More than a decade of effort came to fruition Tuesday when Island Transit held a groundbreaking ceremony signifying the start of construction on it's new headquarters on Highway 20 just south of Coupeville.

A package of bills signed by the governor last week will reduce identity theft and fraud, keep ongoing transportation projects on schedule, restore the state patrol auto theft program, fund a new class of troopers and build a new 144-car ferry.

Senate past legislation last week to exempt certain power generators from Clear Air Act requirements.

State Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, has been named “Legislator of the Year” for 2011 by the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs.