Why we are here
Meaningful, independent journalism is at a crossroads. Advertisers who once filled newspaper coffers and funded local journalism have shifted resources to the Internet. And... — Updated 9/21/2023
Wildfire spared endangered pygmy rabbit population
The Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit population, nestled in recovery sites near Quincy, was spared from the Baird Springs Fire. The Pacific Northwest native endangered species resides... — Updated 9/21/2023
Clam season likely but numbers down
OLYMPIA - On the up side, it appears likely there will be razor clam digging on the peninsula starting Sept. 29 through Oct. 2. On the down side, the number of clams has plummeted... — Updated 9/21/2023
Blue Lake Fire spreads north of Hwy 20 in 'slopover' of strategic burnout
In its first week, the Blue Lake Fire grew slowly - it was just 290 acres after burning for eight days - but it has nearly doubled in size since Friday, after strategic firing... — Updated 8/31/2023
Scientists monitor juvenile European green crab populations in Drayton Harbor
Scientists are keeping a close eye on Drayton Harbor waters after discovering a sizable population of juvenile European green crabs, indicating growth of the highly invasive... — Updated 8/17/2023
Combating toxicity in trail culture
Over the last several years, my family and I have been section hiking the Washington portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. The PCT is a 2,653-mile trail that starts on the Mexico... — Updated 8/2/2023
Drought emergency officially declared for Methow, Okanogan watersheds by DOE
The Methow watershed is officially under a drought emergency. Okanogan County is one of 12 counties across the state hit with a drought declaration by the Washington Department of... — Updated 8/2/2023
DNR leadership preps for worsening wildfires in Washington
With wildfire season already underway in Western Washington, the state's Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz said firefighters are better equipped to handle more intense... — Updated 7/20/2023
Experts warn: 'Leave seal pups alone'
As the local harbor seal population enters its annual pupping season, experts urge beachgoers to steer clear of baby seals – even if they appear abandoned. Mother seals give... — Updated 7/20/2023
Skagit County drought worsens
The drought conditions for Skagit County? Not good. The U.S. Drought Monitor’s website’s weekly report lists almost the entire county in drought by area, 97.5%. Greater La Conner is in a small coastal slice of moderate... — Updated 7/20/2023
Floating ban coming to South Fork Nooksack Riverv
Floating down the South Fork Nooksack River will soon be off-limits for the summer. Whatcom County Council approved the ban by a 4-2 margin, with one council member absent, after a... — Updated 7/13/2023
WSU, OSU granted restraining order against PAC-12
COLFAX - Washington State University (WSU) President Kirk Schulz, also current chairman of the PAC-12 board, and WSU athletic director Pat Chun were in Colfax Monday, Sept. 11, to... — Updated 9/14/2023
Pacific County joins lawsuit vs. DSHS
SOUTH BEND - Pacific County is a co-plaintiff in a lawsuit against the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) filed on Aug. 23 by 22 counties in Pierce... — Updated 9/7/2023
Sheriff's office seeking information regarding recent dog killings
Pasado’s Safe Haven, an animal sanctuary and rescue organization in the Pacific Northwest, is partnering with People for Animal Care and Kindness and Team Okanogan Animal Rescue to increase the reward for information leading to... — Updated 6/1/2023
State insurance commissioner highlights new rules under state pet insurance law
After Gov. Jay Inslee signed a new bill related to pet insurance into law in April, Washington residents can expect more protection and less confusion, according to a news release... — Updated 5/26/2023
Police pursuit law rules modified
Police may pursue suspects that pose long-term serious risk to others under revisions of a more restrictive 2022 vehicle chase law that has now passed both houses of this year’s Legislature. Engrossed Senate Bill 5352 was... — Updated 4/17/2023
Assault rifles to be banned immediately if bill passed through the House becomes law
The manufacture, distribution and sale of any assault weapon would be prohibited by legislation passed by the state House of Representatives and now in the Senate. “There has been a dramatic shift in the public, I think... — Updated 3/10/2023
Task force on missing indigenous women proposed to continue
A state task force on missing indigenous women, created in 2021, will be extended at least two more years if a Senate-passed bill is approved by the House and governor. The bill, Senate Bill 5477, sponsored by Sen. Nikki Torres,... — Updated 3/10/2023
County fair is 'final exam' for 4-H Club members
Pigs are rumored to be quite intelligent, but did you know that they can learn to play video games by moving a joystick with their snout? That's one of the things that 11-year-old... — Updated 9/14/2023
Introducing children to the world of words
MV Elementary adopts phonics-based method to teach kids reading Most of us probably don't remember much about how we learned to read - mastering the association of shapes with... — Updated 5/26/2023
Teacher support for media literacy proposed
A public-school grant program to help students evaluate news reports would be established if a bill passed by the state Senate makes its way through the House of Representatives. The amount of the grant program awarded to... — Updated 3/22/2023
Proposed legislation requires statement of rights for students
Public schools must adopt a “Statement of Student Rights,” that includes freedom of speech and religion, the right to assemble, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness under legislation that has passed the... — Updated 3/22/2023
