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Department of Revenue hosts listening sessions on new sales tax changes

The Washington State Department of Revenue is inviting business owners and stakeholders to participate in upcoming listening sessions regarding changes under ESSB 5814, which expands the state’s retail sales tax to include a variety of service-based industries starting October 1, 2025.   The virtual sessions, running from July 22 through July 31, are designed to gather public input and answer questions on the implementation of the new law. Each one-hour session will focus on a specific industry,

Washington state unemployment rate remains at 4.5%

OLYMPIA – Washington’s economy increased by an estimated 10,900 jobs (seasonally adjusted) in June 2025, and the monthly unemployment rate held steady at 4.5%. “Job growth in June was the strongest we’ve seen since January 2025,” said Anneliese Vance-Sherman, chief labor economist at the Employment Security Department. “Employment was boosted by gains in several sectors including leisure and hospitality, government and information.” In the past 12 months, the state gained 1,900 jobs — a 0.05%

Port of Skagit to Host Music in the Park @ SWIFT

Serving Those Who Served event connects veterans with resources

OLYMPIA – Veterans and their families are encouraged to attend a free conference that includes employment resources, workshops and more. The eighth annual Serving Those Who Served event takes place Aug. 20-21 at the Yakima Convention Center. Register for the resource fair on EventSquid. Serving Those Who Served connects veterans with experts from a variety of state agencies and community partners from across the state. The event is produced in partnership between the Washington State Department of

Age Brilliantly (.org) Announces its Summer 2025 Online Workshop Series

New York, NY; July 1, 2025.  Age Brilliantly(.org) is the interactive community of adults of all ages who want to maximize opportunities to lead happier and more fulfilling 100-year lives. Today, it announced the Academy Summer 2025 series of (complimentary) online workshops designed to help the public learn strategies and tactics to lead more fulfilling lives. These one-hour workshops take place each Tuesdays from July 15 through August 26, 2025 from 4-5 PM ET.   “For over 7 seasons, we've been

Job & Resource Fair comes to Tacoma July 24 for National Hire-A-Vet Day

OLYMPIA - The military community is invited to meet with recruiters from more than 60 private and government employers at an in-person job and resource fair. The event is free and open to members and families in all branches of the military: active duty, National Guard, Reserves and veterans, as well as Department of Defense employees.What: National Hire-A-Vet Day Job & Resource Fair.When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, July 24, 2025.Where: Mount Tahoma High School, 4634 S. 74th St., Tacoma. Register

REMEMBERING NORTHERN STATE – Public History Day

In collaboration with the Port of Skagit County, the Skagit County Historical Museum is hosting their fourth annual public history day.  The purpose of the event is to educate the public on the history of Northern State Hospital’s operations and employees, enjoy the grounds, and curated tours of Colman Hall and learn about current plans for the campus, now known as the SWIFT Center.In addition to the speaker stage and curated tours, the Washington State Archives will be there to answer researcher’s

Third webinar for state workers to learn about Washington benefits and reemployment services set for July 15

OLYMPIA – The Employment Security Department, along with state and local partners, will host another layoff assistance webinar for state of Washington employees and contractors. The webinar is scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 15. Registration is free and is open until the event starts. There is no limit to the number of participants who can register. Register on Zoom for the July 15 webinar.  The webinars, part of the state’s rapid response efforts for large layoffs, are intended to help state

Skagit Valley Icon Moving, Holding Huge Moving Sale July 15 – 19

Mister T’s Awards & Embroidery, a long-time Memorial Highway business and Skagit Valley staple, is moving to a new location at the end of July.  To prepare for the move, Mister T’s is selling their entire stock of blank on-hand apparel (hats, jackets, shirts, polos, sweatshirts, etc.), gifts, wedding décor, craft supplies and customizable items at 75 - 90% off retail price. The moving sale will be held July 15 - 19 from 9am – 5pm daily, at their current Memorial Highway location. People who purchase

