The Anacortes Rotary Club has announced it is now accepting grant applications for 2026 projects aimed at addressing community needs throughout Fidalgo Island. The organization expects to distribute approximately $40,000 in total funding to selected recipients, with individual project applications eligible for up to $10,000 each.

Interested applicants have until January 16 to submit their proposals for consideration. The club's selection committee will make final funding decisions in February, with awarded grants being distributed to recipients in March. Those seeking additional information about the application process can visit the club's website at anacortesrotary.com or contact Grant Committee Chair Jack Darnton directly at darntonfamily@comcast.net or by phone at 360-588-1661.

Meanwhile, the Lower Baker Dam in Concrete recently celebrated a significant milestone, marking its 100th anniversary on November 19. When construction was completed in October 1925, the impressive structure held the distinction of being the tallest dam in the American West at that time.

The 285-foot-tall concrete structure continues to serve the region today under the operation of Puget Sound Energy, generating sufficient electricity to power approximately 120,000 homes annually. According to a Facebook post from PSE commemorating the anniversary, the dam was "praised for its construction in record time" and "played a pivotal role in the contest between private and public utilities for control of the Puget Sound power market."

The dam also served as an important research site for early studies on fish passage over high dams, contributing valuable scientific knowledge to the field. Today, the Lower Baker Dam is recognized as part of the Baker River Hydroelectric Development Historic District. Additional information about this historic designation can be found online at ms.spr.ly/6183trUcH.