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Articles from the December 13, 2017 edition


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  • Town Comprehensive Plan being updated

    Bill Reynolds|Dec 13, 2017

    It’s never too soon to think ahead. “Or,” quips Town Administrator John Doyle, “the future isn’t what it used to be.” That’s why La Conner Planning Commission members are in the midst of a major review and revision of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, the primary policy document that provides a framework for future code development and enforcement. The panel hopes to forward its recommendations, shaped by public input, to the Town Council in mid-2018. “Revision of the Comp Plan,” notes Town Administrator John Doyle, “is a collaboration. We’re...

  • Boat parade thrills La Conner

    Dec 13, 2017

    BEST BOAT PARADE EVER – Well over twenty boats, a flotilla from the Fidalgo, La Conner, Shelter Bay and Swinomish Yacht Clubs, participated in the latter’s annual troll down the channel. Is it possible that over 1,000 people attended the cold, starry night event? The boardwalk was jammed from Hellam’s Vineyards to Calico Cupboard. The hour-long bumper to bumper car crawl leaving town was not nearly as entertaining. Annually, a sign of the times. -- photo by Don Coyote...

  • CERT training begins in January: Sign up now

    Judy Booth|Dec 13, 2017

    Skagit County Community Emergency Response Team Training begins in January. How prepared are you for a major earthquake or a fire such as the one that ravaged Ventura, Sonoma and Napa Counties this year, with only minutes for many to escape their homes? Emergency response training classes will be held on six Tuesdays and one Saturday beginning Jan. 9 at Shelter Bay Clubhouse, 1000 Shoshone Drive, La Conner. Classes will cover disaster preparedness, fire suppression, disaster psychology, medical operations, terrorism and light search and...

  • La Conner Hook & Ladder gears up for crash course

    Bill Reynolds|Dec 13, 2017

    The La Conner Volunteer Fire Department will soon be on the cutting edge when it comes to rescuing victims of motor vehicle accidents. The local department received a $20,000 grant this fall toward purchase of new extrication and related emergency equipment, tools that will be unveiled during a special Dec. 16 training session. The monies were provided by Andeavor Refining, formerly Tesaro, of Anacortes, says La Conner Fire Chief Josh Morrison. The grant, confirmed last month, made possible acquisition of various hydraulic devices, including...

  • Citizens caught in act of talking with Senator Bailey

    Dec 13, 2017

    A FUTURE SENATOR IN THIS PHOTO? – State Sen. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, spoke to Sarah Shipley’s middle school government classes at La Conner high school Dec. 6. The senator invited the students for another photo on the state capitol steps. – Photo by Joshua Hanstad...

  • Nature's colors outshine Tree ornaments

    Dec 13, 2017

    DAWN’S EARLY LIGHT – Nature’s lights outshine electrical ones every time. A visual gift for a town’s sleepy citizens offered by an early riser. – Photo by Nancy Crowell...

  • Musing -- on the editor's mind

    Dec 13, 2017

    This is my sixth month in La Conner. I am a newcomer. Some 13 years ago Sandy Stokes was new to town. Soon she was co-publishing the newspaper and did so for ten years. Folks are rightfully proud of La Conner schools. Yet Tim Bruce, like Whitney Meissner, was once new. At his start 27 years ago he inherited a very different school system than today’s. Scott Thomas comes to work in January to a very stable town government. Many remember how chaotic the council and mayor could be before John Doyle became town administrator in 2008. Kim B...

  • From the editor - Community call for emergency response training

    Ken Stern|Dec 13, 2017

    Fires are raging in California, again. Sunday, National Public Radio staff reported from Houston, examining the massive work still to be done after Hurricane Harvey. Reports here are for potential future earthquakes. This is the new normal: an active, unsettled planet prone to disruption and destruction of human and natural environments, indiscriminately. But, of course, humans are a part of nature. There’s always the potential for thinking things through and planning and commitment to action, results. In La Conner the opportunity for a C...

  • World War II Veteran John K. Bob honored Flag retired at memorial service

    Robin Carneen|Dec 13, 2017

    Over 200 people, including Veterans from all over, came together to participate in a special flag ceremony being hosted by the Swinomish Tribe Dec. 7. Family members of John K. Bob were the honored guesst. They wanted to return the 48 starred American flag that once had draped John’s casket. Along with the flag, they wanted to give his Purple Heart and Silver Star medals, back to the Swinomish Veterans. The Veterans accepted the flag and also took this opportunity to also honor his memory, h...