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La Conner High thinclads show egg-ceptional teamwork at Braves Hub
A day after competing in a league meet in Mount Vernon, where the La Conner boys took top honors and the Braves’ girls placed second in an 11-school field, head coach Peter Voorhees’ charges…
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Canine deaths of unidentified origin under investigation
These incidents are being investigated by the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Unit.
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Swinomish, PNW-led research rebuilds knowledge of a critical fishery
Experts from the Swinomish Tribe and beyond have teamed up to uncover the secrets of the state’s most profitable fishery: Dungeness crab.
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Proposed dam license provisions steps closer to federal review
Seattle City Light operates the Diablo, Gorge and Ross dams and over 100 miles of transmission lines — under a license issued by FERC.
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Disabilities resource fair
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities can learn more about what services are available to them at an upcoming resource fair. The annual Developmental Disabilities Resource Fair takes place 2-6 p.m. on March 25…
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Town branches out on tree code ideas
The La Conner Planning Commission brainstormed more ideas on how to improve the tree code Tuesday. The current code does not apply to trees on residential lots outside the Historic Preservation District. Commissioners Kirill…
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BREAKING: Settlement agreement reached over Skagit dams
Seattle City Light has agreed to spend nearly $1 billion to build fish passage at its three dams on the Skagit River, according to a KING 5 story posted late this morning. La Conner…
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Jason Vander Kooy joins climate advisory committee
Skagit County commissioners can count on the advice of a new group of local experts and stakeholders when planning solutions to climate change. The Skagit County Climate Impact Advisory Committee was established on Dec.…
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Fire District 13 leaders prepare for potential hot, dry summer conditions
Chilly winter weather hasn’t kept Skagit County Fire District 13 officials from bracing for the summer wildfire season. District leaders at their Feb. 17 morning meeting addressed the need to coordinate with new Swinomish…
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Hope and a healthy start as Didgwalic Wellness Center transitional housing opens
It was no ordinary ribbon-cutting celebration that marked the opening of the much-anticipated Didgwalic Wellness Center transitional housing project on Maple Avenue in La Conner last week. “We’re helping cut ties to substance abuse,”…
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Incumbents re-elected in Swinomish Senate general election races
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community (SITC) voters chose to stay the course in balloting for three Senate seats on Sunday. Incumbent senators Brian Porter, Greg Edwards and Tandy (Wolf) Wilbur each won re-election to five-year…
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Swinomish Senate candidates head to general election Sunday
Enrolling more tribal members, creating job opportunities, improving health care and addressing the opioid crisis are among some of the top priorities the candidates running for three seats in the Swinomish Senate plan to…
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Town declares emergency over water pressure swings
La Conner’s water distribution infrastructure is under pressure, literally and figuratively, prompting the Town Council to declare an emergency and authorize staff to speed up preventive work. At Tuesday’s Town Council meeting, Public Works…
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Commission mulls tree code changes to protect La Conner canopy
If approved, residents wishing to limb — cut off branches — or trim a tree would need to apply for a Class I administrative permit and demonstrate they have taken reasonable steps to preserve…
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Town, County, Sound and Sea
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that air quality in La Conner and the Swinomish Reservation is currently moderate, driven by elevated levels of PM2.5, or fine particulate matter. At this level, air…
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Farmworker bargaining bill underscores an uncomfortable reality: the current system isn’t working
Washington lawmakers are considering a farmworker bargaining bill that supporters say would correct historic exclusions, while opponents warn it could increase costs and disrupt agricultural operations statewide.
