Countywide Youth Leadership Group Logs 3,000 Hours of Volunteer Time
The group was just recognized as an Exemplary Substance Abuse Prevention Program.

Skagit County Planning and Development Services announces new hours of operation
Office hours open to the public will be Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Volunteers of America's Dispute Resolution Center Expands Service Area to Skagit County
On November 1, 2009 Volunteers of America Western Washington will make history as it becomes the designated Dispute Resolution Center for Skagit County.

H1N1 Flu Vaccine Update
Skagit County's H1N1 vaccine supply changes daily, if not every few hours.

WSU Know and Grow Workshop: Pruning Dormant Fruit Trees
The Local experts will show you how it's done.

Skagit County hosts Flood Information meeting for Samish
The Skagit County Public Works Department is hosting an informational meeting regarding flooding issues in the Samish River basin on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Allen Fire Hall.

Skywarn Weather Spotter Training Announcement
Training includes video demonstrations. Spotters are needed, particularly in the upper Skagit Valley region.

Governor Proclaims "Conflict Resolution Month" in Washington
State Reinforcing Support for Community Mediation Centers.

Ament to speak on Skagit Beginnings of NW School of Art
Thursday, October 22 at 7 pm

Second Half Property Taxes Due October 31
State law requires that payments postmarked after that date are subject to a finance charge.

Francis Road Curve Realignment and Reconstruction Project Public Meeting
Thursday, October 8, 2009 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Ballard to serve as acting County Engineer
Ballard served as County Engineer for 15 years in Pierce County.

Outdoor Burning Restrictions Lifted
For all of the unincorporated areas of Skagit County as of 8:00 a.m., Monday, September 21, 2009.

Skagit County 4-H Community Super Saturday
A day full of fun and educational workshops open to the public.

Skagit County Planning and Development Services Moves Back to 1800 Continental Place
Offices closed Friday, September 25 and Monday, September 28 for move.

Skagit County Commissioners Seek Applications for Planning Commission
Applicants must live within County Commissioner District 3.

Pinneke Appointed New District 3 Supervisor for Skagit County Public Works
He replaces Clyde Claybo who retired in July.

NOAA Weather Radio Promotions Set September 26 in 10 Counties
Enable customers to buy a NOAA weather radio and to have it programmed by amateur radio operators, other volunteers and staff.

Upcoming session of "Getting There Safely", a senior driver refresher course is Thursday, September 17th and Friday, September 18th
Classes will be held at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland Avenue, Mount Vernon, WA.

Burning in Skagit County is restricted to recreational fires only.
A modified outdoor burning ban for the unincorporated areas of Skagit County will go into effect Friday, September 4, 2009 at 8:00 AM.

Sheriff's Office to Hold Memorial Dedication Wednesday, September 2 Honoring Deputies Who Have Died in the Line of Duty.
A granite stone memorial will be dedicated honoring Deputy Anne Jackson and Deputy Al Hultgren.The public is invited to attend.

Skagit County Planning and Development Services issues Notice of Decision on single-family dwellings on farmland
Single-family detached residential dwelling unit and residential accessory uses shall only be allowed within the Ag-NRL zoning district when such uses are accessory to an agricultural use...

Cultivating Success: Sustainable Small Acreage Farming and Ranching Course
Learn how to apply successful whole farm management principles to your small farm operation.

WSU Know and Grow Workshop:Buried Treasures: The Lesser Known Bulbs
Tuesday, September 15, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. at WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, 16650 State Route 536

Wildfire Smoke Health Alert
Wildfires in Canada and the North Cascades are bringing smoke down into the Skagit Valley

Car Wash Kits Help Keep Our Water Clean
Car Wash Kits can be borrowed for community and charity car wash events!

Sustainable Landscaping: Easier On Your Back, Your Wallet and The Environment
Experienced gardeners seeking to enhance their horticultural knowledge are invited to take part in a workshop scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2009.

Around-the-clock lane closure on SR 9 north of Sedro-Woolley
will begin at 6 a.m. Monday, Aug. 10, and end at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14.

New Publication on Local Insects Now Available
Insects of Skagit County, by Dr. Lloyd Eighme, has just been released for sale by Washington State University Skagit County Extension.

