It's Fly-by Time! It is sometimes a cold and wet event, but the Port Susan Snow Goose & Birding Festival is now in its eighth year and revving up for lots of excitement. And, ah, yes it's also the first time of the year for the automobiles to drive erratically on the back roads of Western Skagit County.
Admittedly, this migration is a phenomenal sight to see. Just be aware: 1. Many people will be taking in the views and perhaps not concentrating fully on driving, and 2. The Skagit Sheriff's team will probably be working their Rexall speed trap a little harder.
So consider this your formal invitation to travel the tri-county route for some extraordinary sights and spend a weekend...in Stanwood. No sense in ending the party there. Come on a little further to indulge in the wholesome beauty of "always sunny Camano." We have a couple of great restaurants, a winery and now...an extreme zip line.
|
Is mandatory recycling out with the trash?
I heard you loud and clear. That's why I asked to revisit the ordinance with the new commissioner on board.
My hope was Jill would support the idea and she did. So when it came back to a work session for further discussion, my points had to be in order.
I had checked with the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which is the regulatory agency for the industry and no application had yet been filed. An expansion of the current permit would be needed, which would mean a public comment period after the application was submitted. So we had some time, but not much.
With Jill's support for considering a repeal, the vendor was asked to hold off on all applications and investments. That didn't make him too happy, so he visited both of us independently and pitched his case for staying on course.
When it came to work session, the table was stacked with four in favor of forced recycling and two wanting to give the people the right to choose (yes, the democrat demanding action and the republicans being pro-choice). Jill was not as willing to cut off deliberations at the scheduled time as I was but she eventually got there. I confirmed with the department head his direction from a majority of the board. So, next up, another public hearing.
|
Camano Kate retires
It was a bittersweet Valentine's Day on Camano as we lamented Kate Kappel's departure from us and celebrated with her as she liberated herself from the daily routine of the working life.
Kate served Camano Island's residents with respect, compassion and humor for a joyful 23 years. Her institutional knowledge made her a quick study with whatever project you brought to the counter, her retention of all things Camano made her the person to see regardless of your need and her easy going, fun loving personality made you always feel welcome there.
We wish Kate and Bill health and happiness as they embark on this new journey.
|