- ....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. .. ...

08/17/12 Red Cross Fire Donations Exceed $250,000



The American Red Cross response to the Taylor Bridge Fire has generated about $250,000 for relief efforts. Apple Valley Chapter director, Mariah Thornock says she expects that number to rise over the next week as Disaster Assessment teams are able to get into the affected neighborhoods and assess the damage and get a better understanding of the level of financial need that will be required to help those who lost homes. If people want to help, right now, Thornock suggests monetary donations is the best way to do that. People can donate in a number of different ways. They can visit the Red Cross website to make a donation. They can also make a donation at any Cashmere Valley Bank to the American Red Cross - Taylor Bridge Fire account. You can also text the Red Cross to 90999 to donate 10 dollars to the cause.

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