- ....Breaking News.MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) - The Washington Transportation Department says 67,000 vehicles a day used the stretch of Interstate 5 through Mount Vernon that is now blocked by the collapse of the Skagit River bridge. Mount Vernon is about 60 miles north of Seattle and 40 miles south of the Canada Border. The roadblock on both directions of I-5 is expected to cause a major disruption in trade and tourism between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. The Transportation Department has set up detours. The closest is within sight of the I-5 bridge and mostly used for local traffic between Mount Vernon and Burlington. The department also is recommending detours using Highway 20 and Highway 9 that add tens of miles to a trip. Officials are urging drivers to avoid the area if possible. .. ...

02/10/13 Royal Court Selected



The 2013 Washington State Apple Blossom Festival Royal Court was crowned last  night at Wenatchee High School. Chosen to reign over the 94th Festival are Queen Emily Abbot, daughter of Jon and Tara Abbott. She is joined on the Royal Court by Princesses Madi Still, daughter of Craig and Michelle Still. Princesses Maggie Chvilicek is the daughter of Jeff and Brigid Chvilicek.

Chvilicek also won the Achievement Award. Other awards went to Jenaesha Iwaasa who won the Community Involvement Award, the Congeniality Award was given to Lauren Williamson. Scarlet Graham gave the Most Original Speech, and Carli Robins was the Most Photogenic.

Longtime Festival volunteers Homer and Peggy Wolfe received the Lehman Johnson Award for their commitment to the Festival, the Wenatchee Central Lions Club and to our Valley.

Festival Administrator Darci Waterman says the 2013 Royalty will spend the next few months making over 180 appearances at various luncheons and community events and out-of-town parades this Summer.

Send via EmailE-Mail
PrintPrint
A   A   A