A permanent speed limit reduction is coming to a 4-mile stretch of State Route 20 between Sharpes Corner and Pass Lake north of Deception Pass. The Washington State Department of Transportation will lower the speed limit from 50 mph to 45 mph in both directions between mileposts 43.52 and 47.8, with new signs expected to be installed this week. The new limit will be enforceable as soon as signs are posted. WSDOT said the change follows community safety concerns and a review of speed and collision data, and was requested by the Samish Indian Nation. The affected corridor includes the SR 20 intersection with Campbell Lake Road, where WSDOT, the Samish Indian Nation and Skagit County plan to begin building a roundabout later this summer.
On June 1, the Skagit County Board of Commissioners adopted a moratorium on new data centers in rural Skagit County. The moratorium defines data centers as facilities that house computers and other equipment, are over 2,000 square feet or have a total anticipated load of two megawatts or more, according to a news release from the county. The commissioners explained the valley is at risk of natural disasters and that farmers are already struggling with already limited water supply. While the moratorium is in place, Skagit County Planning and Development Services will develop new code regulating the siting of data centers with input from the public. The commissioners will accept public comment on the moratorium at 10:30 a.m. on July 14, while written comments will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on the same day.
Skagit County has begun cleanup work at the former Whitmarsh landfill site on March’s Point Drive near Padilla Bay, with construction expected to continue through October. The project will regrade portions of the former landfill, install an impermeable cap, improve stormwater and drainage systems, restore nearby shoreline habitat and treat groundwater as needed. The site operated as an unregulated dump beginning in the 1950s before closing in 1973 and was later identified as a contaminated site requiring remediation. The cleanup is being funded through settlement funds, private insurance and grants from the Washington State Department of Ecology. Residents may notice increased truck traffic in the area during construction. Special protections and monitoring measures are also in place to minimize impacts on a nearby great blue heron nesting area.
The State Route 536 Skagit River Bridge will close to eastbound traffic starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 11. The bridge is being partially closed to allow crews to re-paint it for the first time since 1990, a project that should continue through early 2027. The bridge will remain open to pedestrians, bicyclists and westbound traffic (with several full closures at night and on select weekends), according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. Pedestrians and bicyclists may use a free shuttle service to help them cross whenever the bridge is fully closed, while drivers can follow detour signs. Emergency response vehicles will continue to have access to the bridge.
Anglers planning a guided halibut fishing trip in Alaska will face a new requirement this year. Adults fishing for halibut aboard charter vessels in Southeast Alaska (Area 2C) and Southcentral Alaska (Area 3A) must buy a $20 charter halibut stamp for each day they intend to catch and keep halibut. The requirement applies only to guided charter trips; anglers fishing without a guide do not need a stamp. Charter operators will handle the purchase process, but anglers should let their guide know before fishing if they plan to retain any halibut. Those who intend to catch and release only are not required to buy a stamp. Revenue from the new stamp program will help support Alaska’s charter halibut industry.
The Museum of Northwest Art’s annual fundraising auction reached a new milestone this year, raising more than $820,000 in support of the La Conner-based museum. Organizers announced that the MoNA XLV: Sapphire Dream Art Auction generated a record-breaking total through the support of donors, sponsors, artists, volunteers and community partners. Funds raised during the event will help support the museum’s exhibitions, educational programs and community engagement efforts. Museum officials said the proceeds will help ensure MoNA continues to serve as a hub for arts, learning and cultural connection throughout the region.
Local paddler Justin Beals reports that the osprey nesting atop Channel Marker No. 14 near Goat Island remains active and healthy. Beals, who regularly kayaks from the La Conner Park boat launch to Skagit Bay, said the birds have nested on the marker for at least the past three years and have become a welcome sight during his outings. On a recent paddle, he spotted one of the ospreys perched at the nest as usual, watching activity on the water. The continued presence of the birds is encouraging news for local wildlife enthusiasts, with the nest appearing active and in good condition as the season continues.
Janicki Industries, an engineering and manufacturing company based in Sedro-Woolley, announced its expansion into Great Falls, Montana, where the business is investing $800 million to add 2 million square feet of production space in the next decade and create 1,000 new jobs in the facility’s first five years, according to a news release. Construction is expected to start in July, with the first phase of the campus likely opening by the end of 2027.
