Explosion blows men out of closet

A man received serious burns to his arms after an explosion in a closet last week in the 1400 block of Sixth Street.

Two men were using spray-on texture in a 6-foot by 6-foot closet area that also housed a gas water heater, said Anacortes Fire Department Chief Richard Curtis. The pilot light ignited the vapors, blowing the two men out of the closet around 11:40 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13.

One man was transported to Island Hospital for treatment of burns. The second man was not hurt.

Fundraiser held for candidate Haddon

A barbecue and fundraiser for Linda Haddon, Republican candidate for the State Senate 10th Legislative District, is 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 on South Fidalgo Island.

Community members Bob and Joann Evans and John and Denise Tibbles are organizing the barbecue.

For directions and to R.S.V.P., call Pat at 293-4147.

Haddon is running for the seat currently held by Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen. Sarah Hart is also running for the seat.

Gas siphoning causes explosion, minor burns

Two vehicles were destroyed and an Anacortes garage was scorched in an explosion started by a brother and sister siphoning gas last week.

The sister accidentally filled a 2002 Ford 350 diesel truck with gas. She and her brother were using an electric air pump to siphon the gas out into an open 32-gallon trash can, said Anacortes Fire Department Chief Richard Curtis.

Curtis said the gas fumes likely started the fire when they came in contact with the pump, causing an explosion around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13.

When firefighters arrived, the Ford and a 1962 Chevy pickup, both parked in an alley in the 1100 block of 16th Street, were engulfed in flames, Curtis said.

Firefighters put out the fires in about 20 minutes.

The brother and sister received minor burns and refused to be taken to the hospital, Curtis said.

The two vehicles were totaled and a neighbor’s garage was damaged, totaling about $48,000 in damage.

Benefits planned for Whitney Schultz

A host of favorite hometown bands will perform at Celebrating Whitney, an eight-hour concert to benefit Whitney Schultz, 3 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at the Eagles Hall, 901 Seventh St. Suggested donation is $10.

Performing at the all-ages show are Neil Stuchal 3-3:30 p.m., Spoonshine 3:40-4:20, Fidalgo Swing 4:40-5:20, Afterthought Adam 5:40-6:20, Mouseheart Factor 6:40-7:20, John Van Deusen 7:40-8:40, Oregon Donor 9-10 and Gertrude’s Hearse 10:20-11.

Several businesses also donated goods and services, including snacks and drinks for purchase: Food Pavilion, Rockfish Grill, Cheesecake Cafe, La Vie en Rose, The Store, Sysco, How it Works and Christ the King.

A bake sale will also be held at the event. All proceeds go to Schultz’s family to help pay for her recovery.

Friends and family are also selling raffle tickets for a 1964 Mercury Montclair. Tickets are $10.

The car, which was donated by Schultz’s cousin, has 42,500 original miles.

The winning ticket will be drawn at the Oyster Run Sept. 28. The winner does not have to be present.

Proceeds from the raffle will go to help pay Schultz’s hospital bills.

She was seriously injured in a July 4 car accident on Guemes Island.

Schultz’s family has set up a Web site so friends can track her progress, see photos and write notes.

Visit http://www.caringbridge.org and type in “whitneyschultz.”

A trust fund account has also been set up for Schultz at Skagit State Bank.

Young professionals can visit Ecuador

The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International sponsors group study exchanges each year and is accepting applications from business or professional people ages 25-40 who would like to travel to Ecuador.

In April 2009 a team of young professionals, led by a Rotary team leader, will travel to Ecuador for a four- to six-week vocational and cultural tour. Rotary provides a round-trip airline ticket, accommodations with host families, meals and group transportation while in Ecuador.

Applicants must:

• Be between 25 and 40 years of age;

• Live or work in Rotary’s District 5050, which includes Skagit County; and

• Be willing to speak about their experiences upon return.

Application deadline is Thursday, Sept. 11.

For more information contact Elaine Howardson at (604) 870-3472 daytime, (604) 853-5107 evening or .