FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Skagit County Burn Ban Modified to Allow Recreational Fires
Due to increased moisture levels, recreational fires are now permitted within the unincorporated areas of Skagit County. Pursuant to the Governor’s Proclamation, the statewide ban on burning residential yard debris and land clearing remains in effect until September 30, 2026. Recreational fires are those used for cooking and pleasure, consist only of charcoal or seasoned firewood, and meet the following requirements:Fires are allowed only within enclosures AT LEAST 14 inches high, no wider than 3 feet,
Washington Small Business Fair Returns to Puyallup September 19
Current and aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to connect, learn, and grow at the 30th annual Washington Small Business Fair, or BizFair, on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pierce College Puyallup. The free, annual event brings together small business owners, entrepreneurs, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, lenders, and business resource providers from across Washington to help individuals start, strengthen, and grow their businesses. Attendees will have the
Washington State DES Offers Recurring Introduction to State Contracting Workshop
BURLINGTON, Wash. — Businesses interested in learning how to work with Washington State agencies can take advantage of a recurring virtual workshop offered by the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES). The Introduction to State Contracting Workshop is held on the third Thursday of each month and is designed to help businesses better understand how state contracting works, where to find upcoming opportunities, and what resources are available to help businesses begin selling products
Berry Dairy Days Celebrates 90 Years with Exciting Move to July in 2027
A beloved Burlington tradition is getting a new summer weekend. As Berry Dairy Days prepares to celebrate its milestone 90th year, the Burlington Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that the 2027 festival will move to the third weekend of July. The 90th Annual Berry Dairy Days will take place Friday, July 16 through Sunday, July 18, 2027, continuing the festival's three-day format while bringing generations of Berry Dairy Days traditions together for a summer celebration in
Cardinal Craft Brewing wins again with two international beer awards
For Immediate ReleaseAug. 24, 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 @SkagitValleyCollegeHED: Cardinal Craft Brewing wins again with two international beer awardsMOUNT VERNON, Wash. — Skagit Valley College's Cardinal Craft Brewing program is once again earning international recognition, bringing home two medals
SBA Disaster Assistance Available for Skagit County Businesses and Private Nonprofits
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for eligible Washington small businesses and private nonprofit organizations impacted by the ongoing drought that began May 12, 2026. Skagit County is among the Washington counties included in the disaster declaration, along with Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Stevens and Whatcom counties. Under SBA Disaster Declaration WA-20034, eligible organizations may apply for
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Call for Applications for the Skagit County Planning Commission
The Planning Commission works with the Planning and Development Services Department and advises the Department and the Board of County Commissioners on proposed land use plans and regulations in unincorporated Skagit County. In 2026 and 2027, the Planning Commission will focus on siting clean energy facilities, reviewing the annual docket of comprehensive plan, development code, and zoning map amendments, and updating the Critical Areas Ordinance. For more information about current Planning Commission
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
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
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
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
