Choose how often you hear from us. Upgrade |
Hey Mt. Vernon, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s edition: Highway 20 roadwork, a Mariners walk-off win, and family day at the fair + fun things to do for free & local fundraisers worth checking out this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Roadwork brings long-term changes: Highway 20 south of Anacortes will have 19 days of single-lane traffic starting mid-August, as crews build a roundabout at Campbell Lake Road to improve safety and access -- see the roadwork timeline.
A dramatic home finish: Cal Raleigh's walk-off single lifted the Mariners to a 4-3 win over the Twins after Randy Arozarena's solo homer, a late-inning jolt Mariners fans around Skagit County savored -- catch the walk-off finish.
Statewide aid milestone reached: Washington’s Class of 2026 set a record, with 46,168 students completing college aid applications, the second straight year of gains after a months-long push led by Gov. Bob Ferguson -- see the application record.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Workday to weekend fits: Longtime, family-owned staple Stowes Shoes & Clothing keeps Skagit feet and closets happy with casual styles for men, women and kids, plus legit work gear that can take a beating. Swing by when your week flips from job site to sideline to date night, and let the right pair find you.
Weekend fairway fix: Whether your slice needs therapy or you just want an excuse to stare at the Olympic and Cascade ranges, Avalon Golf Links gives you three distinct 9s, rolling hills, and seriously smooth greens. Hit the range, join a league, or book a friendly match and call it a Skagit win.
Fresh-baked fix nearby: Craving something cozy this week? Hammond Bread Company is all about scratch-made breads, cinnamon rolls, cookies, and savory eats like sandwiches, avocado toast, breakfast burritos, and their famous bread-wrapped hot dogs, plus fun baking classes for date night vibes. Tastes like home, with a side of community.
|
04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
|
05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🥏 Tuesday Night Horseshoes @ Whitmarsh Picnic Shelter & Horseshoe Pits (Burlington) | Tuesday (8/4) at 5:30 PM – Tuesday night horseshoes is taking over your midweek with the sweet clink of ringers and friendly smack talk. It’s free, they provide the shoes, you bring the wrist, the aim, and a dash of swagger. Your chiropractor will approve.
👨 Family Day at the Fair @ Skagit County Fairgrounds | Thursday (8/6) at 11:00 AM – Family Day at the Skagit County Fair brings free kids activities and meet-the-neighbors nonprofits, plus the Diaper Derby for non-walkers, because glory arrives on all fours. Bring unopened diapers to Stuff the Bus, snag a complimentary gate ticket at the Cleveland Park entrance.
🧩 Sensory Indoor Recess (Ages 2-8) @ Central Skagit Library (Sedro-Woolley) | Thursday (8/6) at 4:30 PM – Think indoor recess, but calm, kind, and free. Sensory-friendly playtime for ages 2 to 8, plus siblings, with Skagit Parent2Parent, where kids with sensory sensitivities, unique needs, and medical complexities can explore, play, and connect at their own pace. Low chaos, high comfort.
👨 NAMI Skagit Family Support Group @ NAMI Skagit (Mount Vernon) | Tuesday (8/25) at 6:30 PM – Free and monthly, this support group is for adults 18+ who have a loved one living with a mental health condition. Confidential, judgment-free, and refreshingly real. Because pretending everything is fine is a full-time job, and nobody's getting paid for that.
🎵 Music in the Park @ SWIFT Center (Sedro-Woolley) | Saturday (9/12) at 5:30 PM – Skagit's lawn party returns to the SWIFT Center, the former Northern State Hospital grounds, with three free shows spanning country, soul, and symphonic, plus food trucks and The Tipsy Trailer pouring. Bring the lawn chair you swear is comfortable, the family, and the leashed dog. ✨ Upcoming local fundraisers⛳ Third Annual Golf Tournament 2026 @ Avalon Golf Links (Burlington) | Friday (8/28) at 1:00 PM – Take a breather from house projects and tee it up at the third annual throwdown hosted by Andy's 5 Star Flooring. With Specialty Medical Shafts along for the ride, expect friendly trash talk, greens that break like tile grout, and bragging rights worth polishing.
🏃 Uff Da 5K Run/Walk @ Port of Skagit (Burlington) | Saturday (9/19) at 8:00 AM – Conway is lacing up for the first Uff Da 5K, turning cardio into culture and a fundraiser. Expect Vikings cheering, Scandinavian treats, and a chance to help a 94-year-old lodge that outlasts our knees, plus a chance to snag the shirt.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — Mt. Vernon report Weather forecastToday — High: 84°F — Low: 58°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 84. West northwest wind 0 to 8 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 58. North northeast wind 1 to 7 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 87°F — Low: 61°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 87. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 61. This house is wildSet on nearly 40 private acres with direct access to protected DNR land, this custom retreat blends rugged beauty with modern ease. Soaring exposed beams and walls of windows frame the scenery, while solar power, rainwater catchment, and whole-home filtration keep things efficient. A luxury treehouse, mahogany deck, lookout tower, and oversized 3-bay shop add serious wow factor.
Take a peek inside → |
| |
