In the August 31, 2011 issue...

Photo by Don Coyote

These cormorants are ready in case any flying fish show up on Swinomish Channel.  

Industrial zone next to houses “pending” 

The La Conner Town Council scrapped a resolution that would have upheld its vote in June to deny the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe a zone change from commercial to industrial uses on 5½ acres of land it bought adjacent to houses.

That means the tribe’s request to have the town change its comprehensive plan so the commercial land the tribe purchased can be changed to industrial zoning is still alive and “pending.” Next, the Council will hold a public hearing, probably sometime in October, on the resolution they voted down.

 So, would a zone change really hurt the neighbors?

During public hearings held earlier about changing the commercial land purchased by the Upper Skagit Tribe back to industrial use, several residents expressed fear that their property values would fall if the land is re-zoned.

We did some research on this issue and it's in today's paper ...

 

Boardwalk plan moving ahead

After years of planning and discussions, La Conner is closer to getting its boardwalk along the waterfront. Permits are all in place to start the first phase. Writer Nicole Jennings has the story in today's paper. Mayor Ramon Hayes has been lobbying state and federal officials and the town is looking for grants to get construction going.

 Photo by Amylynn Richards

You know it's fall when you see this...  La Conner Braves Football players have been sharpening their skills for the fall season that starts Friday when they travel to Friday Harbor. Here Ben Harper prepares to throw the ball, while Zach Harris runs out to catch it. Keith Aske watches from behind.

 

From the genius file:

A reader sent in this photo of a kayak that paddled right into a salmon net on Sunday as tribal fishers were beach seining off Lone Tree Point. 

From the police blotter:

11:25 p.m.: Suspicious – Suspicious noises were reported near the marina on Second Street in La Conner. A deputy checked and found the source of the noises was the propane cannons farmers use to scare away birds from their crops.

 The paper is on sale today in the usual places, including on the counter of the new Swinomish Village Chevron station, the drug store, liquor store, produce market, and in our office right next to the Station House.  Stop by and subscribe or call us at 466-3315.