Skagit County Public Health reports local activity for influenza, RSV and COVID-19 remained about the same as the previous week for Oct. 4-10. Wastewater data from the Mount Vernon Treatment Plant indicates steady viral concentrations, with no reported outbreaks in the past three months. Overall viral activity is rated high, consistent with the start of the respiratory illness season. Health officials remind residents that flu season runs Oct. 1–May 31 and recommend vaccinations, handwashing, and staying home when sick to reduce spread.
Skagit County’s September 2025 Housing Instability Report shows a decline in households seeking housing assistance, but chronic homelessness remains high. A total of 132 individuals and 72 households sought help through the county’s Coordinated Entry system, which connects people experiencing homelessness to limited housing resources. Of those, 34% were chronically homeless individuals and 67% had a disabling condition. If you need help, call (800) 223-8145.
The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Senate has approved updates to its Enrollment Code, revising eligibility rules for both automatic and provisional membership by adoption. The new law takes effect Nov. 11. Key changes expand eligibility for automatic membership to children born to members living in Skagit, Island, or San Juan counties at the time of birth. Eligibility for provisional membership by adoption is now limited to biological descendants—children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren—of Swinomish members with proven ties to one of the four predecessor bands: Swinomish, Samish, Lower Skagit, or Kikiallus. Applications submitted before November 10 will be reviewed under current rules.
Skagit County has again delayed a vote on updates to its Critical Areas Ordinance, now expected in November as officials prepare a third draft of the environmental regulations. The ordinance could affect homeowners, developers, and local ecosystems, with proposed changes including wider riparian buffers and revised permitting processes. The delay follows concerns raised by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, which said the draft failed to meet conservation standards for fish habitat. County staff met with the Department of Commerce and a mediator to address the tribe’s feedback. The third draft will be released Thursday. Public comments will be accepted Oct. 30–Nov. 14, and the County Commission will discuss possible adoption Nov. 25 at 10:14 a.m.
During its Oct. 14 meeting, the La Conner Town Council voted to vacate a 30-foot stretch of South Maple Avenue so that it can be purchased for $21,000 by an abutting property owner; Skagit County Sheriff’s Sgt. Brad Holmes, who administers the department’s La Conner detachment, responded to resident concerns about speeding motorists, saying his office will increase patrols where needed and when requested; and La Conner Public Works Director Brian Lease said that due to safety concerns regarding the 306 Center Street construction project, sections of Center and North Fourth Streets will be closed to traffic. He said that affected residents will still be able to access their property.