Skagit County Courts clear 1,043 cases; collect $191,168 during Court Collection Amnesty Program
Cleared 1,043 cases and collected $191,168 or revenue through an innovative "debt reduction" program.

Steve Abel completes Mediator Certification through Mediation and Facilitation Services
Steve attended the 40-hour Professional Mediation Training in November 2008.

Skagit County ranked 4th in nation for counties under 150,000 in 7th Annual Digital Counties Survey
The survey's top digital counties were honored at a national awards ceremony which coincided with NACo's national conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

I-5 on- and off-ramps closed Thursday at Starbird Road
4 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursday, July 30, to repave the ramps.

Cooling Centers Open in Skagit County
Locations posted as cooling shelters during the next few days.

Full Burn Ban in Skagit County
Due to high fire danger and expected hot and dry weather conditions, an outdoor burning ban for the unincorporated areas of Skagit County will go into effect Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 8:00 AM.

Gardening Educational Booth at Anacortes Farmers Market
Group is available to answer questions every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month until October 3rd from 9:00 - 12:00.

105th Annual Skagit County Pioneer Association Picnic and Meeting
scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2009 at Pioneer Park in La Conner.

Best Road Road Construction: Overlay on Best Road starting on July 27, 2009
The road will be opened to all vehicles including emergency vehicles.

WSU Know and Grow Workshop:Extending the Growing Season in Your Home Garden
Glen Johnson, owner of Mother Flight Farms, will share tips on making the most of our growing season. You will learn how to extend the season.

Road Closure Notice: Waugh Road Between College Way and Seneca Drive
Wednesday, July 22, 2009, and Thursday, July 23 2009

Scott Named County Clerk of the Year
By members of the Washington State Association of County Clerks (WSACC)

Livestock Advisor Training Offering This Fall in Burlington
Do you want to learn how to raise your own beef, chicken, eggs, bacon and more?

I-5 on- and off-ramps closed at night in Burlington next week
Drivers who regularly use the I-5/SR 20 interchange (exit 230) in Burlington will want to plan a little extra time into their schedules Monday and Tuesday nights next week.

Upcoming session of "Getting There Safely", a senior driver refresher course is Thursday, July 9th
Classes will be held at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland Avenue, Mount Vernon, WA.

Nature Conservancy Project Receives Economic Stimulus Funding to Restore Fisher Slough in Skagit County
NOAA Funding Will Create 50 Jobs in Washington.

Lake View Boulevard at State Route 9 Big Lake Fireworks Display July 3rd
The closure will be accessible to Emergency Vehicles.

Friday Creek Road will be CLOSED to all through traffic on Wednesday, July 1st
Access through the closure will be allowed for emergency vehicles only.

Notice Of A Special Three Day Candidate Filing Period To Fill The Now Vacated Position Of Anacortes School District Director At Large Position 5
Declarations of Candidacy will be accepted for this position only in the Elections Department of the Skagit County Auditor's Office.

Law Enforcement Officers Complete Crisis Intervention Team Training
CIT training provides officers with new strategies and tools for identifying, preventing, and de-escalating mental health crisis calls.

I-5 lane in Mount Vernon to close for cable barrier repairs
Drivers who travel southbound I-5 near Mount Vernon will want to prepare for minor delays Thursday night, June 25.

Burning in Skagit County is restricted to recreational fires only
Goes into effect Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 8:00 AM.

District Court and Municipal Courts Offer Debt Reductions for Fines, Fees and Collections offer extended through June 30, 2009
700 cases cleared to date.

I-5 on and off-ramps at College Way in Mount Vernon to close overnight Monday, Tuesday
Crews will close the northbound off-ramp and southbound on-ramp from 9 p.m. June 22 to 6 a.m. June 23.

Clear Lake Beach closed for routine maintenance, June 25
The park will reopen on Friday, June 26th.

Anacortes Sr20 Spur and Commercial Interchange to Close
Roundabout construction to begin.

Free Cheese Making Class In Spanish And English On July 13
Queso fresco is a delicious soft cheese that has been made for generations.

Do you enjoy interacting with groups of school children and the public?
The Skagit County Historical Museum in La Conner has an urgent need for docents in the educational department.

Road Closure of Kulshan Avenue
Between LaVenture and 26th Street.

