Articles from the May 17, 2022 edition
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Blessing of fleet honors Lorraine Loomis, tribal fishers
Lorraine Loomis died nine months ago but her presence was clearly felt Friday during the Swinomish Blessing of the Fleet and First Salmon Ceremony. Loomis truly lived for the sacred springtime ritual...
Center Street condos approved
Yes, the three story condominium building at 306 Center Street proposed by Brandon and Katie Atkinson can be built. Hearing examiner David Lowell approved their conditional use permit May 11. In a 20 page decision, Lowell found the couple, doing...
Port pitched plans for major marina redevelopment
After a half-century, the Port of Skagit’s La Conner Marina is eyeing not a facelift but a full body makeover. Port officials came to La Conner’s Maple Hall last night to pitch several potential futures, including a mixed used development, with a r...
Forever crises are tragedies
We are facing a crisis with inflation, as happened in the 1980s. Gas prices are at record levels, a different crisis from their spikes in the 1970s, when there were two Arab oil embargoes, both a result of Israeli wars. Russia’s invasion of and w...
Appearance of Fairness
On March 23 I requested information from the Town regarding any rezone discussion of the property proposed for the Center Street development. On March 28 I received an answer from the town administrator saying that he had the right to take five days...
A remarkable jewel in Washington state
For many years there was a Skagit County 300-acre dairy farm owned by a couple with a family. As the couple grew older, they decided to sell the farm. There was a man in Seattle who was interested in the purchase of a farm. His name was Rabbi Raphael...
Declining school enrollment
I am sad that La Conner School District is experiencing declining enrollment. This could force budget cuts that make it tough on kids and staff. My guess is that it has less to do with local children going to private schools or homeschooling than it...
Marjorie Bickel
Marjorie Bickel, beloved wife, sister, aunt, friend and more passed away Tuesday, April 5, 2022, in Mount Vernon, Washington. She was 94 years old. A strong, creative, and thoughtful woman, Marge was... Full story
The La Conner Virginia-Belize connection
I had a luthier guest at my Airbnb for five nights from Virginia, Steve Showalter, the creator and proprietor of Showalter Guitars. Steve, a very laid back kinda guy brought two of his beautiful guitars to the show for sale. He and I shared some inte...
Wilbur reappointed as Fire District 13 commissioner
For J.J. Wilbur and Skagit County Fire District 13, what is old is new again. Wilbur was appointed to the fire district panel May 12 after a four-month hiatus. He had served as a commission appointee through 2021 but was ineligible to stand for the s...
Council hears Center Street complaint and June Pride Month plans
The La Conner Town Council heard criticism on the Center Street condominium project and La Conner’s upcoming plans for pride month at its May 10 meeting. It ran 75 minutes. La Conner resident Jim Matthews lamented that the Center Street project w...
Golf teams take first in district competition
La Conner High School golfers dealt with tough conditions last Thursday in Oak Harbor, but at the end of the day their outlook could not have been sunnier. The boys and girls golf teams weathered drizzly skies and harsh gusts to blow past the...
Girls win district track; boys place second
By capturing the NW2B District track crown in Coupeville on Saturday, the La Conner High School girls completed a three-sport hat trick this year. La Conner girls’ teams had earlier won the district volleyball and basketball championships. They k...
Enthusiasts filled Maple Hall for Guitar Festival last weekend
Hundreds of eager musicians, collectors and admirers shuffled through Maple Hall last weekend, May 13-15, taking part in the fourth annual La Conner Guitar Festival. Their eyes sparkled as they browse...
Galina Free’s first Boston Marathon run in 3 hours
Many readers will know of whom I speak when I describe the mysterious lady often spotted running through town. The tall, slender figure would materialize from the hill above and glide by seemingly...
Skagit County Police Blotter
Sunday, May 8 8:06 p.m.: Twin Bridges Troll – Two punched locks. Clothing, fishing gear, stereo equipment and tools were taken. Under twin bridges, Josh Green Ln., Greater La Conner. Monday, May 9 9:43 a.m.: Inappropriate visitor – Four...
Warm Lemon Water
We regularly drink lemon water. This method was a game changer for us. As for preparation, it’s as simple as it gets. The result, with some added honey is so soothing. Lemons come in different s...
La Conner Little Leaguers enjoy sunny ‘Day’ at Mariners T-Mobile Park
The La Conner Youth League transitioned from Hedlin’s ballfield to the La Conner schools, an adjustment that has not always been easy. But the players, coaches and families had a much easier go of i...
