Toxic algae is present at Heart Lake. Recent testing by the Skagit County Health Department has verified that the bloom has become toxic and new warning signs are up.

Anacortes Town Crier Richard Riddell this week is competing in the World Town Crier Tornament in Chester, England. He placed third on Wednesday and failed to place on Thursday.

Schoolkids go back to school in a few days and the Anacortes School District and the Salvation Army are sponsoring a Ready-to-Learn fair this Saturday.

On September 11, emergency personnel from upper Washington State will converge in Anacortes and ride, as a motorcade, to the Peace Arch on the US/Canada border for the 9/11 Memorial Ride and Service.

A new $20 annual car tab fee for Anacortes residents designed to help fund better street maintenance probably won’t go into effect until February of next year, according to the city’s Public Works Director.

Aaarrrgh! Treasure is in the eye of the beholder, but you’re guaranteed to come away “richer” from a visit to the 6th Annual Work Boat Races and Pirate Faire on the north shore docks of Anacortes.