Learn about key employment laws at L&I’s summer webinars

You can learn more about the state’s employment laws by attending one of the free webinars offered from July through September by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Vea esta información en español en la parte de abajo. The topics include worker’s rights, overtime exemption rules, isolated worker protections, paid sick leave, and the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act. Led by Employment Standards program staff, each webinar lasts about 45 minutes, and includes time for questions. To

Governor Ferguson: Washington will cover gap caused by federal attempt to defund of Planned Parenthood

President Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ bans all Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood for a year SEATTLE — Governor Bob Ferguson announced today that Washington state will cover the gap caused by the federal government’s defunding of Planned Parenthood. On July 4, President Donald Trump signed the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” which included a one-year moratorium on Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood that went into effect as soon as the bill was signed. Medicaid is one of the primary payers for

Share your feedback on sales tax changes

The Department of Revenue is hosting a series of online listening sessions to hear directly from businesses and interested parties about significantchanges to Washington’s sales tax law under ESSB 5814. Can’t attend? Submit your feedback online now through Aug. 1, 11:59 pm. Starting Oct. 1, 2025, sales tax will apply to the following:Information technology services.Custom website development services.Investigation, security, and armored car services.Temporary staffing services.Advertising services.Live

Birch Bay’s “Sand & Shine” Weekend: Sand Sculpture Competition & Rollback Weekend Car Show

Birch Bay, WA – The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce invites the public to a sun-soaked weekend of family fun on July 26–27, featuring the 42nd Annual Sand Sculpture Competition, proudly presented by WECU, and the 11th Annual Rollback Weekend Car Show. These two beloved events combine artistry, nostalgia, and community celebration along the beautiful shores of Birch Bay. “This is our biggest event weekend of the summer,” said Sacha Sanguinetti, Event Coordinator at the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce. “The

Burlington's first public library receives historic marker

BURLINGTON — Burlington’s first public library was recognized as a historic landmark Saturday during a sign unveiling and dedication ceremony.The Burlington Carnegie Library was built in 1919. It was a gift from Andrew Carnegie, one of the richest men in the 1900s.The library has been closed to the public since 1979 when the city’s new library was built.The Burlington Carnegie Library will reopen to the public, with its purpose being determined by the Burlington Historical Society, its partners and the

Join the Forums to Discuss How You Can Lead a Happy & Fulfilling 100-Year Life

New York, NY; July 1, 2025.  Age Brilliantly(.org) is the interactive community of adults of all ages who want to maximize opportunities to lead happier and more fulfilling 100-year lives. Today, it announced the Academy Summer 2025 series of (complimentary) online workshops designed to help the public learn strategies and tactics to lead more fulfilling lives. These one-hour workshops take place each Tuesdays from July 15 through August 26, 2025 from 4-5 PM ET.“For over 7 seasons, we've been sponsoring

Skagit Valley College’s Dr. Gabriel Mast selected for Aspen Institute’s Rising Presidents Fellowship

Skagit Valley College is proud to announce that Dr. Gabriel Mast, vice president of planning and effectiveness, has been selected for the 2025-26Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship, a highly regarded leadership program through the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program. Mast is one of 40 emerging leaders chosen from more than 120 applicants nationwide.  Rigorously selected by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program (Aspen), fellows will learn from—and apply to their own contexts—lessons from

Cue the Spotlight: Peoples Bank Named Season Sponsor for Mount Baker Theatre’s 99th Season

Bellingham, WA — Mount Baker Theatre (MBT) is proud to announce that Peoples Bank has been named the official 2025-2026 Season Sponsor as MBT prepares to unveil its 99th season of serving Northwest Washington and Southern British Columbia. In addition, they will continue as the annual Concessions Sponsor. The long-time supporter of the region, Peoples Bank, is a locally owned and operated community bank headquartered in Bellingham. The upcoming MBT season will open with exclusive pre-sale access for MBT

Skagit County Commissioners Adopt 2025 Periodic Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations Update

On Monday, June 23, 2025, the Skagit Board of County Commissioners approved two ordinances to adopt the periodic Comprehensive Plan update and updates and reorganization of the Skagit County development regulations. The Comprehensive Plan serves as a roadmap to guide the future growth and development in unincorporated Skagit County and operates as a framework to guide the day-to-day land use decisions by elected officials and staff. Washington state requires this document to be updated every ten years to

