NEWS

(MOUNT VERNON)- The Mount Vernon Police Department Middle School Resource Officer (SRO) on Monday, February 3, 2025, was contacted by LaVenture Middle School Administration regarding a student with a gun at the school. Students had reported to LaVenture Middle School staff that another student was seen in possession of something that resembled a gun, according to a news release from the Mount Vernon Police Department. Prior to the SRO making contact, school staff had contacted the student and safely recovered the gun. The SRO was able to confirm that the gun was real and took the student into custody. No threats     (read more)

(SKAGIT COUNTY)- Skagit County conducted a Vulnerability Assessment as part of the County’s Comprehensive Plan periodic update to inform the policies and information in the climate resiliency sub-element. This assessment identifies and evaluates potential impacts from climate-related hazards on County-owned assets and other resources critical to the community’s resilience, according to a news release from the county. The assessment ensures that Skagit County is proactively addressing risks posed by climate-related hazards, such as flooding, wildfire, and sea-level rise. This helps protect public assets, prioritize investments, and plan for a more resilient community. The Vulnerability Assessment will be     (read more)

(MOUNT VERNON)- Skagit Valley College (SVC) has announced the addition of a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Early Childhood Education (ECE), its sixth bachelor's degree program, starting in fall 2025. The program will include Washington state teaching certification and an early childhood education endorsement, qualifying graduates to teach preschool through third grade, according to a news release from SVC. The program addresses a growing need for skilled educators in low-income and rural districts, including Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to     (read more)

(WHATCOM COUNTY)- The Northwest Clean Air Agency has canceled a Stage 2 air quality burn ban that started Jan. 22 in the Columbia Valley urban growth area (including the Peaceful Valley and Paradise Lakes developments) in Whatcom County, according to a news release from the agency. Air quality has improved at this time, but NWCAA urges residents to limit indoor wood burning as much as possible to avoid another burn ban in the near future. Burn bans are based on weather forecasts and current air pollution from small particles. They are called when air quality is predicted to be worse than     (read more)

(MOUNT VERNON)- Mayor Peter Donovan announced the appointment of Battalion Chief James Sanders as the new Assistant Fire Chief of Operations for the Mount Vernon Fire Department. With 18 years of dedicated service, Sanders brings extensive experience, strong leadership, and a deep-rooted commitment to the Mount Vernon community, according to a news release from the city. Since joining the Mount Vernon Fire Department, Sanders has served in various capacities, most recently as Battalion Chief, a position he has held since 2019. Throughout his career, he has exemplified outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of the community and     (read more)