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SEATTLE, WA – The League of Women Voters of the United States adopted a position in support of local news at its national convention in Washington, D.C. in June. Ninety-three percent of the 1,000 delegates from Leagues across the country voted for the position that "The League of Women Voters of the United States believes it is the responsibility of the government to provide support for conditions under which credible local journalism can survive and thrive." The LWVUS defines local news as "...
A small Notice of Development Application sign in a field on Calhoun Road could signal big changes. Cloudbreak Energy Washington LLC, the Washington state arm of a privately held, national developer of distributed and utility-scale solar and storage projects, enquired with Skagit County about the potential for developing a 15.75-acre solar energy generation facility on land owned by Water & Wastewater Services, LLC owner Kelly Wynn. This is not a use permitted on lands designated...
Class was in session on a sunny summer Sunday at Skagit City School, and history was the main course of study. That was just fine with the "students," several of them descendants of school alumni and justifiably proud of the restored schoolhouse and exhibits displayed inside the landmark Fir Island building on Moore Road. The annual picnic, hosted by the Skagit County Historical Museum, coincided with hot weather, warm memories of days gone by and music by Conway vocalist and guitarist Marcia Ke...
By Bill Lucia Washington State Standard Washington’s counties will share close to $30 million in payments this year from the U.S. government to compensate them for untaxable federal land within their boundaries. This does not include American Indians lands held in trust by the Department of the Interior. The Interior Department last week announced $621.2 million in Payments in Lieu of Taxes for state and local governments nationwide. How much each place receives depends on the number of acres of federal land in the jurisdiction and its p...
La Conner fire chief Aaron Reinstra and a Sedro-Woolley builder have presented Town officials with a new option for purchase of a fire boat to safeguard the historic La Conner waterfront. “This is food for thought, another option for the fire boat,” Reinstra said as he provided copies of a proposal from TJ Lowry of Full-Time Custom Fabrication & Machine Shop to Town Council members during their 70-minute July 10 meeting at Maple Hall. Lowry is proposing to build a hull, house, and trailer for $150,000, about one-fourth the cost of a com...
Town leaders have their eyes on the future. This after having given La Conner's current five-year strategic plan a second look during the town's annual summer retreat at the Waterfront Café last month. Mayor Marna Hanneman, Town Council members, and the town's staff and department heads huddled June 24 to address current issues and long-range planning. The strategic plan, crafted in 2023 and comprised of five focal points, was the centerpiece of the retreat's afternoon session. Each of the...
Lois Watson is the newest member of the Shelter Bay Community board of directors. Watson was appointed by the board at a special meeting June 13. Her term, through June 30, 2026, started July 1. She replaces Jan Paul, who resigned in April. The board elected Pat McGarry treasurer, replacing Paul....
Did you register for the Skagit County free vessel turn-in recycling day on July 22? If not, that ship has sailed. Boat recycling day is hosted by the Skagit County Marine Resources Committee, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Skagit County, Port of Skagit, La Conner Maritime Services, Northwest Straits Commission and Washington Department of Natural Resources. Boat recycling requires prior approval. La Conner Maritime Services, in the Port of Skagit's La Conner Marina, is the collection...
During her retirement reception at Gaches Mansion on Sunday, Amy Green visualized her lengthy tenure as executive director of the Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum. Then Green saw her 11-year career stop in La Conner literally unveiled before her gaze. About a half-hour into the afternoon farewell ceremony, museum board member Joy Neal surprised Green with a handsome bookshelf quilt whose squares bear images and symbols reflecting her time in La Conner and highlight many of the...
The late Clem Thein set the ceiling high when it came to extending goodwill and sharing camaraderie among his many friends here. He did the same when it came to masterful handiwork, a trait handed down to his son, Steve, and still much in evidence more than 15 years after Clem Thein's passing. For confirmation, look at the roofs of historic Magnus Anderson Cabin and the covered Native American canoe shelter below Town Hall. Clem Thein hand-split the cedar shakes protecting both structures using...
If it is true for us commoners, that we are our own worst enemy, how multiplied it is for people in power, kings most of all. Shakespeare's Lear and Macbeth and Prince Hamlet, among his many royal figures, are the most well-known. This summer Leontes, king of Sicilia; takes the stage in Shakespeare Northwest's production of "The Winter's Tale." By turns tragic, comedic and romantic, the bitter cold results of Leontes (Derek Dong) jealously requires a banishment and 16 years passing to blossom...
Mark your calendars for these upcoming fun activities. The 20th annual NW Art Beat Studio Tour sees 22 artists showing their works in 16 studios in a free, self-guided Skagit Valley art studio tour from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 20 and 21. NW Art Beat is presented by Skagit Artists. Get the map guide and learn more at NWArtBeat.com. La Conner Live 2024 Summer Concert Series takes over Gilkey Square every Sunday from 1-4 p.m. through Sept. 8 at First and Morris streets. The lineup features Lost at Last, July 21; Mojo Cannon, July 28; Billy...
