A modified burn ban took effect June 15 in unincorporated Skagit County and will remain in place until further notice due to current and forecasted dry weather conditions, according to the Skagit County Fire Marshal’s Office. The ban prohibits all residential and land-clearing burns, suspends existing burn permits and halts issuance of new permits. Recreational and cooking fires are still allowed if they meet specific safety requirements, including size limits and clearance from structures and combustible materials. The ban may be expanded during Red Flag Warnings or air quality burn bans. Residents are encouraged to use caution with outdoor fires and consider alternatives such as composting or recycling yard debris.
The North Cascades Highway reopened Sunday after crews completed repairs ahead of schedule, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. WSDOT had initially hoped to reopen State Route 20 by the Fourth of July, then moved the target date to June 19 after work progressed faster than expected. The highway, a key route across the Cascade Mountains for Bellingham and Whatcom County residents, had been closed after winter storms damaged a six-mile stretch between the Canyon Creek Trailhead and Granite Creek, from mileposts 142 to 148. WSDOT closes the highway each fall or winter because of avalanche danger, with reopening typically occurring in April or May.
The Skagit River opened to sockeye salmon fishing Tuesday and is scheduled to remain open through July 31, following a strong forecast of more than 70,000 sockeye returning to Baker Lake this season, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. In conjunction with the fishery, WDFW is conducting a salmon monitoring project using hydroacoustic (SONAR) technology, drift-net sampling and fish tagging to improve in-season tracking of salmon runs. Researchers will conduct weekly drift-net surveys on the Skagit River between the State Route 9 bridge and Sedro-Woolley through September, releasing all fish caught during the study. Anglers who catch tagged sockeye or Chinook salmon are encouraged to report tag information to WDFW to support the research effort.
Washington State Ferries launched its summer sailing schedule on June 14, bringing service changes to several routes. The Anacortes/San Juan Islands route has shifted to its peak-season schedule for the summer months, with minor timetable adjustments intended to improve on-time performance. Weekend service on the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route has expanded, with a third vessel now operating up to 15 hours per day on Saturdays and Sundays after limited weekend service last summer due to staffing shortages. On the Port Townsend/Coupeville route, a second vessel has resumed daily service and will continue operating through Oct. 12, the end of the route’s shoulder season.
Motorists should expect multiple road closures in La Conner beginning June 24 as Asphalt NW completes street and alley repairs under contract with the town. Planned work includes grinding and repaving portions of Third Street between Calhoun and Benton streets, repaving a section of Calhoun Street east of Third Street, improvements to alley entrances at Washington and Douglas streets between Second and Third streets, and repairs near the speed bump on the lower road through Pioneer Park. All affected areas will be fully closed during work hours to accommodate construction equipment and paving operations. Drivers are encouraged to plan alternate routes and avoid construction zones while work is underway.
Soroptimist International of La Conner member Diane Goetz was honored last Wednesday with the Laurel Society Award, a recognition reserved for members who demonstrate exceptional service, leadership and commitment to the organization’s mission of empowering women and girls through education. A Soroptimist since 2001, Goetz joined the La Conner club in 2019 and has served as club president, chaired numerous committees and represented the organization at district, area and regional conferences. She is also active in local anti-human trafficking initiatives and the Days for Girls program. Fellow members praised Goetz for her dedication and lasting contributions to the organization and the community.