Closure of Miller Road in Anacortes
Drivers will not be able to access South Miller Rd from SR 20.

Paving work to close I-5 lanes near Skagit / Whatcom County line
Drivers will notice a smoother ride once crews complete their work.

Notice Of Special Three Day Candidate Filing Period
Tuesday June 9, 2009, Wednesday June 10, 2009,and Thursday June 11, 2009.

Dads Admitted Free on Father's Day at County Museum
The current featured exhibit is "Harvesting the Light: Images of Contemporary Skagit Farm Life".

New I-5 on-ramp opens in Burlington at SR 20 interchange
Opening the ramp is the last major milestone for crews working to improve a five-mile stretch of SR 20 between Memorial Highway and I-5.

Ovenell Road Road Construction / Overlay on Ovenell Road starting the evening of June 8th.
from Higgins Airport Way to Farm To Market Road.

No lifeguards at Clear Lake Beach Park this summer due to budget shortfall
The park will be open for public use from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily, effective June 4, 2009.

Crews to repave I-5, Cook Road overpass in Burlington
The new asphalt will make the overpass smoother and safer for drivers and reduce the need for routine maintenance.

Master Facilitation Training: WSU Extension and Mediation and Facilitation Services Graduate Sixteen Local Facilitators
The 10-week course was a partnership between Washington State University Extension and Mediation and Facilitation Services, the Dispute Resolution Center of Skagit County.

Jeroldine Hallberg completes Mediator Certification through Mediation and Facilitation Services
Joins the pool of 16 certified mediators providing pro bono service for the Dispute Resolution Center of Skagit County.

District Court and Municipal Courts Offer Debt Reductions for Fines, Fees and Collections Offer extended through Jun
An effort to help citizens regain their driving licenses and reduce debt owed.

Skagit County launches new website for Planning Commission
Another big step toward openness and transparency in government.

Skagit County Assessor/Treasurer software gets update
During data conversion, Assessor data will not be updated.

Weeklong SR 538/Riverside Drive Intersection Closure Begins May 31 in Mount Vernon
The new concrete intersection is less likely to develop ruts and will be safer for drivers.

North Shore Drive will be closed at milepost 2.817 during the day starting on Tuesday, Jun 2, 2009
Closure will allow Skagit County Public Works to replace a culvert under the road.

Skagit Basin's Groundwater Ups And Downs
A new interactive map on the Web shows the ups and downs of water levels in over a hundred wells in the lower Skagit River Basin.

Skagit County Government Publishes Information on Social Networks
Press Releases and Emergency Alerts utilize Facebook, Ning and Twitter.

I-5 ramp lanes, SR 538 lane to close for widening work in Mount Vernon.
One lane of SR 538, and one lane and the shoulder on each of the off-ramps will remain open, but drivers should expect delays.

Upcoming sessions of "Getting There Safely", a senior driver refresher course.
Classes will be held at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland Avenue, Mount Vernon, WA.

Filing Dates Announced for Primary and General Elections
Candidates will appear on the primary ballot only if there are three or more candidates seeking the position.

Skagit County Public Works receives "Certificate of Good Practice" from County Road Administration Board
Commissioners congratulated the Public Works staff for their high level of performance.

County Transfer Station closed on Memorial Day, May 25, 2009
These closures are part of a county-wide effort to trim budget costs to avoid employee layoffs due to revenue shortfalls.

Skagit County District Court Probation reaches $500,000 milestone in restitution collected for victims of crime
On April 6, 2009, Skagit County District Court Probation reached a very important milestone.

Cheese Making Class In Spanish And English On Jun 1
Queso fresco is a delicious soft cheese that has been made for generations.

NWSU Know and Grow Workshop: Drip Irrigation for the Home Gardener
Tuesday, May 26, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at WSU Mount Vernon NWREC.

H1N1 Flu Update: May 8th
Skagit County's one probable H1N1 flu case has been confirmed.

North Shore Drive (#01000 - Lake Cavanaugh) will be closed
Skagit County Public Work will have daytime closures on North Shore Drive at milepost 1.700 0.61 miles southeast of Bamboo Lane for two days starting on Monday, May 11, 2009.

