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Merced Sun-Star Accountability/Enterprise Reporter w: www.mercedsunstar.com/ e: csprous@mercedsun-star.com

Caleb Sprous’s Journalist Portfolio

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Washington's education crisis: How funding woes shape Skagit County school districts

Washington's education crisis: How funding woes shape Skagit County school districts

Skagit Valley Herald — Former Anacortes School District Teaching and Learning Director Heather Paddock started her career in the education field as a fourth grade teacher nearly 23 years ago.

Local Vietnam War veteran with a tireless sense of service to others

Local Vietnam War veteran with a tireless sense of service to others

Skagit Valley Herald — When Ande Mitchell served as a member of the Air Force's intelligence community during the Vietnam War, he said his job was to "blend in, not be seen, not be

Anacortes nonprofit aids women and children at Ukrainian shelter

Anacortes nonprofit aids women and children at Ukrainian shelter

Skagit Valley Herald — Editor's Note: This story contains themes of war and sexual violence the reader may find disturbing. The names of some sources have been changed due to safety and privacy concerns.

Performance evaluations shed light on Port of Anacortes executive director's termination

Performance evaluations shed light on Port of Anacortes executive director's termination

Skagit Valley Herald — ANACORTES - Public records obtained by the Anacortes American reveal new details about Dan Worra's final days as executive director of the Port of Anacortes, and the port's reasoning for

City of Kittitas pays former police chief $58,000 settlement

City of Kittitas pays former police chief $58,000 settlement

Ellensburg Daily Record — Following an investigation that lasted for nearly nine months, former Kittitas Police Chief Aaron Nelson reached a settlement agreement that has seen him paid $58,000 from city funds.

Anacortes mayor critical of proposed ordinance

Anacortes mayor critical of proposed ordinance

Skagit Valley Herald — A proposed ordinance introduced at the Anacortes City Council meeting Oct. 23 has become a point of contention between some council members and Mayor Matt Miller.

Mayor, council respond following discrimination investigation

Mayor, council respond following discrimination investigation

Skagit Valley Herald — The article delves into an investigative report concerning allegations of discrimination and harassment against Mayor Matt Miller by the city's former Human Resources Director. The investigation found most claims inconclusive but revealed tensions between the mayor and city employees, fueling a broader divide between Anacortes' executive and legislative branches. While no legal liability was determined, council members voiced concerns about workplace culture, leadership style, and employee retention, marking a challenging chapter in city governance.

Anacortes nonprofit provides direct funding to Ukrainian groups

Anacortes nonprofit provides direct funding to Ukrainian groups

Skagit Valley Herald — Nearly two years since the onset of the Russo-Ukrainian War following the Russian Federation's invasion of Ukraine, more than 500,000 Ukrainians and Russians have lost their lives ...

Lake Erie gravel pit expansion faces opposition

Lake Erie gravel pit expansion faces opposition

Skagit Valley Herald — FIDALGO ISLAND - A proposed expansion of the Lake Erie gravel mine on Fidalgo Island has been met with opposition from an environmental group and from a homeowners association nearby.

Fire Chiefs Association voices concerns over road variance requests

Fire Chiefs Association voices concerns over road variance requests

Ellensburg Daily Record — The Kittitas County Fire Chiefs Association has raised their concerns about existing road variance procedures within Kittitas County's government.

"Life is precious" - Moulton finds greater empathy in cancer battle

"Life is precious" - Moulton finds greater empathy in cancer battle

Skagit Valley Herald — Anacortes councilmember Carolyn Moulton is no stranger to battling on behalf of her constituents.

We ask, they tell - A military love story

We ask, they tell - A military love story

Skagit Valley Herald — Military veterans and spouses know all too well the challenges that come with service, such as prolonged periods of separation and combat deployments.

Local veterans lacking dental provider amidst VA reimbursement issue

Local veterans lacking dental provider amidst VA reimbursement issue

Ellensburg Daily Record

ESD students, teachers allege inaction on LGBTQ+ bullying

ESD students, teachers allege inaction on LGBTQ+ bullying

Ellensburg Daily Record — During the Ellensburg School District's regular meeting on March 29, two students came forward with their stories of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination at Ellensburg High School.

Wally Garland has led a life of service to fellow veterans

Wally Garland has led a life of service to fellow veterans

Skagit Valley Herald — When Wally Garland was in high school in the 1970s, he had a teacher who left an impression on Garland and his peers.

Longtime Anacortes resident recounts Jim Crow, desegregation

Longtime Anacortes resident recounts Jim Crow, desegregation

Skagit Valley Herald — The article captures the remarkable life of an 89-year-old Anacortes resident who witnessed and lived through pivotal moments in Black and American history. From her family’s legacy of resilience and her activism during the Civil Rights Movement to overcoming racism in her adopted hometown, Wilkins-Manning’s story is a testament to perseverance and the enduring fight for equality.

Natural Way Chiropractic owner sells 100% of company to his workers

Natural Way Chiropractic owner sells 100% of company to his workers

Skagit Valley Herald — Faced with the potential of being bought out by a venture capitalist or hospital, Natural Way Chiropractic's founder Dr. Eddie Hansen took a different approach compared to most other business

Skagit First Step Center residents, staff face challenges, including a second step

Skagit First Step Center residents, staff face challenges, including a second step

Skagit Valley Herald — Summary: The Skagit First Step Center in Burlington provides vital shelter and services to vulnerable residents but faces challenges in helping them transition to permanent housing, with only a fraction achieving that goal. While staff and residents praise the center’s efforts, concerns about case management, staff burnout, and barriers in Skagit County's housing continuum highlight the difficulties of addressing homelessness comprehensively.

In midst of cancer battle, Fidalgo Island man puts focus on building stone cottage

In midst of cancer battle, Fidalgo Island man puts focus on building stone cottage

Skagit Valley Herald — On the west side of Fidalgo Island work is underway on a cottage that evokes images of homes in the Alps of northern Italy, Switzerland or Austria.

Stolen Applegate Zoo bear sign recovered by Merced PD. How did they find it?

Stolen Applegate Zoo bear sign recovered by Merced PD. How did they find it?

t.co — Merced police solved the mystery of the stolen Applegate Zoo bear sign, recovering it after months of investigation and returning it to the zoo.