Anacortes is known for its small town charms, fantastic hiking trails, amazing sunsets and family-friendly festivals. Now rocks can be added to the list. But, these aren’t just any rocks. They are hand-painted rock creations meant to inspire creativity, kindness, and the exploration of nature.

With natural assets ranging from delicate wildflower to towering cedar, lush wetland to rugged bluff, a hike at Sharpe Park near Anacortes is a guaranteed five-star Northwest adventure.

Of the four seats on the City Council up for election this year, two candidates, incumbent Liz Lovelett and newcomer Anthony Young, are running unopposed. Mayor Laurie Gere also has no opposition in her bid for re-election as mayor.

An Anacortes man wearing a face mask and hoodie who led police on a chase on his bicycle was jailed on several charges.

Ajaycia Pillman and Brittaney Walkley are this year's recipients for the Walter A. Brodniak Cultural Education Award for their leadership of the Anacortes High School band program.

With the rev of some engines and the swing of the gate, State Route 20/North Cascades Highway has reopened for 2017. Opening for the upcoming summer season not only provides drivers another option to cross the Cascades but reconnects US Bike Route 10 between Skagit and Okanogan counties.