A La Conner distance runner shone through gray skies and rainy conditions at the Skagit Flats Marathon Sept. 12. 

Galina Free, who was a cross-country skier growing up in far east Russia, didn’t melt in the face of a strong field and the opportunity to qualify for the storied Boston Marathon. 

Though the Skagit County Historical Museum in La Conner is focused on the past, it finds itself very much in the public eye these days as well. 

That’s because the local museum garnered a major statewide award this month and a member of its staff was tabbed to provide vocal solos at a recent Seattle Mariners game.