They had thought about it off and on for years. But adopting a child from Africa seemed complicated, and besides, they simply didn't have the room in their two-bedroom home with a family of five already. Full Story
Fire department helps build homes for local families
More than 40 volunteers from Stanwood Camano Fire and Rescue showed up to help build houses last month for families in the community. Partnering with Housing Hope's Self Help Homeownership Program, fire department volunteers worked side-by-side with the soon-to-be homeowners on the construction of several houses. Full Story
Domestic violence and theft occupied Stanwood police last week
Stanwood Police responded to the following calls July 24 - 30: • On July 24, a wheelchair was stolen from the 9800 block of 270th Street NW. • A guitar and cash was reported stolen July 24 from the 7600 block of 275th Street NW. Full Story
SR 532 viaduct to close Aug. 14-17
Crews from Penhall Company of Seattle will close SR 532 to rebuild the bridge deck at 84th Avenue during the weekend of Aug. 14 - 17. The project is not part of the SR 532 corridor improvements, and will take roughly three weeks to complete, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. Full Story
Group fulfills tour dream
Stanwood business owner and stagefour prostate patient, Ric Landvatter, 58, is following along the path of cancer survivor and seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong during the 22-day Tour de France bike competition, Full Story
Fish report
Pinks stacked in Port Susan Crabbing has slowed, but pot poachers have increased in areas 8.1 and 8.2. Keep an eye on your pots. With the opener of coho and pink salmon, anglers should have plenty to do. Pink salmon are reported stacked in Port Susan and the Saratoga Passage. Pink squid/white flasher combos, pink buzz bombs, zingers or jigs will boat your limit. Full Story
Drug smuggler sentenced to 6 years
Devron Quast, 40, of Abbotsford, British Columbia, who was responsible for a national drug smuggling ring with a pit stop in Stanwood, was sentenced to more than 6 years in federal prison for conspiracy to sell drugs and money laundering. Full Story
Food bank launches fundraiser
Cooks of the community who want to help the Stanwood Camano Food Bank are invited to donate their favorite original recipes for a new cookbook. The local food bank currently serves about 400 people, a dramatic increase over last year, and the new fund raiser will help the volunteer organization to meet the community's needs. Full Story
Burn ban on recreational fires
Fire danger level has been raised to "high" in Island, Skagit and Whatcom counties and recreational burning will only be allowed in campgrounds with approved fire enclosures and a campground host or warden on duty. All recreational fires must be extinguished by 10 p.m. Full Story
FEMA raises wildfire danger
Sustained record-breaking temperatures have raised wildfire hazards throughout the Pacific Northwest and FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Dennis Hunsinger encourages at-risk residents to prepare for the worst, stay informed on local conditions and evacuate if instructed to by fire or emergency management officials. Full Story
