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Governor Ferguson ordered flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff on October 17, 2025, in memory of four soldiers killed in an aviation mishap on September 17. The fallen soldiers are Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Cully, Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew Kraus, Sergeant Donavon Scott, and Sergeant Jadalyn Good. Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on the designated day.
Westbound and eastbound State Route 20 will close nightly from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. starting Oct. 1 near Oak Harbor. The closures will facilitate paving preparations for a new roundabout designed to improve traffic flow and safety. Detours will redirect drivers around the construction area.
An active weather system is set to impact Western Washington this week, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. Wind gusts of 30-45 mph are expected, particularly in Island, Whatcom, and Skagit Counties, leading to potential outages due to vegetation. Residents should prepare for multiple outages and stay updated through Puget Sound Energy's resources.
Washington State Ferries will implement a two-season schedule for the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route starting September 21, 2025, maintaining service through winter and spring. The new schedule will increase weekly sailings to 144, providing more predictable service for residents and employees.
ICOM 9-1-1 launched the Little Mountain Radio Tower Extension Project on September 17, 2025, aimed at enhancing emergency communication infrastructure in Skagit and Island County. The initiative will raise the tower by 30 feet, improving public safety radio transmissions across remote areas. Completion is anticipated by the end of December 2025.
Increased motorcycle safety patrols will occur from September 26-28 during the 42nd Annual Oyster Run near Anacortes, WA, aiming to reduce fatal crashes. Motorcyclist fatalities in Washington decreased by 20% in 2024, but officials emphasize the need for ongoing safety measures as motorcycles account for 16% of all traffic fatalities despite representing only 3% of registered vehicles.
Oak Harbor plans to enhance bike safety and mobility with the Swantown Avenue Paving and Safety Project, supported by community feedback and data from its 2024 Active Transportation Plan. The initiative aims to create safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A new roundabout on Virginia State Route 20 near Oak Harbor will enhance safety and mobility beginning September 19, 2025. The Washington State Department of Transportation aims to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents in the area.
Governor Ferguson ordered flags in Washington state to be lowered to half-staff on September 11, 2025, for Patriot Day, honoring victims of the 2001 tragedy. The directive also commemorates recent victims of political violence, including Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband. Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on September 14, 2025.
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) commenced construction on the Appaloosa Solar Project in southeastern Washington, aiming to generate 142 MW of clean energy to power over 30,000 homes. The project will contribute 4% toward PSE's 2030 clean energy goals and create approximately 300 construction jobs.