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District 13 chief to lead local team at Firefighter Stairclimb in Seattle
Skagit County Fire District 13 Chief Wood Weiss, firefighter/EMT Cole Mardesich, and firefighter Anne Reykdal are in training to take part in the annual Firefighter Stairclimb fundraiser for blood cancer research at Seattle’s Columbia…
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From snow geese to Seahawks, this weekend was for the birds
La Conner buzzed with activity all weekend as bright, crisp winter sunshine drew crowds into town and left parking at a premium. Sidewalks stayed busy from morning to evening, shops and restaurants hummed, and…
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Community pitches new offerings for La Conner Swinomish Library
Story time with Swinomish elders, a boxcar derby, Dungeons & Dragons, tribal history programs and more craft activities for all age groups are some of the ideas that emerged from conversations with locals on…
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Area firefighters, residents push new tender into Snee-Oosh Road station
Welcoming a new tender truck to the Fire District 13 fleet this past week was an historic event on several levels. Area firefighters and residents rallied Jan. 14 for a traditional “push-in” ceremony, during…
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Town, County, Sound and Sea
The La Conner Emergency Management Commission agreed to purchase SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet kit, Commission Chairwoman Brianna Wilson told Town Council last week. Starlink would be used for communication between the Town’s emergency team…
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La Conner students study the Treaty of Point Elliott on Treaty Day
The 1855 Point Elliott Treaty that affirms self-rule and autonomy for Northwest Washington’s Native American tribes ranks among the most important documents studied at La Conner Schools. The treaty was signed Jan. 22, 1855…
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306 Center project reaches major construction milestone
Construction at 306 Center Street marked a significant step forward today with the pouring of approximately 80 tons of concrete, advancing foundation work on the three-story apartment and condo project.
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Wilbur, Joe advance to Tribal general elections
The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community have announced the candidates who will be advancing to the Feb. 15 general election for Senate Seat 5 after this weekend’s primary. The candidates are incumbent Tandy Wilbur and…
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First Street parking getting too tight
Tuesday, the La Conner Town Council discussed an issue that isn’t new, but is seemingly getting worse: parking. According to Mayor Marna Hanneman, the Town has been receiving more grievances about the situation, particularly…
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Community discusses creative district plan, bridge to Swinomish
The effort to turn La Conner into a Certified Creative District has been gathering steam. During the Arts Commission’s meeting at the La Conner Swinomish Library on Tuesday, community members learned more about the…
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Measles outbreak confirmed in Snohomish County; Health officials warn more cases likely
The Snohomish County Health Department announced this week that three local children have tested positive for measles, marking an official outbreak under public health guidelines. The children were exposed to a contagious family visiting…
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Town, County, Sound and Sea
Skagit County Solid Waste rates increased on Jan. 1. The cost of general solid waste at the Skagit County Transfer and Recycling Station and the Sauk Transfer Station went from $137 to $141 per…
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Mayor discusses 2026 priorities, looks back
Town to focus on water, major projects and safety in the coming year.
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La Conner awarded funds ahead of FIFA games
The Skagit Tourism Bureau was awarded a $48,000 grant from the Seattle Foundation to bring fans to Skagit during the 2026 FIFA Club World Cup games. Among the communities benefiting from this donation is…
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Planning Commission ponders lighting regulations
At the heart of last Tuesday’s Planning Commission meeting was the question of how to balance public safety, wildlife needs and eye comfort when it comes to regulating lighting in the code. Planning Director…
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It’s time to mask-up against the flu
Respiratory illness indicators are rising across the North Sound region as emergency departments see an increase in respiratory visits. According to the latest Skagit County Weekly Respiratory Report, the percentage of emergency department visits…
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High tides ease for the rest of January
Minor flooding downtown earlier this week
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Is La Conner unsafe for cyclists and pedestrians?
New draft report suggests high death and injury rates, puzzling town officials
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Polar bear plungers brrrr-ing in 2026
Nicole Hagen and Mo Olason wanted the full New Year’s Day polar plunge experience. They spotted the Shelter Bay Polar Plunge event on social media, started chatting and decided to take the leap.
POLICE BLOTTER
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Police blotter: Seal pup rescue, Scooter goodbye and a very old necklace
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Police blotter: Protecting pups & vehicle quandaries
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Police blotter: Debit card unharmed, utility pole survives impact
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Police blotter: A poor parking job, a rude awakening, false alarms
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Police blotter: Mystery collision, stolen device, target practice