Even as communities like Anacortes collect signatures on petitions asking for no cuts in state ferry service, the Governor released a proposal Thursday to create a regional ferry district to run the Washington State Ferries.

An incident with the Boiler House at the Shell Refinery at March Point caused the refinery to shut down on Thursday afternoon. Sirens were heard in town as non-essential personnel were evacuated.

Workers are putting finishing touches on Anthony's new restaurant at Cap Sante Marina and have set the opening for January 17 with dinner service. 

The state Department of Ecology hopes cleanup work on the Custom Plywood Mill site, near 34th St and V Ave. will start early this summer, possibly as early as June. But, a lack of state funds may slow things down.

The City Council has signed off on the completion of dredging of Flounder Bay Marina. Dredging actually ended in October, but the Council has approved project completion status.

An Anacortes home was ransacked the day after Christmas and numerous items stolen, including a laptop, an iPhone, and a loaded pistol. An officer stopped a teenager nearby, leading, ultimately, to recovery of the stolen property.