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ANACORTES — Skagit Bay Search and Rescue has been granted $25,000 by HF Sinclair to support the basing of a new marine emergency response boat in Anacortes. A ceremony with a representational presenting of the donation will be held at Seafarer’s Memorial Park Tuesday Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. by the Lady of the Sea Memorial, 601 Seafarer’s Way. The public is invited. City of Anacortes Mayor Matt Miller and Port of Skagit commissioners will attend. Skagit Bay Search and Rescue is a nonprofit, volunteer organization founded in 2002 and formed under...
We hope everyone’s New Year is off to a great start, It is hard to believe that January is almost over already. Our little taste of winter made for an interesting start to 2024, but now that things are finally thawing out, come to the library for a cozy day of reading or come to one of the many programs we have coming up through Feb.. Our first armchair Travels with Teri program had to be postponed due to the snow; however, we are going to reschedule. Stay tuned to our website or come by the library to get the new date. We have tons of fun c...
When the iconic Rainbow Bridge, the often-photographed arched orange span synonymous with La Conner opened in 1957, it looked like a million. Fast forward to 2024 and the now faded local landmark requires several millions – as in dollars – to reclaim its original bright orange appeal. The estimated cost of repainting Rainbow Bridge, which links La Conner and the Skagit County mainland with Fidalgo Island and Swinomish Reservation, is about $4 million, town resident Linda Peterson learned fro...
Skagit County Fire District 13 cares. In both deed and name. The district has implemented a proactive injury and illness prevention program that is providing medical care and assistance while reducing strains on the 911 system. Its coverage area includes Swinomish Reservation and rural La Conner, Early statistics show the effectiveness of District 13’s CARES (Community Assistance Referral and Education Services) program, staffed by three full-time paid personnel. Medical officer Capt. Drew Farrell presented graphs at the Jan. 11 District 13 m...
The Center for Retention & Expansion of Child Care (C-RECC) seeks applications from Skagit County employers wanting to support their employees by opening a child care center in or near their business. This is an innovative pilot project with a March goal of selecting a partner. C-RECC will distribute up to $75,000 of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to one or more employers to jump-start employers increasing child care capacity, helping families and boosting employee retention. “We’re so grateful that these pandemic relief funds were desi...
The Town’s newest advisory panel didn’t wait long getting to work in the New Year. The six-member Emergency Management Commission, which spent much of 2023 developing and implementing immediate saltwater flood barriers along the waterfront and in low-lying areas, met yesterday afternoon at Maple Hall. The main agenda topic was their ongoing efforts to craft a community emergency management plan for La Conner. Commissioners were scheduled at their Jan. 2 hybrid session to hear from Skagit Department of Emergency Planner Joan Cromley. “We need to...
The coronavirus is still here and lurks in La Conner, in nearby movie houses, in dance halls and auditoriums and wherever people gather and however they travel. The year ended and 2024 began with Weekly News staff and freelancers, critical people all, sick with cases of COVID-19 It can happen here. The national Centers for Disease Control’s mid-December data showed about 19% of adults are up to date on COVID-19 vaccines through Dec. 23, 2023. For RSV vaccination, about 17.5% of adults are vaccinated. Almost 45% of Americans adult have gotten t...
Important late December birthdays locally included Barbara Carson, Nancy Crowell, Tony Harrah, Sally Riggers and other significant people not named....
A member of La Conner’s O’Leary family will coach Team USA golfers at the 2024 Arnold Palmer Cup in Ireland next summer. Matt Thurmond, a son of La Conner High School alums Kathy O’Leary Thurmond and the late Joe Thurmond, was chosen last month to be the head coach at the three-day competition on Ireland’s west coast next July. Thurmond is head coach of the Arizona State University men’s golf team. He previously guided the University of Washington men. The Arnold Palmer Cup features the best men’s and women’s collegiate golfers against their...
A server at a La Conner restaurant isn't just singing the praises of Skagit County's musical community. She's lending her voice to it, returning to the stage after a lengthy hiatus, with the Skagit Valley College presentation of "The Music Man," Meredith Wilson's 1957 Broadway musical comedy. Noelle Ford, who by day works at The Slider Café, is rehearsing several nights weekly for the Feb. 23-March 3 run at McIntyre Hall on the SVC campus. She was thrilled to learn that tryouts for parts in...
