NEWS

NWCAA calls off Columbia Valley burn ban

(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)

A new assistant fire chief has been appointed in Mount Vernon

(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)

Washington State Ferries sells the Elwha

(SEATTLE)– The Elwha is going to a good home. Everett Ship Repair, a maintenance partner of Washington State Ferries, has purchased Elwha for $100,000, according to a news release from the Washington State Department of Transportation. A Western Towboat Co. tug Mariner, supplied by the new owner, is scheduled to arrive at the Bainbridge Island terminal around 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, and begin the process of moving Elwha. Track Mariner’s progress in real time using MarineTraffic. “The Elwha has been part of Washington State Ferry history since 1968, and we’re excited to see one of our ferries with so much     (read more)

Skagit County adopts 2025 Guemes Island Ferry fare schedule

(SKAGIT COUNTY)- The Skagit Board of County Commissioners on Monday, January 27th, adopted Resolution #20250015 to establish the 2025 Guemes Island ferry fare schedule. The new fare schedule will be in effect starting February 26, 2025, through December 31, 2025, according to a news release from the county. The 2025 fare schedule can be found on the county's website. Skagit County Public Works presented the draft 2024 ferry fare revenue target report and the first proposed 2025 ferry fare schedule to the Skagit Board of County Commissioners on Monday, August 5th. The County Commissioners then hosted two public hearings on September 17th and December 20th to receive testimony     (read more)

Washington National Guard exhibit opens in the Office of the Secretary of State 

(OLYMPIA)– The Office of the Secretary of State launched a new lobby exhibit in the Legislative Building on January 29 commemorating the contributions and history of the Washington National Guard. Assembled in partnership with the Washington National Guard, Of the community, For the community: The Washington National Guard since 1883 celebrates the stories of Washington’s citizen-soldiers and airmen, and their ever-evolving role in the community. The exhibit is available for public viewing in the lobby of the Office of the Secretary of State, and is the latest project designed to build tangible connections between people and the past by bringing the     (read more)