The 144-car ferry Elwha returns to service in the San Juans on Saturday morning. The Elwha was pulled from service more than a week ago and temporarily replaced by the smaller ferry Sealth.

Anacortes real estate sales continue to be soft. Sales through the first seven months of this year reflect a soft real estate market, but we are doing much better than the most of the rest of the country.

Four major books by four great authors are on on this week's Northwest Bestsellers list. Again, Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain leads off the list. Also in the top ten: Damage Control by J.A. Jance, Snuff by Chuck Palahniuk and The Other by David Guterson. Week ending August 10, 2008.

The Center for Whale Research says it has discovered a new calf in L pod west of San Juan island. The new calf, designated L111, is the 6th calf of the mother, nicknamed Marina and designated L47. The new calf was first sighted on Tuesday.

Recent improvements along Highway 20 near March Point have entirely eliminated pedestrians and bicyclists from the transportation picture, something one critic calls “absolutely dangerous” and “ridiculous.” 

The state Department of Ecology has ordered the Shell Puget Sound Refinery on March Point to take immediate action to demonstrate the company is fully prepared to respond to an oil spill at its facility.

Proposed zoning controls for Old Town won the support of everyone that testified at the City Council public hearing Monday night.

Heavy equipment and workers have begun ground work at Ace of Hearts Park Rotary Park on H Ave. between 32nd and 41st streets.

A weekly roundup prepared by the Anacortes Police Department.

The 144-car Elwha will remain out of service for at least another week for repairs.