Farmers Market hosts city staff this summer

Come meet Mayor Dean Maxwell and other city staff 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays at the Anacortes Farmers Market. Different staff members will be available different days to answer questions and provide information.

• July 26, Public Works Department;

• Aug. 2, Parks and Recreation Department;

• Aug. 9, Anacortes Police Department;

• Aug. 16, Parks and Recreation, Forest Lands;

• Aug. 23, Building Department;

• Aug. 30, Anacortes Museum;

• Sept. 6, Water Treatment Plant;

• Sept. 13, Finance Department;

• Sept. 20, mayor and Human Resources;

• Sept. 27, Anacortes Public Library.


Comment on possible SKAT changes July 24

A meeting to seek public comments, offer details and answer questions about a proposed Skagit Transit fare increase and proposed changes to service is 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24 at the Senior Center. For more information call (360) 757-8801.


Open government forum is July 30 in Oak Harbor

The Washington Coalition for Open Government will present a special program focusing on Washington’s public records and open meetings laws 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 30 at the Oak Harbor library, 1000 S.E. Regatta Drive in Oak Harbor.

A panel of expert presenters will fuel the discussion on securing and preserving the public’s legal right to access the records and proceedings of the government agencies created to serve the people of the state.

The forum is free and open to all. Questions and comments from the audience are welcome. Contact the Washington Coalition for Open Government at (206) 782-0393 or by e-mail .


County outdoor burning ban in effect

Due to high fire danger and expected hot and dry weather conditions, an outdoor burning ban for unincorporated areas of Skagit County went into effect July 17, according to the county Fire Marshal’s Office.

No burning is allowed except barbecues with briquettes or propane, and approved fire pits in campgrounds. Restrictions remain in effect until further notice.

All outdoor burning permits for the unincorporated areas of Skagit County are suspended at this time. It is never legal to burn trash or garbage.

This decision has been made in cooperation with the Skagit County Board of Commissioners, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, local fire districts and Northwest Clean Air Agency.

Burning is forbidden without a permit in city limits.

To obtain updated county burn restriction information, contact Skagit County Fire Warden Fred Wefer at (360) 428-3293.


Speed limit lowered in Highway 20 work zone

The Washington State Department of Transportation temporarily lowered the Highway 20 speed limit from 50 mph to 40 mph on South Fidalgo last week.

The change affects three miles from the Miller/Gibralter Road intersection to Meadow Creek, where crews are widening the highway and improving intersections. The lower speed limit lasts until the scheduled completion in fall 2009.

The move by WSDOT to lower the speed in the work zone was due to close calls in recent weeks. Several weeks ago, a serious collision near Miller Road sent two WSDOT surveyors to the hospital, according to WSDOT.

Even with the lowered speed limit, drivers need to be alert and mindful while driving through work zones. Sharp corners and hills that reduce visibility in the area make it difficult to see what is ahead.


Heavy traffic expected along relay course

Heavy traffic is expected on several Fidalgo Island roads 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 25 to 7:30 a.m. Saturday, July 26 during the MyoMed Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage: Fidalgo Bay Road, 36th Street, Commercial Avenue, 34th Street, V Place, 30th Street, T Avenue, R Avenue, Q Avenue Sixth Street, M Avenue, 20th Street, I Avenue, 22nd Street, Island View Place, 21st Street, D Avenue, 12th Street, Oakes Avenue, Sunset Avenue, Anaco Beach Road and Marine Drive.

The 189-mile overnight relay race starts in Blaine and ends in Langley. Teams of 12 run relay-style through Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties. Visit http://www.ragnarrelay.com or call (877) 83-RELAY.