A motor vehicle burst into flame in the pre-dawn hours Wednesday morning after crashing across Oakes Ave. and hitting a tall hedge.

Mayor Gere says she has been trying to bring together a cross-section of maritime interest in order to promote Anacortes as a center for the maritime industry, including naming the city an Innovation Partnership Zone.

The City Council has begun reviewing a proposed $113 million capital facilities plan for 2015-2020. It is the city’s wish list for the coming years and includes a $5 million seismic retrofit and new fire protection system at City Hall.

The ferry Evergreen State, the oldest ferry in the Washington State Ferries fleet, will sail its last voyage this coming Sunday and the public is invited to bid “bon voyage” with one last ride from Friday Harbor to Anacortes.

The city is now in week two of its automated trash collection system. The city used two-dozen staff members to deploy the new trash containers, which come with some requirements by customers.

Anacortes Schools Foundation board members recently shared an evening with donors and friends on board the Adventuress, the 101-year old schooner operated by Sound Experience, an educational non-profit.