North Cascades Fires Update: Border 2 Fire 43% Contained – August 20, 2026
For Immediate Release: August 20, 2026Contact: Public Affairs Office, noca_publicaffairs@nps.govInciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/ August 20 North Cascades Fires Update SEDRO-WOOLLEY, Wash. — Fire activity has been minimal over the past few days on the Border 2 Fire (estimated 7,296 acres in the United States, 43% contained) due to cooler temperatures, cloud cover, and a heavy smoke inversion. Fire activity remains concentrated on the southern portion of the fire around Little Jackass Mountain.
Thank you for Joining Us at Ballington Flats
Ballington Flats has been years in the making, and it was incredibly meaningful to bring together so many community members, partners, and supporters who share our commitment to creating stronger, healthier communities.At VOAWW, we know that having a safe, stable place to call home can be the foundation for so much more. Ballington Flats is one way we are living out our mission—walking alongside individuals and families, helping create pathways to stability, and strengthening the communities we serve.What’s
WECU Provides Wildfire Relief Support to Impacted Communities News Release: 8/17/2026
WECU Provides Wildfire Relief Support to Impacted CommunitiesBELLINGHAM, WA (August 17, 2026) - Four organizations working to expand educational opportunities and create stronger communities in Whatcom and Skagit counties will receive a combined $125,000 from WECU through its 2026 Education First Grant Program. WECU Provides Wildfire Relief Support to Impacted Communities BELLINGHAM, WA (August 18) - The devastating wildfires impacting the communities across our region have led to heartbreaking loss for
Four Local Organizations Receive $125,000 in WECU Education First Grants News Release: 8/17/2026
Four Local Organizations Receive $125,000 in WECU Education First GrantsBELLINGHAM, WA (August 17, 2026) - Four organizations working to expand educational opportunities and create stronger communities in Whatcom and Skagit counties will receive a combined $125,000 from WECU through its 2026 Education First Grant Program. The two-year grants will support Mercy Housing, Lummi Natural Resources Outreach, Foundation for Academic Endeavors, and Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship as they provide
WECU Named Among American Banker’s Best Credit Unions to Work For in 2026 News Release: 8/17/2026
WECU Named Among American Banker’s Best Credit Unions to Work For in 2026 BELLINGHAM, WA (August 26, 2026) – WECU has once again been named one of American Banker’s Best Credit Unions to Work For, earning national recognition for its employee experience, workplace culture, and commitment to supporting team members both professionally and personally. Presented annually by American Banker and Best Companies Group, the 2026 award recognizes credit unions that excel in creating positive workplace
There's still time to enroll for fall at Skagit Valley College
For Immediate ReleaseAug. 12, 2026 Media contact: Marisa Pierce, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications | marisa.pierce@skagit.edu | 360.416.7957 Follow SVC: Twitter, @SVCCollege | Facebook and Instagram, @SkagitValleyCollege HED: There's still time to enroll for fall at Skagit Valley CollegeMOUNT VERNON, Wash. — Students still have time to enroll for fall quarter at Skagit Valley College, which begins Sept. 22. Whether beginning college, returning to complete a degree, preparing for a
August safety observances offer opportunity to strengthen workplace safety
August includes several national safety observances that provide employers with an opportunity to review workplace safety practices, reinforce employee training, and prepare for increased activity heading into the fall season. One of the month’s key events is OSHA Safe + Sound Week, which encourages organizations to evaluate their safety and health programs. Employers are encouraged to conduct workplace walkthroughs, review emergency procedures, refresh employee training, and promote reporting of
Coalition of 25 states challenge latest Trump tariffs in court
A coalition of 25 states, including Washington, has filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s latest tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners. The case, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York, argues that the administration exceeded its legal authority by imposing broad tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The tariffs, which took effect July 24, impose rates of 10% and 12.5% on imports from countries and regions including the European Union. The
Once Ocean returns home after global expedition rooted in Skagit Valley College
For Immediate Release Aug. 6, 2026 Media contact: Marisa Pierce, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications | marisa.pierce@skagit.edu | 360.416.7957 Follow SVC: LinkedIn @skagit-valley-college | Tiktok @skagitvalleycollege | Facebook and Instagram @SkagitValleyCollege HED: Once Ocean returns home after global expedition rooted in Skagit Valley College Historic voyage highlights the power of community college partnerships, hands-on learning, and ocean stewardship MOUNT
Skagit Valley College receives $1.4 million Ballmer Group grant to expand Maestros Program
