Area Reddits

If so, lmk!

The Skagit County Planning Commission just began updating the County Comprehensive Plan, which is a big deal because a lot of decisions concerning land use and funding of infrastructure are made based off of that document.

On Tuesday January 23rd, the Commission met to discuss the state-required climate change element of the plan. In two weeks, on Tuesday February 13th, they will have another public meeting to discuss the housing element. This will be a great opportunity for those of us advocates who care about sustainable development to make our voices heard.

The conference room of the Central Skagit Library - Sedro Wooley has been reserved for a workshop from 10:30 - 2:30 on Saturday February 10th. There will be lots of information about how to organize public comments at the next Commission meeting, in pursuit of the following goals:

• ending parking minimums in the County
• ending zoning restrictions on housing density, mixed-use development, and missing middle housing
• increasing investment in public transit and pedestrian infrastructure

For more information about the Commission (especially if you can't make it to the workshop at the library), here is a video of the Commission's meeting about climate change, and here is the page with the agenda of the housing meeting on February 13.

Now's our chance to make a difference!

Does anyone else think the community services in town should extend their reach for disability services?would be nice to see the community services extended in partnership with the hospital to create a more inclusive community programs that represents all people…

Recommended family sledding hills in Mount Vernon?

Has anyone been there yet? I haven’t been able to stop by yet and I’m curious what kinds of things are available. Additionally, do you all feel that if Daiso does well, it may draw and HMart, or something similar, to the valley?

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A picture of crews smoothing a new section of concrete on the westbound South Columbia Way bridge over Interstate 5 in Seattle.

Smoother rides ahead! If you've been braving the past chilly winters in our region, you’re not alone. Our bridges have weathered the storms too. Earlier this month, we wrapped up a project that repaired/replaced more than 12,000 square feet of concrete bridges in which cold temperatures contributed some of the damage to, across western Washington. Despite the increased workload thanks to Mother Nature, we made repairs in less than half the time expected, making it less inconvenient for folks who use these bridges as part of their commute. And despite the frosty challenges we’ve faced, we've now wrapped up repairs on 17 bridges, extending their lifespan and giving you a more comfortable ride. Learn more about it on our latest blog post:

https://wsdotblog.blogspot.com/2023/11/nw-region-bridges.html

Crews repaired damaged sections of 17 bridges across four western counties including the South Spokane St. on-ramp to southbound I-5 in Seattle.

A map of western Washington listing all the 17 bridge that had roadways either repaired or replaced for this project.

Nighty night, SR 20 North Cascades Highway. With significant snow in the forecast followed by rain, the decision has been made to close the road for the season at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30 due to high avalanche concern. As per every year, the closure is between milepost 134 Ross Dam trailhead and milepost 171 Silver Star gate. Recreation will still be permitted beyond the closure gates but please be aware of the potential hazards. The highway will reopen in the spring.

A look at State Route 20 North Cascades Highway, surrounded by snow.

It was recommended by my doctor that I need to do at least 4 hours a week of hard cardio for my heart. I am hoping to achieve this through hiking so I'm not stuck inside on a treadmill, but I have been having trouble finding hikes that are long of difficult enough online.

Ideally I want to find one or two trails less than 45 minutes away from Conway that are at least 5 miles and have some significant elevation gain. I am young, am in decent physical condition and have some experience outdoors so accessibility is not a concern aside from driving distance and ability to reach the trailhead in a sedan.

Any advice would be appreciated because I can't find anything close on AllTrails or similar websites.

Found what a pocket watch. If you think it’s yours please send me a description and we can get it back to you.

FINAL UPDATE/ALERT - TUESDAY, NOV. 14: After another review of conditions, SR 20 North Cascades has reopened as of 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14. Continued cold temps helped stabilize conditions so our crews could safely clear the road. If you're headed that way, please be prepared for winter travel.

