The eagles have landed! (January 2010)
Nobody told the bald eagles the Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Festival had been canceled indefinitely. The mighty raptors are back in the area again, feasting on the remains of spawning salmon. In Rockport, the Skagit River Interpretive Center is open again, thanks to generous support from Puget Sound Energy and the City of Burlington. [read more]

“John Denver” in town to support Eagle Festival (January 2010)
John Denver tribute artist Ted Vigil will be in town with Eddie Kilgallon, visiting Skagit County to write songs for Ted’s next CD. Producer and songwriter Eddie Kilgallon also plays keyboards for country music group Montgomery Gentry. On Jan. 30, Ted will be in Concrete and Marblemount to perform a concert at the Marblemount Community Center, see the eagles, and write songs. Find him at… [read more]

Lake Tyee property owners just say no (January 2010)
A Dec. 12 meeting at the Lake Tyee Recreational Community clubhouse drew hundreds of property owners, some from as far away as Minnesota. Not many were happy campers. On the agenda was a controversial idea proposed by the Lake Tyee Board of Directors: a one-time, $4,470 assess-ment to cover crucial upgrades to the community’s electrical system, which is badly in need of repair. [read more]

Imagine Concrete tackles playground, Lone Star Building, community garden (January 2010)
Imagine what could be! That’s what last April’s “Imagine Concrete” community vision workshop was all about. On April 18, 2009, the “Imagine Concrete” community vision workshop was held as a first step toward developing a community revitalization strategy. The future direction of the town and local area were discussed by members of the community. [read more]

Glass man (January 2010)
Richard Lowrie is a happy man. But then, most people who follow their hearts end up where the grass is greenest, which tends to make them smile more. The Hamilton glass artist is in his studio—his converted garage—moving at breakneck pace through stifling heat, singing, sweating, and calling out orders to his son, Levi, 19; Terrance Patterson, 19; and Alex Johnson, 24, who help him out when he needs a second set of hands. Foreigner is belting out “Jukebox Hero” in the background. [read more]

Good with wood (January 2010)
Rick Williams sits on his deck in late December, a piece of old-growth yellow cedar between his wrists and a pocket-knife cradled in his hands. He’s working on something that transcends mere art: He’s writing a story with a knife, one that will be retold for generations. [read more]

Between a creek and a hard place (December 2009)
Bill Chamness has a problem with water. His property, located at 7639 S. Superior Ave. in Concrete, has a neighbor that doesn’t respect his boundaries. Lorenzen Creek runs through a shallow channel along the northern edge of Chamness’ eight acres. The land here is nearly flat, causing the creek to travel at an almost imperceptible pace and allowing any silt in the water to settle out and fill the channel. That’s exactly what happened last winter, when above-average levels of snow, warmth, and rain combined to flood areas usually safe from such events. [read more]

“Lyman History Challenge” essay contest announced (September 2009)
The Lyman Minkler Mansion Committee issues a challenge to students in schools in the area to participate in a history competition in September 2009 to feature aspects of Lyman history: the significance of the town and its people in the history of the upper Skagit River region, and to feature, specifically, Birdsey D. Minkler and his mansion in Lyman. Submissions are due Sept. 27. [read more]

War in Afghanistan claims Concrete native (August 2009)
Concrete native Chief Warrant Officer 2 Douglas W. Vose III is coming home a hero. A memorial service was held Monday, Aug. 10, at the Concrete High School gymnasium. [read more]

Fly-In, Cement City Street Fair share July 25 weekend (July 2009)
Concrete will bustle even more from July 24–26, when two annual events—the Concrete Old-Fashioned Vintage Fly-In and Cement City Street Fair—will bring out the crowds.  [read more]

Lyman Car Show rolls into town (July 2009)
The streets of Lyman will be decorated with cars during its 9th Annual Car Show July 11, with all proceeds going to support the Lyman Park and Cemetery.  [read more]

Baker Lake Resort to go primitive (July 2009)
Baker Lake Resort, located thirty minutes north of State Route 20 on Baker Lake Road, will soon change. [read more]

Three east Skagit Wineries beckon (July 2009)
East of Sedro-Woolley lie three notable wineries: Eagle Haven Winery, Challenger Ridge Vineyard & Cellars, and Glacier Peak Winery. These small yet exceptional wineries grow the grapes for their wines in their own vineyards on site and from select grapes out of Yakima Valley vineyards. Each winery has a tale; all are fast becoming recognized as premier wineries in this part of Washington. [read more]