The Washington Department of Ecology has issued an air quality alert which is in effect until noon Thursday.

The prospect of unusually warm, dry weather expected in the coming days has prompted bans on recreational fires in Anacortes and across Skagit County.

Twelve vehicle prowls in the area of Fir Crest Boulevard and Westwood Drive were reported to police on Sunday and Monday, July 23 & 24.

First Friday Artwalk is being held in conjunction with the Anacortes Arts Festival this Friday night. Featured are new works by artists such as Jody Bergsma from Bellingham.

The 56th Anacortes Arts Festival, one of the largest and oldest arts festivals in the Northwest, fills downtown Anacortes starting Friday.

The City of Anacortes is seeking comments on proposed updates to the City’s critical areas regulations, which regulate certain activities and development in and near wetlands, streams, fish & wildlife habitat conservation areas, geologically hazardous areas, frequently flooded areas, and critical aquifer recharge areas.