The School Board Thursday night got a first look at the tough choices ahead to keep the school district budget in balance.

Tonight's show at Cap Sante Marina features a Seattle woman who blazed the trail for women in Rock and Roll and now plays the Blues with her band, The Formerlys.

Anacortes Chamber of Commerce members heard from about two-dozen political candidates today. Chamber President Robin Pestarino kept the proceeding tight, allowing no questions from Chamber members. A public candidates’ forum followed. 

Again there are five Northwest books are on this week's Northwest Bestseller's list. Two novels by J.A. Jance, a part-time Seattle resident, are on the list. Damage Control, her latest book set in Arizona and Justice Denied, her latest J.P. Beaumont book are on the list. Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain tops the list. David Guterson's The Other and Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian are on the list.

The ferry Elwha had to be towed to the Anacortes ferry terminal after its engines failed near Shaw Island this morning. A smaller ferry will replace the Elwha while repairs are under way.

When it meets tomorrow, the School Board will consider a $28 million proposed budget that deals with decreasing enrollment and increasing costs.