New Report: Rising Business Costs Driving Up Prices for Washington Families
Graphic: Prices We Pay: The Cost of Doing Business in Washington (Washington Roundtable) From business balance sheets to household budgets: The Washington Roundtable is out with its second installment on Washington’s affordability crisis. The report, “Prices We Pay: The Cost of Doing Business in Washington,” outlines seven cost pressures that are squeezing Washington’s businesses, forcing difficult tradeoffs and contributing to higher prices for essential goods and services. Key findings:The report draws
Skagit League of Women Voters to Host 2026 General Election Candidate Forums
The League of Women Voters of Skagit County will host two in-person Candidate Forums in October, providing community members an opportunity to hear from candidates running for several Skagit County elected positions in the 2026 General Election. Both forums will be held in the Aqua Room at Skagit PUD, 1415 Freeway Drive in Mount Vernon.Monday, October 5, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 PM Candidates for the following races are scheduled to participate:Skagit County ClerkSkagit County CoronerSkagit County SheriffSkagit
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Skagit County to Host Annual Clothing Swap Event
PRESS RELEASE September 9, 2026 Contact Jenn Rogers Communications and Engagement Manager jrogers@skagitcountywa.gov 360-416-1300FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESkagit County to Host Annual Clothing Swap Event On Tuesday, September 29th, from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. the Skagit County Public Works Solid Waste Division will host their annual Skagit County Clothing Swap. The event will take place at the Skagit County Fairgrounds, North Entrance, at 1410 Virginia St, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. The clothing swap
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Skagit County Commissioners to Interview County Coroner Candidates
PRESS RELEASE September 8, 2026 Contact Jenn Rogers Communications and Engagement Manager jrogers@skagitcountywa.gov 360-416-1300FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESkagit County Commissioners to Interview County Coroner Candidates Skagit County Coroner Hayley Thompson has announced her intention to resign from her office effective September 18, 2026. Coroner Thompson’s current term as coroner ends on December 31, 2026. With the decision to resign before the end of her elected term, a nomination process will
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Port of Skagit to Host First Skagit Symphony Outdoor Concert
(Sedro-Woolley, WA)—The Port of Skagit is set to host its third and final summer concert of the 2026 series on September 12 and it may be the most special one yet: the first outdoor concert for the Skagit Symphony. The Port established the Music in the Park @ SWIFT events in 2025 at the former Northern State Hospital campus. This free community concert series is part of the Port’s focus on increasing public access and activity on the property. The Skagit Symphony will perform outdoors, in what
Larrabee State Park will close this fall for water system replacement
BELLINGHAM – Sept. 8, 2026 – Larrabee State Park is getting a total replacement of its water system to modernize its aging pipes, improve park infrastructure and reduce maintenance requirements. Construction will close park campgrounds and day-use areas, including shelters and restrooms, from Sept. 16 through May 2027, weather dependent. Some areas of the park will remain open through construction, including:Boat launchCleator RoadChuckanut DriveCove RoadHiline RoadClayton BeachInterurban TrailLost Lake
Burlington Chamber Launches September Skagit Speedway Ticket Giveaway
Start your engines, race fans! The Burlington Chamber of Commerce is celebrating September with a multi-week Skagit Speedway ticket giveaway, giving our community several chances to experience the excitement of racing right here in Skagit County. Throughout September, we're giving away:Four General Admission Tickets for Saturday, September 12Four General Admission Tickets for Saturday, September 19, featuring the Fireworks SpectacularFour General Admission Tickets for Friday, September 25Four General
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Skagit County Burn Ban Modified to Allow Recreational Fires
Due to increased moisture levels, recreational fires are now permitted within the unincorporated areas of Skagit County. Pursuant to the Governor’s Proclamation, the statewide ban on burning residential yard debris and land clearing remains in effect until September 30, 2026. Recreational fires are those used for cooking and pleasure, consist only of charcoal or seasoned firewood, and meet the following requirements:Fires are allowed only within enclosures AT LEAST 14 inches high, no wider than 3 feet,
Washington Small Business Fair Returns to Puyallup September 19
Current and aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to connect, learn, and grow at the 30th annual Washington Small Business Fair, or BizFair, on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pierce College Puyallup. The free, annual event brings together small business owners, entrepreneurs, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, lenders, and business resource providers from across Washington to help individuals start, strengthen, and grow their businesses. Attendees will have the
Washington State DES Offers Recurring Introduction to State Contracting Workshop
BURLINGTON, Wash. — Businesses interested in learning how to work with Washington State agencies can take advantage of a recurring virtual workshop offered by the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES). The Introduction to State Contracting Workshop is held on the third Thursday of each month and is designed to help businesses better understand how state contracting works, where to find upcoming opportunities, and what resources are available to help businesses begin selling products
Berry Dairy Days Celebrates 90 Years with Exciting Move to July in 2027