Proposal allows students to earn credits for work outside of school
High school students could earn elective credit through paid work experience under a bill that has passed the state House of Representatives 93-4 and is now in the Senate. “Financial education is a priority for young adults and... — Updated 3/8/2023
Driver's education making a comeback
People 18 to 22 will be required to pass a driver’s education course before getting their license, if a bill that passed the state Senate becomes law. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5583, which passed 41-7 on March 1, also... — Updated 3/8/2023
Proposed bill would require sex trafficking education in schools
Sex traffickers often manipulate their victims with lies or threats and force them to participate in sexual acts, and the most vulnerable victims are between the ages of 12 and 18. “Sex trafficking is rampant, indiscriminate... — Updated 3/8/2023
Driver's education to teach sharing road with trucks and buses
Driver’s education courses will include guidance about sharing the road with big trucks and buses if a bill approved by the House gets an OK from the Senate. House Bill 1540 is sponsored by Rep. Spencer Hutchins, R-Gig Harbor.... — Updated 3/8/2023
Bat test positive for rabies in Snohomish County
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., August 29, 2023-The Snohomish County Health Department is urging all county residents to know and follow preventive measures for rabies after a bat in the... — Updated 8/31/2023
Bat in Chelan County tested positive for rabies
WENATCHEE - Animal control officers with the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society recovered a bat that tested positive for rabies earlier this month. The Chelan-Douglas Health District... — Updated 8/17/2023
An Unforgettable Trek: Washougal children conquer Mount Hood's Timberline Trail
Washougal resident Randy Lavasseur believes that the physical and mental health of children are changing due to modern-day conveniences and the instant gratification that they... — Updated 8/3/2023
New rules protecting farmworkers now in effect
New rules protecting outdoor workers including farm and construction workers from hot weather hazards have taken effect as of Monday, July 17. The rules were put in place to better protect workers as hotter and drier temperatures... — Updated 7/27/2023
Governor orders state to stockpile abortion pill
Thirty thousand doses of the pregnancy-ending drug mifepristone was purchased by the state under an order by Gov. Jay Inslee. The abortion-related drug is legal in the state of Washington to end pregnancy up to 10 weeks. The drug... — Updated 4/6/2023
State moves to ban toxic chemicals in cosmetic products
Cosmetic products containing nine toxic chemicals already removed from some retail shelves would be banned under a House-passed bill currently in the Senate. Substitute House Bill 1047, by Rep. Sharlett Mena, D-Tacoma, passed the... — Updated 4/6/2023
'Suicide-prevention' bill adds infraction for people who voluntary waive gun rights
People with mental health issues and those who might consider suicide sometimes voluntarily give up their right to possess guns by filing a voluntary waiver of their firearm rights with the clerk of the court of any county within... — Updated 3/22/2023
List of 'mandated reporters' for vulnerable adults expanded
More people working in public sector jobs would be required to report suspected abuse of senior adults under a bill now being debated in the state Legislature. “Typically, the first idea that we have that abuse or neglect is... — Updated 3/22/2023
Bill restricts collection of health data
Use of consumer reproductive health data would be much more restricted under House Bill 1155, the proposed “My Health, My Data Act.” The proposed law requires the consumer’s consent before sharing or collecting personal... — Updated 3/22/2023
Food pantries want flexibility in spending to aid families
Food banks are finding it necessary to provide diapers, toiletries, feminine hygiene products and other non-food items but currently are limited on how much they can spend on those essentials. Substitute House Bill 1499, by Rep.... — Updated 3/10/2023
Can Skagit County farmlands and ag businesses coexist?
MOUNT VERNON - When a brand-new wedding venue opened up next door to longtime cattle rancher Terry Sapp's place, he saw the potential for serious, perhaps literal, rain-on-parade... — Updated 8/25/2023
Department of Labor assesses Ostrom Farms, finds $74K in penalties
The United States Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division found Ostrom Mushroom Farms LLC failed to pay its workers the required wage rate, nor did they provide cooking... — Updated 8/17/2023
Keeping it in the family: Paper's new leaders pledge to expand connections
CATHLAMET - The Eagle continues to soar! Just two months after the death of beloved publisher Rick Nelson, the Wahkiakum County Eagle has new bosses. They are his son Jacob and his... — Updated 8/2/2023
Brigadoon Service Dogs connects canines with clients
The first thing Gig Harbor resident Sandra Wade does when she wakes up in the morning is have her service dog, Pharrell, retrieve his collar with a cue she calls "yours." After she... — Updated 7/27/2023
Ferry proposal: Increase fares over next 2 years
The Washington State Transportation Commission is proposing to increase ferry fares over the next two years to meet revenue requirements set by the state Legislature. Ferry riders... — Updated 7/20/2023
Washington cherry harvest forecast at 8 million more 20-pound boxes than last year
WENATCHEE - Last year's cold, wet April brought the cherry crop down. But this year, the Washington state cherry harvest is in full swing, and the industry is optimistic about it.... — Updated 7/6/2023
Alaska Airlines adds nonstop Honolulu flights from Paine Field
