The Sidney-Anacortes ferry route will not operate this spring, with service unlikely to be restored for the summer season. In a press release Tuesday, March 8 the Town of Sidney, British Columbia announced Washington State Ferries would not be operating the route due to a shortage of crew. “It is disappointing that this important connection […]
The Anacortes Chamber of Commerce today promoted a holiday season “call to action” from Mayor Laurie Gere. As business people wrestle with the current round of COVID-19 inspired restrictions, Gere said, “I want to call on each resident to consider shopping local. Our businesses are open for takeout, curbside services, gift cards and gifts that […]
One can only hope that our local businesses are able to remain healthy under the restrictions prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Who would have ever guessed such circumstances in the Summer of 2006?
This 2005 photograph of the late muralist/historian Bill Mitchell takes on added emotional significance as those of us who love the Anacortes Arts Festival like Bill did come to grips with the fact that there will be no artists in the street this year. Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After a long hiatus I finally got to the top of Mt. Erie this morning, a trip that yielded this view of Lake Campbell and environs. The city has closed the mountain road to vehicles from Friday through Sunday, citing COVID-19 concerns. Hikers are free to access the mountain and trail system, so there are […]
The City of Anacortes has cancelled an “Open Streets” event planned this Friday and Saturday. The event was intended to “stimulate economic recovery” by opening more outdoor areas to city businesses, especially restaurants. A city statement read: “Based on a surge in the COVID-19 cases the Skagit County Public Health Department has directed the City […]
Someday we’ll look back on photos like this in our family albums and ask: “What the heck?” This masked couple spent part of the day Saturday enjoying the tide pools at Rosario Beach. COVID-19 restrictions, first put in place in March, have ramped up again in recent weeks. Some speculate such masks will be the […]
On Friday, May 23 the Skagit County Board of Health sent a letter to Governor Inslee asking that he consider a Phase 2 variance for Skagit County. Skagit County Unified Command, mayors of all eight Skagit County cities and towns, and First Responders sent letters in support of the Board of Health’s request. Text of […]
COVID-19 pandemic restrictions continue to take a toll on popular seasonal activities, now including the Anacortes Fourth of July parade and related events. A cancellation notice regarding city-hosted summer events was issued Tuesday, stating in part: “The City has determined that the threat that large-scale events pose to the health of the community is too […]
Given the restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, public access to the Skagit Valley’s famous tulip gardens is limited to roadside viewing. I shot these images through an open passenger’s seat window. Check Tulip Town and Roozengaarde websites for photos taken inside the fenceline.
Marathon Petroleum Company has contributed in a major way to efforts to provide vital personal protection equipment (PPE) to hospitals and emergency service providers nationwide, including Skagit County. The contributions were made in response to the international COVID-19 pandemic. Skagit County Department of Emergency Management is one of 45 U.S. organizations to receive a donation […]
Dear Anacortes Community, As I write this, community transmission of COVID-19 is occurring in Skagit County. We are all seeing breaking news on our TV screens, hearing it on the radio, on our phones and from our fellow community members. Now is the time to follow the guidelines set by Skagit County Public Health and […]