Stehekin Trail, Camp, and Area Closures
Sedro Woolley, WA– Park officials have closed trails in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area within North Cascades National Park Service Complex. The following trails are closed, including backcountry camps and cross-country zones along closed trails:Pacific Crest Trail within the park complex (Agnes Creek, Old Wagon, and Bridge Creek trails)Rainbow Lake TrailRainbow Creek TrailMcAlester Lake TrailTwisp Pass Trail (to USFS border)Stiletto Spur TrailNorth Fork Bridge Creek TrailUpper Stehekin Valley
Guemes Island Ferry Electronic Ticketing Update
The Skagit County Ferry Division has been working through the transition to electronic ticketing for the Guemes Island ferry. It is highly recommended to our riders to purchase ferry tickets on a mobile device prior to boarding as tickets will not be sold in the vehicle loading line. Riders wishing to purchase tickets in person must park at the terminal and come into the ferry ticket office to complete the transaction. If customers need to purchase tickets at the terminal, we ask that you arrive at the
Washington’s average wage increased to $95,160 in 2024
OLYMPIA – Washington’s average annual wage grew by 6.8% in 2024 to $95,160, according to the state Employment Security Department. The average wage grew more in 2024 than in 2023, when it grew by 5.9%. Employment Security uses the average annual wage to calculate:Minimum and maximum unemployment insurance (UI) benefit levels for new claims opened on or after July 6, 2025.Paid Family & Medical Leave maximum benefit levels for new claims filed on or after Jan. 1, 2026.Employers’ unemployment taxes
Employment Security’s new website wins major plain language award
OLYMPIA – The Employment Security Department’s new website received a 2025 ClearMark Award from the Center for Plain Language. Employment Security launched its redesigned website in November 2024. Employment Security, in partnership with consultant Anthro-Tech and developer WaTech, won the Short Materials category with the webpage “How to apply for unemployment benefits.” The Center for Plain Language announced award winners earlier this week. The winning webpage directs customers through a step-by-step
Beloved Skagit Valley Farmers Mike & Jeanne Youngquist to Lead 88th Annual Berry Dairy Days Parade as Grand Marshals Saturday, June 21st, 2025
Burlington, WA— 6/4/25 — Mike and Jeanne Youngquist, longtime Skagit County berry farmers and respected community leaders, have been named Grand Marshals of the 88th Annual Berry Dairy Days Festival, presented by Peoples Bank and supported by Skagit Farmers Supply & Country Store and Swinomish Casino & Lodge. The Youngquist farm, Mike and Jean’s Berry Farm, has been a cornerstone of the local agricultural community for decades—supplying fresh berries, building strong community ties, and shaping
Cascade Job Corps set to Shut Down at End of June
As a part of the Trump administration’s efforts to give a tax break to the richest Americans and wealthiest corporations, Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer has closed the Job Corps program. This terrible decision directly harms Northwest Washington. In its 40 year history, Cascade Job Corps has helped more than 10,000 low-income young people complete college credits and professional certifications. Today, the program serves 250 young people and employs 119 staff members. It also supports
Fines against a host of construction companies show safety often a secondary concern
TUMWATER — More than 1,600 workers are injured by falls every year in Washington. It’s the leading cause of death in the construction industry, and it’s entirely preventable. Yet, in the last three months, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has fined four construction companies more than half a million dollars combined for continuing to violate basic rules about workers using fall protection gear. Vea abajo para esta información en español. As the weather warms up, many
Join us to discuss community benefit agreements and clean energy
Please join us Thursday, June 12, 9-10:30 a.m., for a follow-up meeting about Community Benefit Agreements (CBAs) and their potential role in clean energy development. This meeting, the second of two meetings, will provide an update on key themes from project research and interviews and offer an opportunity to gather additional feedback from participants.Commerce is aiming to develop a framework and process to include CBAs in clean energy projects. We invite interested parties to learn more about CBAs in
Join Clean Energy Tax Credit office hours – June 11 and 20
Learn more about the Clean Energy Tax Credit Assistance Program (CETCAP) and elective pay tax creditsJoin the CETCAP team for office hours on June 11 at 1 p.m. and June 20 at 9:30 a.m. to learn more about this program and elective pay tax credits. During this session, tax attorneys will be available to answer any technical questions you may have. Register for June 11Register for June 20 CETCAP provides free technical assistance to community-based organizations, local governments, ports, housing
Skagit Valley College offers Cardinal Hoops Basketball Camp
Skagit Valley College is hosting its annual Cardinal Hoop Basketball Camp for students in grades 2 through 8. The camps will be held at the Dave DuVall Pavilion, 2405 E College Way, Mount Vernon. The basketball camp will take place June 23-25 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and costs $125. “We’re excited to invite families to take part in this opportunity that helps kids build important skills both on and off the court,” said Mitch Freeman, SVC athletic director. “Our coaches and players are passionate about creating a
Skagit Valley College to host Court of Appeals, Div. I case hearings May 28