A U.S. military veteran, John Alcorn knows the importance of a promotion. He does so as a martial arts practitioner and instructor as well. Alcorn, who teaches Taekwondo at USTA Martial Arts in La Conner, was recognized last month for having advanced from second to third Dan (or Degree) Black Belt, a level that requires years of practice at what is universally considered a challenging and physically demanding discipline. But for Alcorn and his students, who range in age from children to adults,...
La Conner Planning Director Michael Davolio has come up with a way to follow both the letter and spirit of a new state policy that limits to a single public meeting topics reviewed by a hearing examiner. He wants the planning commission to receive all pertinent information in advance of hearing examiner sessions so they can chime in before a decision is rendered. “I want to make sure the public and planning commission has an opportunity for input,” Davolio said at the 90-minute Dec. 19 hybrid meeting at Maple Hall. “I want the planning commi...
Cynthia Elliott isn't the retiring type. The proof is in her willingness – eagerness, actually – to become a La Conner Planning Commissioner, a role not for the faint of heart, just 13 months after wrapping up a 35-year career. Mayor Ramon Hayes announced his choice of Elliot during the Dec. 12 town council meeting to fill the seat vacated by Marna Hanneman, who becomes mayor Jan. 1. Hayes stressed that three "very qualified candidates" had applied and that he and Hanneman reviewed applications....
Throughout their shared histories, La Conner and Concrete high schools have been fierce foes vying for league, district and state sports titles. But when they next meet it will be a friendly rivalry in the truest sense of the term. La Conner teams and fans have been invited to participate in celebrations Jan. 5 honoring the “70-plus anniversary” of the opening of the Concrete High School gymnasium to coincide with that night’s girls’ and boys’ basketball games. La Conner was the visiting team in the first-ever boys’ high school junior vars...
The Grinch was on his best behavior at the Swinomish community dinner last Wednesday. The reclusive green grump, best known as the Dr. Seuss character intent on ruining Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville, showed his softer side during an appearance alongside beloved toymaker Santa Claus. The Grinch entertained dozens of children before and after they shared with Santa their Christmas gift wish lists. The spirit of goodwill was present throughout the gymnasium. A mountain of door...
Thank you to everyone who came out for the Tiny Trees Auction on Dec. 1 and to those of you who came to the library during the week to preview the trees. This year we had trees, gift baskets and art. The library was very festive and this year the trees were more beautiful than ever. Thank you to all who purchased items; the library received approximately $10,000 which will be used for library programs and resources. Thanks to our volunteers, tree decorators and to the committee for all the work that went into making this a successful event!...
So, we (Bread Puddin' Boyz' (aka Bob Ferari and I) were tasked by Kathy Schuh and her employer Pat from Barrett Financial in Anacortes with delivering about 70 bread puddings to deserving and cherished clients that reside in various locales in and around Skagit, Island and Snohomish counties. We prepared our trusty sleigh, but alas' one of the reindeer (horses) from the Mustang Motor had gone "south." Santa immediately popped the "sleigh's" hood, determined and fixed the problem and we were off...
There's this guy we met in a coffee shop We talked and laughed and did not stop We spoke of Norway and his lovely farm He was kind and smart and filled with charm You never know over a cup of brew That you can learn so much you never knew You think you're there for a cup of "Joe" But you leave the place more in the know So rumor has it that Idar is turning the big Nine-0 He can kick up his heels and go man go So happy birthday to a wonderful guy! May your blessings continue like stars in the...
As a youth, Grace Hubbard experienced history. As an adult, she helped make history. And now, having completed her first century of life, the local icon is keenly focused on the here and now, checking off a diverse to-do list of activities at La Conner Retirement Inn and the community's senior center as well as outings with longstanding friends. Shortly after her 100th birthday this month, Hubbard enjoyed dinner with one of those friends, Joan Cross, former owner of Balance Point Physical Therap...
Thanksgiving Closings Thursday, November 23 Bank: Closed Buses: No service Post Office: Closed Schools: Closed, Nov 23-24 Library: Closed, Nov 23-24 Town Hall: Closed, Nov 23-24 County offices: Closed, Nov 23-24 Trash Pick Up: No service La Conner Weekly News: Closed...
There is an open position on the Town of La Conner Planning Commission. Commissioners serve six years and must be town residents. Qualified persons can apply until Nov. 29 or until the position is filled. Information: call Town Hall 306-466-3125 or townoflaconner.org/....