Alaska Airlines is adding new nonstop service between Paine Field and Honolulu starting this fall – its first flight connecting Snohomish County and the Hawaiian Islands. The... — Updated 6/15/2023
Not so high times: Marijuana glut stunts local sales
ILWACO - After about five years of producing increasingly higher yields and record sales, one of Pacific County's fastest-growing cash crops is showing signs of slowing down, with... — Updated 5/4/2023
Cannabis store signs to come under local control
Cannabis stores may be able to display larger outdoor signs if they comply with local ordinances rather than statewide regulations from the Liquor and Cannabis Board under a proposal in the state Legislature. Vicki... — Updated 4/6/2023
Cannabis test can't be used to deny hiring in proposed law
Employers would be prohibited from denying a person a job for their non-work-related cannabis use in a bill passed by the state Senate 28-21 and the House of Representatives 57-41. Currently, there is one difference between the... — Updated 4/6/2023
Proposal aims at keeping people alive during extreme heat
Legislation prohibiting involuntary termination of electric or water services during extreme hot weather was approved by the state House of Representatives 64-31. Current law prohibits utilities from terminating heat utility... — Updated 3/8/2023
Grant funds available to restore historic barns, cemeteries and theaters
Grants are available to support the rehabilitation and restoration of historic barns, cemeteries and theaters across the state because of funding from the Washington state... — Updated 9/14/2023
I-5 bridge tolling could last until the 2060s
One of the largest sources of funding to replace the aging Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River will tax travelers a few bucks as they cross the water. During its meeting... — Updated 7/27/2023
A death in the family: Rick Nelson was a class act
As the Chinook Observer went to press this week, word reached the newsroom that Rick Nelson, publisher of the Wahkiakum County Eagle, succumbed to cancer on June 2. Nelson would have laughed to have been called a legend or an... — Updated 6/8/2023
Drivers, riders line up for 'the highway' opening
The North Cascades National Scenic Highway opened last Wednesday (May 10), just in time for Winthrop's '49ers Days festivities. Washington State Department of Transportation... — Updated 5/19/2023
Grand Coulee man takes state photo prize
Merle Roberts, of Grand Coulee, earned a blue ribbon in photography last week at the state fair in Puyallup. Roberts named his photo, in dramatic dark gray shades of a local tree... — Updated 9/14/2023
Miniature donkeys raised as companion animals
When you drive around Skagit County, you see lots of animals: horses, cows, goats and more. One small farm on Best Road that immediately caught my attention has a sign stating JF... — Updated 9/7/2023
Whatever History Has Forgotten, Seattle Put His People First
A year ago in September, I wrote about a few books in these pages that I thought our community might read and asked for suggestions for those many titles I certainly missed. One... — Updated 9/7/2023
Investigation underway in Birch Bay Waterslides accident
Whatcom County officials are investigating a man's injury at Birch Bay Waterslides that forced the park to close for the season on Aug. 25. An adult male was injured on one of the... — Updated 8/31/2023
Witness: Person struck, killed by train while trying to save dog near Woodland
A person and a dog were killed after being struck by a train on a span commonly known as the Ghost Bridge near Woodland on Tuesday, according to a news release from the Cowlitz... — Updated 8/31/2023
New WWU athletic director looks to place larger emphasis on fundraising, fan engagement
When former University of Missouri Director of Athletics Jim Sterk was hired to helm Western Washington University's athletics department, a 15-year-old question was once again... — Updated 8/31/2023
Peninsula guides a doggone 'miracle': Woman kayaks out to rescue missing Doberman
Operation Doberman sounds like a military code-name, but it was a remarkable instance where the peninsula displayed its collective concern. When Arlington visitor Stacy Day's pet... — Updated 8/25/2023
Packwood's 'Hammock Head' has done it again, this time with a chair
One member of Packwood's abundant elk herd, dubbed "Hammock Head" by locals, earned regional notoriety for getting himself caught in a hammock late last year and spending the... — Updated 8/25/2023
Northwest Steam Society hosts 50th public meet
Enthusiasts from the Northwest Steam Society are gathering their fleet of boats and historical memorabilia at Blaine Harbor for their 50th anniversary celebration of all things... — Updated 8/10/2023
'A Story of Shocking Function' - Derek Kilmer Works to Fix Congress
Ten years ago, then-state legislator Derek Kilmer considered running for Congress to replace the retiring Norm Dicks (D-6th), but he had some reservations. "I was conscious that if... — Updated 8/10/2023
- Boat work: Do it right or risk 'big ol' can of worms'
- WCSO inmate attempts escape after door locks fail
- Bellingham's first female fire captain is a 'professional problem-solver'
- Long-time Grand Coulee family physician earns prestigious award
- Author with Quincy roots digs through the history of territorial Washington
- Americorps team is back in the valley
- Harmony on Horseback: Local Teen Competes for Spot on U.S. Equestrian Team
- Former WWU track and field star wins UK cheese run
- Trio of local paddlers gearing up for 70-mile race
- Ski to Sea returns Memorial Day weekend
- Website lists Washougal River as nation's best skinny-dipping spot
- Wilcox steps down from House Republican Leader role
- Legislature adjourns without 'Blake bill' solution
- Finland's president addresses state Legislature