H1N1 Flu Update May 7th, 2009
There is still one probable H1N1 flu case in Skagit County. It's taking a long time to get the final result because this sample was shipped to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

Storm Drain Sponges Soak Up Oil And Bacteria
New Technology Helps Protect Water Quality.

H1N1 Flu Update May 5th, 2009
Washington State has its first confirmation of H1N1 flu.

H1N1 Flu Update
The swine flu picture continues to change rapidly. There are 35 probable cases in the State of Washington, with 1 probable case from Skagit County.

Skagit County Law and Justice Council meets May 13
From 8:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Skagit County Sheriff's Department Training Room, Public Safety Building at 600 South Third Street, Mount Vernon.

MH1N1 Flu (Swine flu) update as of May 1, 2009; 3:15 pm
Many medical facilities countywide are swamped with concerned patients seeking reassurance or treatment.

Moms Admitted Free on Mother's Day at County Museum
All mothers will enjoy free admission to Skagit County Historical Museum on Mother's Day, May 10.

Susan Pole completes Mediator Certification through Mediation and Facilitation Services
Upon completion of her training Susan applied for and was accepted into Mediation Services intensive practicum program.

US Army Corps of Engineers receives $100,000 in Recovery Funds for Skagit Flood Study
U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) today announced that the Obama Administration is awarding $100,000 to help complete the Skagit River General Investigation Study.

District Court and the Municipal Courts Offer Debt Reductions for Fines, Fees and Collections
The courts are offering a "debt reduction program" throughout the month of May.

County Wide Power Outage Hits Skagit County
The power outage was triggered by a motor vehicle accident on State Route 20 between Sedro-Woolley and Burlington.

FEMA Approves Skagit County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the Skagit County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan as a multi-jurisdictional local plan.

Due Date for First Half Property Taxes is April 30, 2009
State law requires that payments postmarked after that date are subject to a 1% per month finance charge.

Getting There Safely
There are two upcoming sessions of "GETTING THERE SAFELY", a senior driver refresher course.

Berentson appointed Natural Resources Administrator for Skagit County Public Works
According to Public Works Director Dave Sheridan

Guemes Island Ferry Operations Update
The M/V Guemes will be out of service for regularly scheduled maintenance

County Museum Launches On-Line Map Featuring Over 100 "Lost Cities" of Skagit
An on-line historic map of some 118 Skagit communities that have significantly changed or virtually disappeared during the last century

CERT Class Scheduled in Mount Vernon
Skagit County residents will have the opportunity to learn how to assist themselves, their families and their neighbors.

Skagit County Assessor Mark Leander Announces Resignation Effective Jun 30, 2009
Last year Leander served as President of Washington Association of County Officials

New Member Sought For Skagit County Agricultural Advisory Board
The appointee must live in Commissioner District 1

Commissioners Extend Comment Period on Interim Ordinance for Moratorium On Applications For Wetland Mitigation Banks
Interim Ordinance No. O20090001 declares an emergency and adopts a moratorium

Hugo's Accordion Band Featured at "Tulip Two-Step" Fund Raiser Dance for County Museum
April 19, from 2 to 5 pm at the Fredonia Grange north of La Conner

Skagit County Commissioners Announces It Will Support World Wildlife Fund's Earth Hour 2009
Joins Tens of Millions in Turning Off Lights for Largest Climate Event in History!

Christianson's Nursery open during construction of Best McLean Roundabout
Customers can access the nursery by following the appropriate detour route and letting the flagger know you are going to the nursery.

Comments Sought on UGA Open Space Concept Plan
Skagit County residents care deeply about open space and are concerned that growth is destroying much of the open space they love. Surveys of residents repeatedly confirm this value.

Public Hearing Scheduled For March 17 On Interim Ordinance For Moratorium On Applications For Wetland Mitigation Banks
Interim Ordinance No. O20090001 declares an emergency and adopts a moratorium.

Influenza/Flu Increasing in Skagit County
Skagit County has 20 cases reported, with 8 reports received in the last week.

Miller Resigns as Skagit County Public Works Director
Skagit County interim Public Works Director Jeff Miller submitted his resignation today effective March 13, 2009.