Skagit Valley College instructor Keri Palasz brings home silver at international yoga championship

Mount Vernon, WASH. – Skagit Valley College (SVC) instructor Keri Palasz recently represented the U.S. on the world stage—earning 2nd place at the International Yoga Sports Federation (IYSF) World Yoga Championship held April 5-6, 2025, at Limkokwing University in Malaysia. Palasz was also one of 20 athletes invited to participate in the event’s Global Demonstration Team, helping close the championship with a message of peace and unity. More than 150 athletes from 22 nations competed at this prestigious

Housing infrastructure grants workshop set for July 10

Commerce will begin accepting applications for Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP) grants next month, and an application workshop is scheduled July 10. CHIP is a competitive grant program that helps local governments encourage the creation of affordable housing. It works by reducing or covering the cost of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure associated with housing development.Virtual application workshop July 10 The virtual application workshop will present program

Lang’s Horse and Pony Farm Celebrates 50 Years of Family-Owned Excellence

Mount Vernon, WA — June 2025 — Lang’s Horse and Pony Farm, a cherished family-owned business dedicated to providing equine experiences for all ages, is proud to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. Since opening in 1975, Lang’s has served Skagit County with unwavering dedication, integrity, and a passion for making horseback riding accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Founded by Harry and Dolores Lang, the farm began as a small pony business and has since grown into a beloved local institution.

Pioneer Picnic, a La Conner summer tradition, scheduled Aug. 7

As has been the case for more than a century, history comes alive in La Conner again this summer.   The 121st Skagit County Pioneer Association Picnic and General Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 7, at 11:15 a.m., at Pioneer Park near the Rainbow Bridge.   The time-honored program promises something for people of all ages.   There will be live music on the grounds, historic photographs and biographical accounts of this year’s Pioneer Families of the Year and Pioneer Spirit Award recipients,

Two Skagit Valley College students selected for prestigious chemistry research program at WWU

Mount Vernon, WASH. – Skagit Valley College (SVC) students Owen Reeder and Camden Losey will spend this summer conducting chemistry research through one of the Pacific Northwest’s most respected undergraduate programs—the National Science Foundation-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program at Western Washington University (WWU). It offers undergraduates the chance to work alongside university faculty and researchers on real-world chemistry projects. Participants also gain valuable

Call for Applications for Skagit County Planning Commission

The Planning Commission works with the Planning and Development Services Department and advises the Department and the Board of County Commissioners on proposed land use plans and regulations in unincorporated Skagit County. The Planning Commission will be working through updates to Skagit County’s agritourism policies this fall. For more information about current Planning Commission work items, please visit: www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/PlanningAndPermit/communplan.htm The Planning Commission

CASCADIA Collaborates with Ravenna Press for Anthology  

Are you a poet? A writer? Did you attend this year's in person festival? Or watch the films during the online version of the festival? If so, we invite you to submit a written piece about your experience in response to the films or the festival itself for consideration in the upcoming ekphrastic anthology: STILLS: Where Cinema and Poetry Meet.This exciting new project is a collaboration with Ravenna Press and will result in the publication of an anthology of poetry and short prose pieces by writers

County employment data for May 2025 released

OLYMPIA – County unemployment rates and employment data for May 2025 are now available on the Employment Security Department website. Visit the labor force page to view historic and current data on the unemployment rate. To learn more about monthly job gains and losses from payroll data, check out the employment estimates.Please keep in mind: Unemployment rates and employment estimates at the county level are not seasonally adjusted because the sample size is too small to accommodate the additional

County Commissioners Award Economic Development Funds to Workforce Housing Projects

On Monday, June 16th, the Skagit County Commissioners approved economic development public facilities funding for three workforce housing projects, adding 65 new rental housing units in Anacortes, Mount Vernon, and Sedro-Woolley. Economic development grants are funded through the county’s rural economic development sales and use tax collections. Historically these funds have been used for public facilities and capital projects which include a nexus to job creation or retention. Based on a recent change