For Immediate Release Aug. 11, 2026 Media contact: Marisa Pierce, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications | marisa.pierce@skagit.edu | 360.416.7957Follow SVC: LinkedIn @skagit-valley-college | Tiktok @skagitvalleycollege | Facebook and Instagram @SkagitValleyCollege Caption: Front row: Kati Ortiz, Dr. Chris Pearson, Amy Reisner, Daisy PadillaBack row: Dr. Thomas Keegan, Yadira Rosales, Dr. Victor Vergara, Robert Hand, Dr. John Korsmo Photo credit: Liz Crookes, Skagit Valley CollegeHED:
SKAGIT COUNTY FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE IMPLEMEMTS COMPLETE BURN BAN
PRESS RELEASEAugust 10, 2026 ContactBonnie LaCount, Deputy Fire Marshalbonniel@co.skagit.wa.us360-416-1842 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESkagit County Fire Marshal's Office Implements Complete Burn Ban Due to the continued risk of fire and the commitment of shared firefighting resources to ongoing wildland fire response efforts across Washington State, the Skagit County Fire Marshal’s Office is implementing a complete burn ban effective Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 12:01 a.m.The burn ban
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Burlington Chamber CEO Steph Rees Named a 2026 SWAN Woman of the Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 6th, 2026360-757-0994nichole@burlington-chamber.comBurlington Chamber CEO Steph Rees Named a 2026 SWAN Woman of the YearBURLINGTON, Wash. — The Burlington Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that President and CEO Steph Rees has been selected as one of four recipients of the Skagit Women’s Alliance and Network’s 2026 Woman of the Year Awards.The annual awards recognize women whose leadership, professional accomplishments, mentorship, and community involvement have made a
For Immediate Release: Burlington Chamber Welcomes New City Administrator Rebecca Horner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 2026 360-757-0994 info@burlington-chamber.com Burlington Chamber Welcomes New City Administrator Rebecca Horner Horner will meet Chamber members at the August 19 Membership Luncheon, with an additional community coffee hour planned BURLINGTON, Wash. The Burlington Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Rebecca Horner, AICP, as the City of Burlington’s new City Administrator. Horner began serving in the role on July 1 and brings more than 25 years of public-sector
Lot Certification Policy and Procedure Change
Lot Certification Policy and Procedure Change Community Members, Skagit County Planning and Development Services has recently implemented a policy/procedure change regarding how the Department will be accepting, reviewing and making decisions on lot certifications. This change is due in part to reduced staffing levels, County budget constraints, and our ongoing effort to continue to find ways to improve our service to the public. This change will reduce the review time and improve the Department’s
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Skagit County Assessor, Treasurer, and Auditor Announce Upcoming Office Closu
PRESS RELEASE July 28, 2026 Contact Jenn Rogers Communications and Engagement Manager jrogers@skagitcountywa.gov 360-416-1300FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESkagit County Assessor, Treasurer, and Auditor Announce Upcoming Office Closures In an effort to reduce costs, the Skagit County Assessor, Treasurer, and Auditor’s offices will be closed on the following dates in 2026:Friday, August 21stFriday, September 4thFriday, October 9thWednesday, November 25thThursday, December 24th These closure dates have
ScaleUp your tourism marketing
ScaleUp your tourism marketing Small business owners looking to attract and engage tourists are invited to take part in this special ScaleUp Training from the Washington State Department of Commerce. The four-week online course will discuss audiencne identification, storytelling-based marketing, short-form video content creation, digital visibility, and reputation managment through Google Business profile and review strategy. The no-cost course runs Mondays, starting Aug. 10. Spanish-language classes
Skagit County Superior Court Clerk's Office Announces Fee Changes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESkagit County Superior Court Clerk's Office Announces Fee Changes The Washington State Legislature has recently updated several fees administered by County Clerks. These revisions, outlined in House Bill 2543, must now be reflected in our fee schedule.Effective June 11, 2026Fee CategoryNew FeeNon‑certified copies$0.50 per page (electronic or paper)Exhibit photos$5 per photoDigital exhibit copies$25 per exhibitCopies on electronic storage medium$5 per storage
From Growth to Goodbye: Knowing When to Sell Your Business
Selling your business can be one of the hardest — and smartest — decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’ve built something from scratch or scaled a thriving enterprise, there comes a point when holding on may no longer align with your goals, your market, or your personal energy. You might be ready to sell your business if:Growth has plateaued and reinvestment feels forced.Market conditions are favorable for an exit.Your personal goals or energy no longer align with ownership.Financial or succession