The lush, towering presence of western red cedars (Thuja plicata) in Washington state has been a hallmark of the region's natural beauty and ecological health. However, these majestic trees are facing an unprecedented threat. Urban areas like Mount Vernon, Burlington and Anacortes are witnessing a troubling phenomenon: the dieback of western red cedars. Drought mitigation planning is essential in preserving this valuable community resource as long as possible. Western red cedar dieback,...
This is the perfect side dish. Aqiimuk's Kitchen has published several eggplant recipes since 2013. This recipe is simple and turns out tasty. Ingredients Eggplant, 1 medium Flour, 1 C Salt, 1/8 t Pepper, a few shakes Olive oil, 4 T Preparation Cut and remove stem end. Cut eggplant into four slices lengthwise. Leave skin on. Place on plate and salt. Set for 30 minutes. Pat dry, turn over and salt again. Set for 20 minutes. Pat dry. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-low heat. Put flour in...
NOT TO BE MISSED The 20th annual NW Art Beat Studio Tour sees 22 artists showing their works in 16 studios in a free, self-guided Skagit Valley art studio tour from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 20 and 21. NW Art Beat is presented by Skagit Artists. Learn more at NWArtBeat.com. LIBRARIES La Conner Swinomish Library. 520 Morris St., La Conner. 360-466-3352. www.lclib.lib.wa.us. Open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Storytime for Children. 11 a.m. Fridays. Tech Help. 3-5 p.m. Mondays. Dungeons & Dragons Club. 3-5 p.m. Tuesdays....
Sunday, July 7 3:15 p.m.: Animal problem not a problem – A deputy was dispatched to a report of a vehicle with two dogs inside and no one around. While he was responding, the reporting party called back and said the vehicle left the area. S. First Street, La Conner. Monday, July 8 10:19 a.m.: Stolen bike – A caller said their bicycle was parked in their front yard and they forgot to lock it up. It had been taken within the last week and there was no suspect information. Center Street, La Conner. 1:53 p.m.: Malicious mischief – Deputy respo...
The August primary election is here. Ballots will be mailed by Friday, July 19. Last week, Skagit County voters received the county’s official local voter’s pamphlet, mailed by the county elections office. Voters will choose candidates for the Nov. 5 elections for a U.S. senator, Congressional District 2 representative, 11 statewide offices for governor through insurance commissioner and a state supreme court justice. La Conner area voters reside in state legislative district 10. The senate seat and LD 10 Position 1 are contested. Can...
Skagit County League of Women Voter members have new T-shirts that read “LOCAL NEWS = DEMOCRACY.” They printed these ahead of their successful campaign to have the national League adopt this as a resolution in June: “The League of Women Voters of the United States believes it is the responsibility of the government to provide support for conditions under which credible local journalism can survive and thrive. “The LWVUS defines local news as accurate, in-depth coverage of government entities, including but not limited to, city council...
I had never been to Washington, D.C., before, but it’s always been on my bucket list of things to do – the museums, memorials, statues, the seat of American government and just so much history. But now I found myself packing my bags in anticipation of going there, not as a tourist, but for an entirely different reason. I was about to fly across the country as one of the Washington state delegates to the League of Women Voters’ national convention being held in D.C. For those readers unfamiliar with the League, it is a nonpartisan, grass...
I am sad that the Skagit County Pioneer Association chose a year when Skagit County Commissioner Ron Wesen is up for reelection to honor the Wesen family. Not a good look. And Commissioner Wesen should know better. The Wesen family deserves the honor, but next year would have been better. And, by the way, I am not supporting Wesen’s opponent. Gale Fiege Pleasant Ridge...
In February of 2024 former President Donald Trump called himself “the best friend gun owners have ever had in the White House,” and said that during his presidency he had “done nothing. We didn’t yield” (all quotes, U.S. News and World Report). Perhaps Chambers of Commerce across America are noting reduced international tourism since 2006 since there have been over 570 (and counting-up) mass killings in the United States. Perhaps, for those living outside America and planning a trip, they are simply afraid to come for fear of being shot. Yet...
TOWN OF LA CONNER NOTICE OF APPLICATION/NOTICE OF HEARING The Town of La Conner is processing a permit application that may be of public interest Date: July 15, 2024 Application File #: LU24-32HDR Applicant: April and Nicholas Seegert Town Contact Person: Michael Davolio AICP, Planning Director; P.O. Box 400, La Conner, WA 98257; 360-466-3125 Project Location: 505 S. 1st Street, La Conner WA, P74077 Project Description: Replacement and change of paint color to Branchport Brown and Grant Beige. Public Hearing: Planning Commission...
