The State Department of Health has temporarily closed Samish Bay for commercial and recreational shellfish harvesting due to high levels of fecal coliform bacteria entering the bay from the Samish River. 

A long-range plan for the area west and north of Cap Sante Marina received signs of approval at a joint meeting of the City Council, Planning Commission, Port Commissioners and Chamber of Commerce Board on Monday night.

Like many of us, my husband and I were drawn to Fidalgo Island by the pristine beauty of the area and its surrounding waters.  However, unlike many fellow Trail Tales docents, we were not born here, nor were we long-time residents active in environmental programs, nor members of Beachwatchers.  

The Shell refinery on March Point sprang a leak in what's called the catalytic cracking unit that spilled granules of a chemical catalyst, a mix of chemicals including silica and alumina. The refinery reported exceeding permitted levels of two gases.

Mount Erie Elementary and Fidalgo School have both been awarded Washington Achievement Awards in Science.

Anacortes Police officers assisted a Bellingham man get his his stolen mountain bike, back. The victim had spotted it listed on Craigslist by a seller on Orcas Island, who agreed to bring it on the ferry to Anacortes.