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Priscilla Ellen Torseth, 87, passed away on November 13, 2019, at her home of more than fifty years on Pleasant Ridge, lovingly cared for by her numerous family and friends. Priscilla was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on July 19, 1932, to Rev. Martin E.H. and Phoebe (Nelson) Ramsey. She joined her older brother Richard and spent her childhood in various towns and rural communities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Kentucky. Rev. Ramsey felt a call to be a servant to the most isolated, impoverished and needy places, and was usually forced... Full story
The EPA shut down the public comment period on November 14 and granted a permit to Whidbey Naval Air Station that ignores the base’s polluting of public waters. The Navy would not support the request for the extension. Citizens requested an extension of the comment period on the proposed stormwater permit because the Navy withheld test results showing toxic PFAS chemicals in the water – and hasn’t released results that might reveal other pollutants. PFASs (poly/perfluoroalkyl substances) are harmful to humans, persist in the env...
After spending years in Jewish-Christian dialogue I am heartbroken at the article in the Seattle Times of Sept. 28, 2019. It told that in Seattle there has been “almost 400 percent increase in hate crimes since 2012 – impacting Jews and other minorities.” The Jewish people represent the only national people forced into worldwide different areas for two thousand years and then reassembled to establish their nation along democratic lines. The Jewish people experienced the worst inhumanity and cruelty in history but they also give us lives t...
Almost 4,000 people live in the 98257 zip code. In October 1,500 people brought food home from the La Conner Sunrise Food Bank. Michelle Havist, the Food Bank’s director, told 30 Soroptimists that at their Nov. 13 meeting at the Swinomish Yacht Club. She shared grocery bags of details. In October there were 33 first time users among the 413 households served. Forty-six were infants, 505 children aged three to 18, 685 adults and 264 seniors 55 and over supplemented their groceries with food b...
It is all but official: John Agen and Marlys Baker have won their contests for La Conner School Board Directors in Districts 1 and 2 respectively. At press time Tuesday 300 votes in Skagit County needed counting. Both first time candidates decisively defeated incumbents in the only locally contested races this fall. Agen had 60% of the vote on election night, Nov. 5, against Kate Szurek, elected in 2015. Baker had won more than 66% of the vote against Board Chair Janie Beasley, a 15 year...
An overflow crowd was on hand last Friday to celebrate the relaunch of the Rexville Grocery as “The Rex.” The Pleasant Ridge institution at the intersection of Best Road and Summers Drive is now owned by Wes and Rona Whiteaker and Chanan Spadaccini. The Whiteakers live just down the road. They are longtime patrons. The Whiteakers look forward to maintaining favorite traditions while adding new elements to the mix. They will rely on Spadaccini, who has managed the Rexville for the last four years...
Everyone loves a winner. That was the case here this week as La Conner High volleyball fans turned out in droves to support the Lady Braves in Yakima and then welcomed them back home after they captured their second in a row and fifth State championship in program history. “I have to say that in my past 25 trips to State we’ve never had a crowd quite like this,” said La Conner head coach Suzanne Marble, who has been at the helm for all five State titles. A chaperoned rooter’s bus carried 40 stud...
Joy Neal has been asked to retire. The director of the La Conner Regional Library was told at that board’s monthly meeting Nov. 12 that her retirement would be accepted. Last Wednesday, the board provided this statement: “The Board of Trustees of the La Conner Regional Library District announces that after more than 15 years of dedicated service, Library Director Joy Neal is retiring. “During her tenure Joy has led the library through increased access to digital resources including online books and audio books for library patrons. Recog...
Film festivals are for exploring, learning and taking chances that the next 90 minutes will provide an adventure and peak experience. There were many at October’s 7th annual Friday Harbor Film Festival. Fresh off the boat, I squeezed into a full theater for Peter Jackson’s “They Shall Not Grow Old,” bringing Britain’s version of World War I to the screen in living color and with the soldiers own words, from their letters and journals. Jackson, the “Lord of the Rings” saga director, oversaw a highly skilled crew with the technical proficiency t...
It is with immense and inconceivable sadness that we announce the passing of Kelly Hayton on November 5, 2019 at just 55 years of age. Kelly lit up every room she walked into with a smile that wouldn’t quit. She brought joy and laughter to all that knew her. She was a big part of the community working at the Potlatch Resort in La Conner for 28 years, and at the Conway Muse, where she was voted Best Bartender in Skagit County several years. Kelly was also an avid runner and competed in several half marathons. Kelly was part of a large and loving... Full story
