The state Department of Ecology says it has fined Anacortes-based Trident Seafoods $25,500 for two spills from the same vessel to the Lake Washington Ship Canal in Seattle last year.

Anacortes School Superintendent Chris Borgen says a projected $2.1 million shortfall in the school district budget will mean layoffs of teachers and support staff for the coming school year, starting in the fall.

State Senator Mary Margaret Haugen, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, says she will fight moves to cut ferry routes, calling the ferry system's draft long-range plan is "not a done deal."

The Anacortes Historic Preservation Board has set a program for this Saturday to help homeowners here research the history of their old home. It’s part of an ambitious plan by the Board for 2009.

Now that our snow is gone and we have had a few days to think about the recent weather event that parallels only two or three other events in my lifetime, here are my thoughts and perceptions.

The Anacortes Historic Preservation Board’s has an ambitious, exciting agenda for 2009, and our talented, enthusiastic board members are well-qualified to meet the challenges ahead.