A major winter storm is on tap this weekend, but Anacortes and western Skagit County will be spared the worst of it. 

School Superintendent Chris Borgen says Anacortes schools will be hurt by cuts in the state budget proposed by the Governor. “Negatively impacted” was his term. Those cuts could mean small staff reductions. 

Governor Christine Gregoire wants to eliminate the Anacortes-to-Sidney, BC ferry as part of her budget cuts. Dropping the route would save $9.2 million and eliminate 35 jobs. 

There are a couple weather-related cancellations. Schools will remain closed Friday, and the annual holiday boat parade, set for Friday, has been cancelled.

A break in the snow is coming. But, meanwhile snow showers are expected to continue today. One backyard weather station in town has recorded 6.5 inches of snow in the past 48 hours.

The city's historic register, which is an official list of structures intrumental in the history of Anacortes, has been expanded with the addition of the first private homes to be placed on the list.