedro-Woolley (267 acres, 38.5 acres). The protection of Skagit County’s USDA-designated prime farmland means these properties can no longer be developed into residential buildings, and will instead provide essential soil and land for farming for generations to come, according to a news release from the county. Skagit County’s Farmland Legacy Program now protects more than 15,000 acres of prime farmland land of regional and global significance. An (read more)
(OLYMPIA)– The Washington Department of Ecology is proposing updates to regulations that reduce pollution from new semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles sold in the state. When combined with increased state funding, the updates will increase flexibility and help the industry transition to zero-emission trucks, according to a news release from Ecology. These updates include changes to the Advanced Clean Trucks rule. Under the rule, manufacturers can gradually increase their zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sales through 2035, or they can buy credits from other automakers who exceed requirements. These vehicles range from delivery vans to full-size semi-trucks and may be electric, (read more)
(OLYMPIA)- It may not be officially summer yet - but travelers should certainly plan ahead for summer-like crowds for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. The Washington State Department of Transportation has released Memorial Day weekend travel charts showing the best (and worst) times to travel on key routes like Interstate 5, US 2, I-90 and at the I-5/Canada border crossing. Most state highway construction will pause Friday through Tuesday, May 23-27 to help ease congestion, though some temporary lane shifts, closures or adjusted bike lanes may remain in place for travel, according to a news release from WSDOT. Holiday weekends (read more)
(MOUNT VERNON)- Three outstanding Skagit Valley College students were recently named to the 2025 All-Washington Academic Team in recognition of their high academic achievements and community involvement. SVC has selected students Kierra Fisher, Oleg Otstavnoi, and Erica Vela. The All-Washington Academic Team program recognizes and honors the state’s finest higher education students and they reflect the diversity of the state, maintain high standards of excellence, and contribute positively to the community, according to a news release from SVC. They were honored at the 29th annual ceremony on Thursday, April 24, at 11 a.m. at South Puget Sound Community College’s (read more)
(SKAGIT COUNTY)- Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, a modified burn ban for all residential and land-clearing fires in unincorporated Skagit County will go into effect at 8 a.m. on June 15, 2025, and continue until further notice. Skagit County will no longer issue permits for burn activities, and existing permits will be suspended, according to a news release from the county. Recreational and cooking fires, limited to 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high, remain allowed when safety precautions are followed, except as noted below. Recreational or cooking fires can consist only of charcoal, seasoned firewood, or propane-fueled firepits and (read more)