Skagit Valley Herald

County officials are looking at consolidation as a way to save money in a tight budget year. Human Services, Senior Services and the At-Risk Intervention Specialist program will all be consolidated… Full Story »

Christmas is less than three weeks away, but there is still time to make a big difference in the lives of struggling families on that special day. The Skagit Valley Herald Christmas Fund brings… Full Story »

It isn’t often Skagit Valley residents get a chance to go ice skating inside the county limits. But cold temperatures and clear skies provided the perfect opportunity Tuesday. … Full Story »

MOUNT VERNON — The man accused of murdering a well-known Anacortes dog trainer was released from the Skagit County Jail Tuesday evening, according to jail staff. Michiel Glen Oakes, 41,… Full Story »

Boys’ Basketball Nooksack Valley 62, Concrete 32 Burlington-Edison 82, Oak Harobr 48 Stanwood 79, Everett 47 Mount Vernon 71, Anacortes 68 Coupleville… Full Story »

SEDRO-WOOLLEY — The millions spent to increase the city’s sewer system capacity will likely mean a bump in sewer rates for 2010. Residential customers would pay $53.25 per month… Full Story »

MOUNT VERNON — Another $1 million could soon be in hand for the downtown flood protection project. Commissioners for Dike District 3, which includes downtown Mount Vernon, have already… Full Story »

A shelter worth saving We live in one of the most beautiful areas possible. Skagit County has incredible people here who care about each other, and for many years created a loving place… Full Story »

Island County Public Health has opened up the H1N1 vaccine to anyone in Island County. The vaccine was restricted to people at most risk for complications from the swine flu virus and to emergency… Full Story »

If you’re looking for warmer days, you’ll probably have to go somewhere else this week. The cold, dry air mass that has pushed temperatures below freezing will remain over the Western… Full Story »

James Murray, a 21-year-old shopkeeper second class, was standing with his fellow sailors for the raising of the flag on Ford Island in Pearl Harbor just before 8 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, when he… Full Story »

MOUNT VERNON — Some local churches have opened up the Severe Weather Emergency Shelter for the homeless. The shelter, run by the interdenominational service group Christian Ministry Network,… Full Story »

BURLINGTON — It’s not often that a high school football team has a kicker who is as potent a weapon as Andrew Furney was this year for the Burlington-Edison Tigers. Furney, who… Full Story »

Sam Fagan, son of Kent and Peggy Fagan of Conway, was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at a court of honor held Monday, Nov. 23, at the Fir-Conway Lutheran Church near Conway. To earn the Eagle… Full Story »

When Dave Crumbo headed to Africa for a couple of months last year after retiring as a partner in Alaska Ocean Seafood, he never imagined he’d return with a new business plan. But he… Full Story »

MOUNT VERNON — The man accused of planning and carrying out the murder of a well-known Anacortes dog trainer has secured the $250,000 he needs to post his $2.5 million bond for release, according… Full Story »

Derrick Baer, 26, of Mount Vernon, Heather O’Neill, 21, of Sedro-Woolley. James Moore, 62, Patti Chambers, 58, both of Mount Vernon. John Harkins Jr., 29, of Anacortes, Erin… Full Story »

Bellingham Birth Center Julie and David Schutte, Sedro-Woolley, a boy, Oct. 22, 2009. Home births Tracy Dahlstedt and Robert Rienstra, Bellingham, a girl, Nov. 28, 2009.… Full Story »

Marines add handmade toys to Christmas Fund stash Seven of Dwain Colby’s grandchildren helped refine the design of a wooden toy float plane that moves like a rocking horse and will be… Full Story »

MOUNT VERNON — About 100 teenage heads bowed in prayer as students attended a midday chapel service at Mount Vernon Christian School. The speaker, Mike Encoe, the children’s youth… Full Story »

There is encouraging progress toward cleaning up the Samish River after decades of inaction. The river is not long — just 29 miles — but its influence on salmon, agriculture and tideland… Full Story »

No apology needed After reading Steve Gates’ recent letter to the editor, I would like to respond to it. I too have supported the Burlington-Edison School Board for many years… Full Story »

Use building for homeless Wouldn’t it be great if the empty Wal-Mart building could be used to house people who presently find themselves without a home? Many people find themselves… Full Story »

The state Parks and Recreation Commission will go forward on a purchase of Kiket Island, one of the Puget Sound’s last undeveloped shorelines, with some provisions. The commission decided… Full Story »

MOUNT VERNON Chinook Enterprises was recently selected as the Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Area 2 Community Partner of the Year. Described in the award nomination… Full Story »