A beloved Burlington tradition is getting a new summer weekend. As Berry Dairy Days prepares to celebrate its milestone 90th year, the Burlington Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that the 2027 festival will move to the third weekend of July. The 90th Annual Berry Dairy Days will take place Friday, July 16 through Sunday, July 18, 2027, continuing the festival's three-day format while bringing generations of Berry Dairy Days traditions together for a summer celebration in
Cardinal Craft Brewing wins again with two international beer awards
For Immediate ReleaseAug. 24, 2026 Media contact: Marisa Pierce, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications | marisa.pierce@skagit.edu | 360.416.7957 Follow SVC: LinkedIn @skagit-valley-college | Tiktok @skagitvalleycollege | Facebook and Instagram @SkagitValleyCollegeHED: Cardinal Craft Brewing wins again with two international beer awardsMOUNT VERNON, Wash. — Skagit Valley College's Cardinal Craft Brewing program is once again earning international recognition, bringing home two medals
SBA Disaster Assistance Available for Skagit County Businesses and Private Nonprofits
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for eligible Washington small businesses and private nonprofit organizations impacted by the ongoing drought that began May 12, 2026. Skagit County is among the Washington counties included in the disaster declaration, along with Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Stevens and Whatcom counties. Under SBA Disaster Declaration WA-20034, eligible organizations may apply for
North Cascades Fires Update: Border 2 Fire 43% Contained – August 20, 2026
For Immediate Release: August 20, 2026Contact: Public Affairs Office, noca_publicaffairs@nps.govInciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/ August 20 North Cascades Fires Update SEDRO-WOOLLEY, Wash. — Fire activity has been minimal over the past few days on the Border 2 Fire (estimated 7,296 acres in the United States, 43% contained) due to cooler temperatures, cloud cover, and a heavy smoke inversion. Fire activity remains concentrated on the southern portion of the fire around Little Jackass Mountain.
Thank you for Joining Us at Ballington Flats
Ballington Flats has been years in the making, and it was incredibly meaningful to bring together so many community members, partners, and supporters who share our commitment to creating stronger, healthier communities.At VOAWW, we know that having a safe, stable place to call home can be the foundation for so much more. Ballington Flats is one way we are living out our mission—walking alongside individuals and families, helping create pathways to stability, and strengthening the communities we serve.What’s
There's still time to enroll for fall at Skagit Valley College
For Immediate ReleaseAug. 12, 2026 Media contact: Marisa Pierce, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications | marisa.pierce@skagit.edu | 360.416.7957 Follow SVC: Twitter, @SVCCollege | Facebook and Instagram, @SkagitValleyCollege HED: There's still time to enroll for fall at Skagit Valley CollegeMOUNT VERNON, Wash. — Students still have time to enroll for fall quarter at Skagit Valley College, which begins Sept. 22. Whether beginning college, returning to complete a degree, preparing for a
Coalition of 25 states challenge latest Trump tariffs in court
A coalition of 25 states, including Washington, has filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s latest tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners. The case, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York, argues that the administration exceeded its legal authority by imposing broad tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The tariffs, which took effect July 24, impose rates of 10% and 12.5% on imports from countries and regions including the European Union. The
Once Ocean returns home after global expedition rooted in Skagit Valley College
For Immediate Release Aug. 6, 2026 Media contact: Marisa Pierce, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications | marisa.pierce@skagit.edu | 360.416.7957 Follow SVC: LinkedIn @skagit-valley-college | Tiktok @skagitvalleycollege | Facebook and Instagram @SkagitValleyCollege HED: Once Ocean returns home after global expedition rooted in Skagit Valley College Historic voyage highlights the power of community college partnerships, hands-on learning, and ocean stewardship MOUNT
Skagit Valley College receives $1.4 million Ballmer Group grant to expand Maestros Program
For Immediate Release Aug. 11, 2026 Media contact: Marisa Pierce, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications | marisa.pierce@skagit.edu | 360.416.7957Follow SVC: LinkedIn @skagit-valley-college | Tiktok @skagitvalleycollege | Facebook and Instagram @SkagitValleyCollege Caption: Front row: Kati Ortiz, Dr. Chris Pearson, Amy Reisner, Daisy PadillaBack row: Dr. Thomas Keegan, Yadira Rosales, Dr. Victor Vergara, Robert Hand, Dr. John Korsmo Photo credit: Liz Crookes, Skagit Valley CollegeHED:
Skagit County Superior Court Clerk's Office Announces Fee Changes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESkagit County Superior Court Clerk's Office Announces Fee Changes The Washington State Legislature has recently updated several fees administered by County Clerks. These revisions, outlined in House Bill 2543, must now be reflected in our fee schedule.Effective June 11, 2026Fee CategoryNew FeeNon‑certified copies$0.50 per page (electronic or paper)Exhibit photos$5 per photoDigital exhibit copies$25 per exhibitCopies on electronic storage medium$5 per storage
From Growth to Goodbye: Knowing When to Sell Your Business
Selling your business can be one of the hardest — and smartest — decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’ve built something from scratch or scaled a thriving enterprise, there comes a point when holding on may no longer align with your goals, your market, or your personal energy. You might be ready to sell your business if:Growth has plateaued and reinvestment feels forced.Market conditions are favorable for an exit.Your personal goals or energy no longer align with ownership.Financial or succession
