Town, County, Sound & Sea revives a tradition first set in ink by The Puget Sound Mail on Sept. 13, 1879. This regular roundup distills the pulse of La Conner, Skagit County, and the broader Puget Sound into one place — local decisions shaping our town, county-wide developments with ripple effects, and coastal news that ties us together.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has granted Seattle City Light a third extension in its effort to relicense three Skagit River dams, which supply 20% of Seattle’s electricity. The utility’s license expired in April, and it currently operates under a temporary license through April 2026. The new extension moves the relicensing deadline to Feb. 17, allowing more time to finalize settlement agreements on issues including fish passage, flood control, estuary restoration, and habitat enhancements. Seattle City Light, which is seeking a 30- to 50-year renewal, says most agreements are complete but a few new issues have surfaced; FERC anticipates no further delays once a final settlement is reached.
The West Coast Health Alliance released guidance for the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season last week, urging vaccination against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Shots for COVID-19 and flu are recommended for everyone six months and older. RSV prevention targets infants (under 8 months), adults 75+, and at-risk groups. Prenatal RSV vaccination is advised at 32–36 weeks. These recommendations keep people safer, reduce severe illness, and ease pressure on healthcare systems. Learn more at doh.wa.gov.
Skagit County Commissioners will host budget work sessions over the next two weeks to review 2026 requests from departments and elected offices. Meetings are open to the public in person and via Zoom but will not include public comment. A draft budget will be released Nov. 17, opening a written comment period. A public hearing is set for Dec. 1, with final adoption scheduled for Dec. 8. Non-televised sessions on Oct. 9 and Oct. 15 will guide what requests move forward. Details and schedules are available at the Skagit County Budget and Finance website.
Police arrested an Anacortes School District student last week after alleged verbal threats of violence were reported to a school resource officer on Sept. 18. Anacortes police officers investigated the claims, interviewing students, parents, and staff before taking the juvenile into custody Friday. Charging paperwork was submitted for threats to bomb or injure property, according to the release. Numerous community members have come forward to share information with Anacortes school resources officer. Read more at laconnercommunitynews.org.
The fungus that causes white-nose syndrome has been detected in three bats at San Juan Island National Historic Park. This is the first documented case of the fungus in San Juan County. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) analyzed samples collected from biologists as part of a bat disease surveillance effort in Northwest parks. According to USGS, white-nose syndrome has killed millions of bats in North America, with at least 41 states having detected the disease. White-nose syndrome does not affect humans, however, it can be spread through clothing and gear after recreating in or near caves.
The Hall-Leander Barn on State Route 536 was recognized by the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP). The Hall-Leander Barn is one of seven structures to be honored this year for Outstanding Achievements in Historic Preservation. The barn was recently restored with the help of DAHP’s Heritage Barn Grant Program. The deadline to submit applications for the 2025-2027 Heritage Barn Grant Program is 11:59 p.m. Oct. 19.