Skagit County, Skagit Valley College partner on Phase I of Indoor Recreation and Event Center
Skagit County Parks and Recreation and Skagit Valley College (SVC) are partnering on a project to enhance recreational opportunities at Skagit Valley Playfields and the SVC campus.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Sedro-Woolley
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is opening a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at the new Sedro-Woolley City Hall, 325 Metcalf Street, Sedro-Woolley, WA.

Minor Changes Announced For Guemes Island Ferry Sailing Schedule
New schedule goes into effect March 1st, 2009

Skagit County Planning and Development Services Proposes Fee Changes
Proposed revisions of the fee schedules has been submitted to the Skagit County Board of Commissioners by Skagit County Planning and Development Services and the Skagit County Health Department.

Ecology to host Open House and Public Meeting regarding Samish Bay Watershed Fecal Coliform Cleanup Plan
Thursday February 26th to present the public review draft, "Samish Bay Watershed Volume 2 TMDL and Implementation Plan."

Skagit County Improves Community Rating System Saving Rural Residents $811,492 In Flood Insurance Premiums
Skagit County's rating system was recently improved from class five to class four, qualifying ratepayers for a 30 percent discount.

Public Meeting Notice: 9 TO 5 Traffic Safety Corridor
The purpose of these Traffic Safety Corridor Projects is to develop low cost solutions designed to reduce the numbers and severity of motor vehicle crashes.

Federal Funds Available to Help Farmers Repair Storm Damage
Financial assistance is available for farmers and ranchers who have debris to remove or conservation practices to repair

Washington Counties Receive Infrastructure Assistance
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Washington Emergency Management Division (WEMD) have announced that 22 Washington counties are now eligible to receive Public Assistance

Skagit County Commissioners Vote To Rescind Fluoride Resolution
The order, now rescinded, was contingent on PUD reaching a satisfactory funding agreement with a private third party funding source.

Skagit County declared major disaster area for individual assistance
Disaster victims are encouraged to call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Skagit County schedules Community Planning Retreat on Criminal Justice and Public Safety
The main topic of discussion is to build a larger public safety facility for Skagit County.

Commissioners, Public Works schedule public meeting in Allen to discuss Samish River flooding
Meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Allen Fire Hall in Allen

Best/McLain Road Roundabout construction begins February 9
Access will be limited and detour signs will be in place.

Commissioners, Public Works Schedule Public Meeting In Allen To Discuss Samish River Flooding
The Skagit County Commissioners and Skagit County Public Works Department staff will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2009.

GETTING THERE SAFELY
There are three upcoming sessions of "GETTING THERE SAFELY", a senior driver refresher course, no courses will be held in April.

Master Composter-Recycler 2009 Training Announcement
Volunteer home composting and recycling are the most cost effective methods of dealing with yard and compostable kitchen waste

Commissioners Sign Resolution Addressing Dog Breeding Business
To enforce compliance with the Skagit County Development Code and to abate a public nuisance maintained by Marjorie and Richard Sundberg

Information About Helping to Care for Dogs Seized in Kennel Raid
Cash donations can be made at Chuckanut Valley Vet Clinic at 896 North Burlington Boulevard, Burlington.

Skagit County Commissioners sign resolution extending fluoridation implementation timeline
For a portion of the Skagit County Public Utility District No. 1 (PUD) water supply an additional two months to March 15, 2009

Skagit County Department of Emergency Management requests assessments for damage for private property damaged by flood, snow and landslides
Tight deadline requires prompt response to state

GETTING THERE SAFELY
The next scheduled session of "GETTING THERE SAFELY", a senior driver refresher course, will occur on Monday, January 26th and Tuesday, January 27th

Skagit County Commissioners sign emergency resolution for severe winter storm events
The Skagit County Board of Commissioners signed an emergency resolution today declaring that an emergency exists beginning Wednesday, January 7, 2009, beginning at 3:00 a.m.

Businesses And Farms With Storm Damage Or Suffering Economic Loss During Recent Storm Encouraged To Report Losses
Farmers suffering damage to their farms and production losses due to the storm need to report the damage and losses to their local USDA Farm Service Agency offices.

Backcountry Avalanche Forecast For The Olympics And Washington Cascades
At the request of the National Weather Service, the Skagit County Department of Emergency Management is advising recreationists to use extreme caution in backcountry