Skagit Publishing Celebrates 125 Years

Please join us in celebrating Skagit Publishing's 125th anniversary and our new facility on Anderson Road.

125th Anniversary photo gallery


Linotype remembered fondly, but print technology continues to leap ahead

When the Skagit Valley Herald moved to a new location near the Second Street Viaduct in 1966, it left behind a piece of equipment that had once revolutionized newspaper production.

With that…


Longtime carrier learned about dependability, entrepreneurship riding the route

The signs of an entrepreneur showed up early for Dan Mitzel.

For much of his youth, the now real estate developer rolled up hundreds of freshly printed Skagit Valley Heralds, filled his carrier…


Back in time, A look at some notable businesses of yesteryear

Big industries dominated the county when the Skagit Valley Herald first began publishing 125 years ago.

In the early 1900s, dairy, logging and fish canning were part of the area’s growing…


Company ‘lifer’ never planned to stay long

Linda Ensley has seen many changes over the years with Skagit Publishing Co.

Hired on April 1, 1980, Ensley, 63, didn’t plan to stay for long.

After 29 years, she said she blames…


Celebrities of Skagit County

We could fill a paper with all the infamous people within Skagit County. But there are quite a few who found fame after leaving the county, or returned to the county with national recognition. These…


Connecting with the community

During the past 125 years, Skagit Publishing in Mount Vernon has grown to become one of the most significant economic drivers in Skagit County and an important contributor to charitable giving.


Readers share opinions of the newspaper, positive and otherwise

Newspapers are where they don’t want to be — beneath grim headlines in their own pages — as they struggle to find a business model suitable for the digital age and a faltering economy.…


Newspapers provide link to past, present and future for local woman

Bernice Dolin of Mount Vernon remembers the Skagit Valley Herald from her childhood in the mid 1930s.

Each evening, after supper, her father sifted through the daily news while sitting at the…


Newspapers have become a multiplatform business

A half-century ago, the newspapers held a virtual monopoly on news and advertising, especially in small towns.

“If you’re looking back 50 years ago, we were almost the only game…


Technology will shape the newspaper’s future

At some point over the next 125 years, your children or grandchildren might read the Skagit Valley Herald through an electronic display embedded in their contact lenses.

But before those high-tech…


Local family’s newspaper lineage dates back to E.W. Scripps in 1878

Stedem Wood, publisher of the Skagit Valley Herald, doesn’t buy into that shopworn expression about newspaper people having ink in their blood.

“I think you learn the cliché…


From start to finish, construction of Skagit Publishing’s new building a 10-year process

When Skagit Publishing staffers began moving into the building the day after Christmas last year, it marked the culmination of a nearly decade-long project that met some unexpected hurdles and took…


New facility allows for better communication between staff members from various departments

What’s the difference between a publishing company’s building and any other office building?

Not much (until you start looking closely) on the office side of Skagit Publishing’s…


Top Jobs

REFINERY OPERATOR Tesoro is currently seeking to fill the position of Refinery Operator at its Anacortes facility. An Operator monitors and controls refinery process equipment while working a rotating 12-hour shift, often outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. This can be a physically/mentally challenging job requiring mechanical ability and a basic understanding of physical sciences and chemistry. In addition, candidates must possess a positive work ethic, good communications and teamworking skills and have the willingness to take personal responsibility for the safety of themselves and others. Along with a dynamic work environment, Tesoro offers an excellent compensation and benefits package. Starting wage will be $21.38 per hour that will initially increase to $25.59 after successful completion of training. Employment applications (one application per person) can be obtained at the Work Source Skagit, 2005 E. College Way, in Mount Vernon during the hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on November 24, 25, and 30, 2009, or until a maximum of 300 applications has been distributed. No applications will be faxed or mailed. You must apply in person. All applicants will be tested on Saturday, December 5, 2009, for basic skills and aptitude. Additional information will be provided with the application. Telephone inquiries and mail-in applications will not be accepted. Successful candidates for employment will be required to pass a substance abuse screening (drug and alcohol), physical agility tests, and complete a physical exam. Tesoro Refining and Marketing Company 10200 W. March Point Rd. Anacortes, WA 98221 Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V


Housekeeping/Laundry Experience preferred but will also train. Must be available days, weekends and holidays. $10.50 - $12.50 DOQ Join our team and enjoy a full complement of benefits including medical and life insurance at no charge to the employee, dental, paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays, and a 401K plan. Must be able to pass a background check and a 90 day drug screen. For more info., please contact Human Resources at 360-724-0265 or visit our website: www.theskagit.com Human Resources Hours: M-F, 8am to 5pm Directions: North or southbound - Take I-5 to Exit 236


Youth Center Staff Supervisor The Swinomish Tribal Community Recreation/ Prevention Department is looking for a dynamic and competent individual who is experienced as a Youth Center Staff Supervisor. The Youth Center Supervisor plans, and does the total duties of a Prevention/Recreation Assistant. This position provides leadership to the other assistants when the Coordinator is out of the office. The Swinomish Tribal Community is a positive and friendly work environment. This is a full-time position with full health insurance benefits. Salary is DOQ. Request a Swinomish Tribal Community application and Job Description by calling 360-466-1216 or e-mail wbill@swinomish.nsn.us. Return cover letter, resume, and application to Wayne Bill, Human Resource Director as soon as possible. Send application packet to; Swinomish Tribal Community, Human Resource Office, 11404 Moorage Way, LaConner, WA. 98257


STYLIST for AVEDA SALON AND SPA. Commission. 1019 Cleveland St., MV 336-2985


Established medical office seeks Medical Records Clerk/Receptionist. Must be flex. Position also covers sick & vacation days. You must have computer, customer service and professional telephone skills. Applicant must be neat in appearance, pleasant, reliable, organized, energetic and able to multi-task. Previous medical exp. is helpful but not nec. Send resume to: bonniec-mvwc @verizon.net or File #676 c/o Skagit Valley Herald, PO Box 578, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.


FARMERS INSURANCE AGENT We are looking for career motivated people to join our team. Join our team full time or train while you keep your current job to ensure a comfortable transition into the industry. Take advantage of top notch training, unlimited income potential, and the flexibility our company offers. Call Michael Dame at (360) 714 8117 x204 or email resume to mdame@farmersagent.com


LIVE-IN CAREGIVER. Room and board furnished. Clean, cook, secretarial, farm management. Integrity required. 360-873-9600


PROGRAM MANAGER developmentally disabled adults. Responsible for the overall day-to-day functioning of this supported living program. The Manager participates in hiring staff, training staff, scheduling of staff. BA or equiv plus 2 yrs working with the people we serve in a residential setting. At least 2-3 yrs. experience as a supervisor + direct service. Volunteers of America Western Washington is a private non-profit human service agency serving the disabled in Skagit County. Come be a part of what we do and make a difference every day. EEO/AA If you wish to apply for this position, send a resume to bdavis@voaww.org or come to 1934 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.