Remembering Joseph Miller
We lost our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Joseph Miller, on November 15th, 2024, and Guemes Island lost a true friend and advocate. He passed away peacefully and quietly, surrounded by family and friends.
Read moreNightmare for Guemes Island
I am infuriated by Skagit County’s punitive actions toward residents of Guemes Island.
The November 14 , 2024 “ Work Sessions Public Works” was a scripted horror show, if you were a resident of Guemes Island relying on the ferry.
The script written and produced by ferry management and public works proves without any doubt that Skagit County does not want to engage with citizens of Guemes Island in any way concerning our ferry.
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Skagit County to Host Public Hearing on Proposed 2025-2030 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program
The Board of Skagit County Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding a comprehensive 2025-2030 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 11:00 am in the Commissioners Hearing Room located at 1800 Continental Place in Mount Vernon. The public hearing provides an opportunity for citizens to provide comment on the proposed plan. Copies of the proposed 2025-2030 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program are on file for public review in the offices of the Public Works Department and available online. Read more
Guemes Fire Chief Raises Concerns Over Emergency Services
Guemes Island Fire Chief Olivia Cole raised concerns over the availability of emergency services to the island after being faced with a difficult situation on Sunday morning.
A little after midnight on Oct. 6, the Guemes Island Fire Department responded to an emergency call and requested an after-hours ferry to transport an ambulance to the island to carry the patient to Island Hospital in Anacortes.
The GIFD was informed by dispatch that no ferry was available to transport emergency services. Read more
King5 TV’s report on the issue.
Guemes Island Planning Advisory Committee Annual Meeting
Sunday, November 17, 3;30-5:30pm, Guemes Island Community Center.
Introduction by Michael Brown, Presentation from Crystle Stidham of Skagit Transit
Business: Board Members Election, Treasurer’s Annual Report, GIPAC 2024 Successes:, C23-1 Code Amendment ,USGS Survey Status Report, Look Ahead for 2025
Remembering Pamela Walker
In 1988, Pam married the love of her life, Rob Walker, with whom she shared 37 wonderful years. Together, they enjoyed gardening, skiing, boating, and cherished time at their home on Guemes Island. Read more
Remembering Glee Haupt
Family gatherings on Guemes Island, kid-sitting in Sun Valley and her annual birthday party became a family tradition, and the celebration of the year for the Haupt family! She lived a life built on a foundation of kindness, generosity, and a spirit of fun that always included a dance or two with her handsome family members at their frequent gatherings. Read more
MISSING: Ferry Boat Program Funds
In addition to the recommendation from Public Works Director Grace Kane to implement service cuts, there was a disagreement between Ferry Captain Rachel Rowe and Kane on the use of Federal Ferry Boat Program grant money. Rowe stated it was going to be used for 2023 and 2024 Ops expenses and Kane stated any additional funds received were going to be used for Capital projects like the parking lot. What money? Read more
Hearing On Fare Increases For Guemes Island Ferry
Video of Commissioners hearing on Guemes Ferry fares: Hearing Video
Public Works Presentation on Revenue And Fares
Timeline
Outreach & E-ticketing online – November 4, – December 31, 2024
New fares effective – January 1, 2025
Ferry Tales: Just What Does A 30% Increase In Fares Buy?
30% fare increase beginning January 1! In what County is that OK? Whatcom County fare increase 3.5%. Pierce County fare increase 3.5%. Is the ferry service in Skagit County 26.5% more efficient?…Parking fees? Why would anyone “pay” to park their car in an unsecured parking lot? With cameras that don’t work or are not monitored? …Read more