Sidney Ferry Fight

Short on funds and faced with replacing an aging fleet, Washington State Ferries sees the Anacortes to Sidney run much differently than local leaders arguing it’s an economic benefit to the state.

State ferry system plans for the future

David Moseley, Washington State Ferries assistant secretary, returns to Anacortes June 11, six months after presenting a long-range plan that drove many to action through the Save Our Ferry group.


Sidney ferry run survives state budget woes

Duane Clark calls the saving of the Anacortes to Sidney, B.C., ferry run by the state Legislature “sweet success.”

The state transportation budget was finalized by both the House…


Sidney ferry draws diverse ridership

Drumming and singing could be heard aboard Sunday’s Anacortes to Sidney, B.C., ferry opening the international run’s nine-month operating season.

The entertainment was provided…


Ferry funded in House, Senate transportation budgets

Funding to continue operating the threatened Anacortes to Sidney, B.C., ferry — and all Washington State Ferry routes — is included in the Senate and House proposed 2009-2011 transportation…


Sidney ferry funded in Senate budget

Funding to continue operating the Anacortes to Sidney, B. C., ferry — and all Washington State Ferry routes — is included in the state Senate’s proposed 2009-2011 transportation budget.…


Sidney ferry sails, but where is the run headed?

It could be a ferry celebration like no other — with the chance it may be the last weighing heavy on revelers’ minds.

The first spring sailing of the Anacortes to Sidney, British…


Report: Higher taxes, fares needed to keep runs afloat

Generating desperately needed Washington State Ferries funding, and saving the Anacortes to Sidney run, could come down to raising fares for operating costs and state taxes for new boats and terminals.…


Black Ball Ferry makes its run work

The Black Ball Ferry Line transports approximately 400,000 passengers a year from Port Angeles to Victoria, B.C., on Vancouver Island.

Its vessel, the M/V Coho, has been in service for 49 years…


Businesses cash in when tourists use Sidney ferry on their B.C. loop

Mark Lione notices the difference when the Sidney ferry run kicks into high gear during the summer.

More people stay at his Anacortes motel.

“During the prime summer…


Sidney ferry has been a stimulus package since 1922

The economic impact and tourism-building potential of the international ferry fun between Anacortes and Sidney, B. C., should be cause for celebration. So what’s new?

That was the story…


Lobbying heats up as ferry plans sail into Legislature

The Save Our Ferry group, a community organization trying to save the Anacortes to Sidney, B.C., ferry run, has been working hard to get the word out to residents that the run is vital to the region.…


Northwest international ferries at a glance

Washington State Ferries

• Anacortes to Sidney, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

• Only international route in Washington State Ferries system.

•…


Sidney ferry timeline

1922
• Two ferries make the round trip between Anacortes and Sidney, B.C., each day through the summer.

1927
• Puget Sound Navigation Company cuts the Sidney run from…


A Ferry Tale: History threatens to repeat itself in threat to Sidney run

Sharp Canadian tourism officials who foresaw the economic possibilities of an auto ferry between Vancouver Island and Washington arranged for the first boats to run daily between Anacortes and Sidney,…


Comment period on ferry plan extended

The public has through Monday to comment Washington State Ferries on the draft of the agency’s long-range plan, which proposes eliminating the international ferry run.

The comment period…


Strong support for Sidney run at ferry plan hearing

Nobody likes option B, but most seem to be able to settle for option A when it comes to ferry service in the future.

Both possibilities are in the Washington State Ferries draft long-range…


Legislature key to Sidney ferry’s fate

Canceling the Anacortes to Sidney, British Columbia, ferry run is before the state Legislature this session on two counts — one is the need to save money in a state budget where billions must…


Keep the international ferry run, public says

ANACORTES — When Jackie Boss bought her ticket to take a ferry to visit Sidney, B.C., it was her first step in finding a new home. She liked Anacortes so much she moved to the city 13 months ago.…


Effort grows to save Sidney ferry

ANACORTES — Tourists pack Stork’s Restaurant inside San Juan Lanes on summer mornings to eat a hearty breakfast before catching the ferry to Sidney, B.C.

If the Washington State…


Fight to save Sidney ferry run will be long and difficult

The community has mobilized quickly to make a strong case for keeping the international ferry running between Anacortes and Sidney, B.C. — perhaps it’s because we have to do this too often.…


Cutting Sidney run part of state ferries’ cost savings plan

Short on funds and faced with replacing an aging fleet, Washington State Ferries sees the Anacortes to Sidney run much differently than local leaders arguing it’s an economic benefit to the state.…


Leaders lobby for Sidney run

Ferry makes money for state, backers assert at community meeting

In a show of force, approximately 75 people showed up at City Hall Jan. 7 in response to Gov. Christine Gregoire’s…


Battle to save Sidney ferry run begins

The Anacortes to Sidney ferry operates April through December with one to two round trips a day, bringing tourism dollars to the city and filling the state coffers with millions of dollars each year.…


No more Sidney ferry?

Governor’s budget eliminates international run by next fall

Ferry supporters are planning a trip to Olympia next month in hopes of saving the international ferry run from Anacortes…


Top Jobs

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


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.


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.


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


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


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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