(Mount Vernon, Wash.) –– Skagit Valley College will once again host the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division I oral argument hearings on Wednesday, May 28. Hosting the appellate court hearings on the SVC Mount Vernon campus will provide an opportunity for students, faculty, and the general public to observe real-world cases, courtroom procedures, and legal arguments first-hand. “We are excited to return to the Skagit Valley after our successful traveling court experience at SVC last spring,” said
Burlington Lutheran to Celebrate Installation of Solar Panels from PSE Grant
Burlington, WA – As a recipient of 2024 Puget Sound Energy Solar Grant program, Burlington Lutheran Church is pleased to announce the installation of 24 solar panels on the roof of their sanctuary. There will be a public celebration on Wednesday, June 4, at 4pm, at Burlington Lutheran (134 E Victoria Ave, Burlington, WA 98233). Burlington Lutheran Church (BLC), which started in 1904, has a rich history as a congregation that cares about the wider community. Partnering with multiple local non-profits,
Board of County Commissioners to Hold Work Session on 2025 Development Regulations Update
The Board of County Commissioners will hold a work session on May 27 at 10:30 AM to discuss the second draft of the 2025 Development Regulations Update. The session will focus on the overall proposed amendments, and revisions made in response to feedback from staff, the public, and the Planning Commission, as outlined in the memo linked below. The second draft will be available on May 29, at which time a new public comment period will open for both the Development Regulations Update and the 2025 Periodic
Successful USA Ultimate D-3 Tournament — Another Huge Weekend Ahead
Last weekend, the USA Ultimate D-III College Championships brought an incredible wave of energy and excitement to Skagit River Park. The event was a huge success, drawing in thousands of student-athletes, coaches, families, and fans from across the country. The park was alive with competition, community, and camaraderie. One of the most thrilling moments came during the men’s championship game, when a spectacular play earned the #1 spot on ESPN SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays.
Webinar for federal workers to learn about Washington benefits and reemployment resources set for May 29
OLYMPIA – The Employment Security Department, along with state and local partners, continues its webinar series for federal workers who work and live in Washington state. The next webinar is Thursday, May 29, from 10 a.m. to noon.More than 120 participants from 13 different federal agencies attended webinars in March and April. Nearly 50 are already registered for the May 29 briefing.There is no limit to the number of participants who can register. Registration is free and is open until the event starts.The
Volunteers Receive Free Entry to the Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival
Mount Vernon, WA – The Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival is happening July 12th and 13th at the Skagit County Fairgrounds, 501 Taylor Ave, Mount Vernon. Volunteers who sign up for a four-hour shift receive two free weekend passes to the Games, a $60 savings. Shifts include checking tickets and welcoming attendees at the gates, selling Highland Games merchandise, checking IDs in the beer and whisky gardens, directing traffic and parking, and setting up or tearing down the event. For more
Port of Skagit Honored with Two Awards
Burlington, WA—The Port of Skagit has received two awards from different organizations this month, recognizing their work on important projects at the Port’s marina and airport. The Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) honored the Port of Skagit with the 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award for the Vessel Turn-in Program the Port hosted at the La Conner Marina last summer. The Port partnered with several different agencies to coordinate and host the event including Dept of Natural Resources,
Guemes Island Ferry to Return after Memorial Day Weekend
The Guemes Island car ferry will not return to service for Memorial Day Weekend. At this time, the best estimate for return to service would be Friday, June 6th. There is a possibility the ferry could return sooner if all remaining work and testing goes smoothly. The passenger-only ferry, Arrow Launch, will continue operating on the normal schedule until the car ferry returns. In order to return to service by the holiday weekend, the ferry needed to be launched no later than last Sunday, May 18th, to
County Commissioners Designate National Public Works Week in Skagit County
The Skagit County Commissioners approved a proclamation last week to designate May 18th through May 24th, 2025, as National Public Works Week in Skagit County. The proclamation celebrates the essential contributions of public works professionals in our community. National Public Works Week has been sponsored annually by the American Public Works Association since 1960 to bring attention to public works services and programs in our communities. National Public Works Week is an opportunity to amplify those
County unemployment numbers for April 2025 released
OLYMPIA – County unemployment rates and employment data for April 2025 are now available on the Employment Security Department website. Visit the labor force page to view historic and current data about the unemployment rate. To learn more about monthly job gains and losses from payroll data, check out the employment estimates. Please keep in mind: Unemployment rates and employment estimates at the county level are not seasonally adjusted because the sample size is too small to accommodate the
Skagit County Protects 460 Acres of Farmland from Development in 2024