UPDATED ALERT - MONDAY, NOV 13: As of 11 a.m. Monday, November 13, SR 20 North Cascades Highway will remain closed for the safety of crews and the traveling public, due to risk of snow slides. The closure points are between Ross Dam trailhead at milepost 134 and Silver Star gate at milepost 171. There is some cold weather in the forecast that may help conditions settle and our avalanche team will reevaluate tomorrow (Nov. 14). This remains a temporary closure, for now. We appreciate everyone's patience; we know the closure is challenging, but it is in place for everyone's safety.

A picture of thick and deep snow along State Route 20 North Cascades Highway near North Cascades National Park.

A picture of thick and deep snow surrounding the North Cascades Scenic Highway Rainy Pass sign along State Route 20 North Cascades Highway.

A picture of State Route 20 North Cascades Highway near North Cascades National Park covered in snow and large woody debris. There is a truck in the background also.

ORIGINAL ALERT - SATURDAY, NOV. 11: The SR 20 North Cascades Highway is closed as of 10 a.m. today - Saturday - due to a combination of current weather conditions, forecasted weather and significant slide concerns - they're seeing a lot of precipitation, up to 6 inches an hour. The closure will be between the two usual points of milepost 134 Ross Dam Trailhead on the west side and milepost 171 Silver Star Gate on the east side. The pass will remain closed through the weekend and will be reevaluated on Monday. While recreation is still permitted beyond the closure gates, anyone going past them should be aware of the potential weather-related hazards.

A photo of State Route 20 North Cascades Highway in North Cascades National Park surrounded by snow-covered mountainous terrain. There is snow and ice on the highway.

A photo of State Route 20 North Cascades Highway in North Cascades National Park surrounded by snow-covered mountainous terrain. There is snow and ice on the highway.

A photo of State Route 20 North Cascades Highway in North Cascades National Park surrounded by snow-covered mountainous terrain. There is snow and ice on the highway.

I live in Mt Vernon near East Division St. My Sphynx Cat ran off after my roommate let him outside (against my wishes) last night, I searched the nearby area until about 3 before deciding to stop. His name is Anakin and he is dark grey, he is not neutered or microchipped and he is not wearing a collar. I know its a long shot but I'm desperate at this point.

Dear Skagit County residents,

Two in-person meetings are scheduled this week in neighboring counties regarding the draft EIS on Grizzly Bears in the North Cascades.

TONIGHT or FRIDAY is your opportunity to attend and/or speak at the in-person meetings scheduled in:

• Darrington on Thurs Nov 2nd 5:30 PM at Darrington High School Auditorium
• Winthrop on Fri Nov 3rd 5:30 PM at Winthrop Barn Auditorium

Written comments are also needed by 11/13/23 . Click Comment Now at:

https://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=327&projectID=112008&documentID=132104

Hey, everyone. If anyone is looking for a job, there's going to be a new Daiso opening up towards the end of November. Around Black Friday, I believe. If interested, you can apply on the Daiso website. Towards the bottom there will be a Careers link.

Has anyone ever been to this restaurant? I’ve heard good things and I want to know if it’s worth making the trip up from stanwood for.

I haven’t gone to a bar in about decade but I’m looking for some validation on the epic Halloween costumes I made for me and my partner. Does anyone have a recommendation for a newcomer ignorant of the local scene?

I’d appreciate any help trying to figure out what my options are locally. I’ve had some people tell me to go to some Seattle bars to do well but I’m looking for a fun time/short drive not a great prize.

My kid is short on attention span and physical stamina, so hopping in and out of the car constantly just to hit a few houses at a time ends up destroying his enjoyment of the night. Are there any recommended neighborhoods/areas to concentrate on in order to maximize his enjoyment?

My partner, daughter, and I need a new place to call home. We have both been living and working in Skagit for over a year, stable. Looking for preferably a 2 bedroom. Our monthly budget for rent and utilities $1,900, give or take.

Things are tough out here with the cost of everything going up, so any leads or advice on where to look would be wonderful. Thank yall.