NEWS

(OLYMPIA)– The Productivity Board, a state employee incentive program of the Office of the Secretary of State, recognized individuals and groups, who proposed plans to reduce costs in state government or generate new revenue, during a State Capital ceremony on Feb. 25, 2025. The Productivity Board encourages all state employees to help save taxpayers' money by offering up to $10,000 for a successful employee proposal to increase government efficiency. First created by the Legislature in 1982 and reinstated in 2023, the Productivity Board has saved the state millions of dollars, according to a news release from the Office of the Secretary of State. “More than 100     (read more)

(MOUNT VERNON)- Skagit Valley College hosted its 22nd Annual Athletic Auction on Feb. 1 and raised more than $135,000 in support of student-athletes and the athletics program at SVC. Nearly 300 attendees participated in the auction, setting a new record for the event which was held at the Swinomish Casino and Lodge. The auction benefits student scholarships and operational costs for SVC’s nine athletic teams and 160 student-athletes, according to a news release from SVC. A key moment of the evening featured student-athletes Amare Jackson, a member of the men’s basketball team, and Sarah Cook, a women’s basketball and volleyball     (read more)

(MOUNT VERNON)- The City of Mount Vernon is inviting residents to attend a community meeting to discuss the update of their Comprehensive Plan for 2025 to 2045. City planners will share information about the various housing types being planned for Mount Vernon, according to a news release from the city. Additionally, there will be a community workshop where the city encourages citizens to share their thoughts on the needs in their neighborhoods. The meeting will be held in the Mount Vernon Library Commons on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.     (read more)

(MOUNT VERNON)- Skagit Valley College (SVC) recognizes the significant contributions of Deb Castle, who has served the women’s basketball program for three decades as both an assistant and head coach. Her dedication has been instrumental in the development of numerous student-athletes and the sustained success of the program, according to a news release from SVC. “Coach Castle embodies SVC women’s basketball and represents unwavering commitment to Skagit Valley College, our student-athletes, and Cardinal hoops,” said SVC athletic director Mitch Freeman. “Together with Coach Steve Epperson, she has contributed over three decades of excellence to the program. Her     (read more)

(OLYMPIA)- Washington State Ferries is going to hold two virtual meetings. According to a news release from the Washington State Department of Transportation, WSF leaders will answer questions from the public and provide the latest information on service restoration, building new ferries, electrification of new boats and the legislative sessions. Participants will need to register before the online meetings scheduled for noon Wednesday, February 12, and 6 p.m. Thursday, February 13.     (read more)