In 2024, Skagit County’s Farmland Legacy Program protected five farmland properties, permanently safeguarding another 460 acres of prime agricultural soil.Protected properties were in Burlington (80 acres), Conway (66 acres), Mount Vernon (8.5 acres), and Sedro-Woolley (267 acres, 38.5 acres). The protection of Skagit County’s USDA-designated prime farmland means these properties can no longer be developed into residential buildings, and will instead provide essential soil and land for farming for
Washington state unemployment rate continues to remain steady at 4.4%
OLYMPIA – Washington’s economy decreased by an estimated 5,800 jobs (seasonally adjusted) in April 2025, and the monthly unemployment rate remained at 4.4%. “Although the unemployment rate remains steady and low, the count of jobs in Washington has dropped for three consecutive months,” said Anneliese Vance-Sherman, chief labor economist at the Employment Security Department. She added, “Payroll estimates remain above the tally for last April, but only by 1,200 jobs or 0.03%.”In the past 12 months, the
Washington DFI Takes Action Against Water Station, Founder Ryan Wear, and Affiliated Entities For Fr
Statement of charges alleges that Water Station and Ryan Wear improperly raised $129 million in fraudulent investments nationwide OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) filed a Statement of Charges against Everett, WA-based Water Station Management, its founder Ryan Wear, affiliated entities, and several of its salespersons for multiple violations of the Securities Act between 2016 and 2022. DFI alleges that Water Station and its representatives offered and sold water
Burn Ban Takes Effect June 15th in Unincorporated Skagit County
Burn Ban Takes Effect June 15th in Unincorporated Skagit County Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, a modified burn ban for all residential and land-clearing fires in unincorporated Skagit County will go into effect at 8:00 a.m. on June 15, 2025, and continue until further notice. Skagit County will no longer issue permits for burn activities, and existing permits will be suspended. Recreational and cooking fires, limited to 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high, remain allowed when
Planning Commission Deliberations for Updates to Critical Areas Ordinance and Development Regulation
Community Members, Skagit County is conducting Planning Commission meetings in a hybrid format. A hybrid meeting of the Planning Commission will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.The Planning Commission will hold Deliberations on Updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance and Development Regulations.The Planning Commission will be deliberating on recommendations on the Critical Areas Ordinance and Development Regulations Updates to the Board of County Commissioners. Proposal documents are available
Skagit County Commissioners Appoint Jill Boudreau to Housing Authority Of Skagit County Board
The Skagit County Board of Commissioners voted this week to appoint Jill Boudreau to the vacant Housing Authority of Skagit County (HASC) board seat. The search for a new board member comes in response to the resignation of board member Daniel Valdez, on April 7th.Boudreau currently works in the Whatcom County Executive’s Office as a senior policy and project manager and previously served as mayor for the City of Mount Vernon for 12 years before stepping down in 2023. Boudreau has a long history of being an
Caption: SVC students Oleg Otstavnoi and Kierra Fisher with SVC President Dr. Christopher Villa at t
HED: Skagit Valley College students named to 2025 All-Washington Academic Team Mount Vernon, WA — Three outstanding Skagit Valley College students were recently named to the 2025 All-Washington Academic Team in recognition of their high academic achievements and community involvement. SVC has selected students Kierra Fisher, Oleg Otstavnoi, and Erica Vela. The All-Washington Academic Team program recognizes and honors the state’s finest higher education students and they reflect the diversity of the
Skagit Valley College to host third annual career fair May 22
Job seekers are invited to attend the Skagit Valley College career fair on May 22 featuring more than 60 local employers. The event will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Knutzen Cardinal Center on the Mount Vernon Campus and is free and open to the public. This event will feature local employers recruiting from many industries including diesel, automotive, manufacturing, welding, marine technology, health services, and more. Current students, alumni, and community members seeking jobs and internships
How to Bring in the Right People to Fuel Your Sales and Marketing Growth
Every business reaches a point where internal hustle alone won't cut it. You’ve optimized what you can in-house, maybe even burned the candle down to the wick trying to stretch talent beyond their specialties. At some point, if you’re serious about scaling up sales or reaching customers with more punch, you’ll need to look outside. That’s when hiring external professionals stops being a luxury and starts becoming an essential move. Think Strategy Before Staffing You don’t start by calling a consultant.
Sakuma Bros. Hiring Event- May 26, 2025
Sakuma Bros. Farms and Processing 2025 Registration and Recruitment Information Sakuma Bros. Farms and Processing begins local hiring May 26th for the 2025 harvest season! Whether you're interested in working on the farm or in the processing plant, there are a variety of seasonal positions available. GENERAL HIRING INFORMATION Local registration begins May 26th for Sakuma Bros. Farms and Sakuma Bros. Processing. Farm Positions Include: • Truck Drivers • Hand Harvest Pickers • Equipment Operators •
