The City closed Heart Lake to swimmers on Friday afternoon because of an unusually high fecal coliform bacteria count. In fact, Jonn Lunsford, the city’s forest lands manager, said the coliform count was higher than he’s ever seen.

The state Transportation Department says roundabout construction is about half over and it could open two weeks from today. Meanwhile, the Chamber of Commerce is asking locals to try to patronize businesses south of 32nd St.

A former long-time Anacortes resident, Lois Auchterlonie, is on the list to receive the Congressional Gold Medal for her service as a WASP pilot during World War II.

Homebuyers are starting to return to the Anacortes real estate market. Closed home sales for June equaled home sales one year ago and were double a month ago. Prices, however, remain depressed.

The Anacortes Chamber of Commerce has launched a new initiative to forge closer ties with the Whidbey Naval Air Station community. The initiative includes a new Web site.

The City Council has given final approval for the planned Northwest Career and Technical Academy, to be built on Port of Anacortes property, dubbed Parcel One, south of Cap Sante Marina.