Your trusted source for local Snohomish, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Jake’s Cafe in Snohomish is set to reopen on February 17, 2025, following a significant restoration after an overnight kitchen fire in early November. The extensive cleanup process involved stripping the cafe down to its bare walls, highlighting the dedication to providing a safe and welcoming environment for its patrons.
Proposed legislation in Washington, House Bill 1739, aims to regulate the use of self-checkout stands in grocery stores, mandating that they can only operate when a regular checkout lane is open and limiting the number of items customers can purchase. State Rep. Mary Fosse emphasizes that these measures are necessary to protect grocery workers from the dangers of automation and understaffing. The bill has sparked debate, with grocery workers advocating for the regulations while store representatives argue it imposes excessive restrictions.
Lake Stevens voters have approved a significant $314 million school bond measure, achieving a 61% support rate, surpassing the 60% threshold required for passage. This funding will facilitate the construction of a new elementary school, improve athletic facilities, and address repairs at existing schools within the district. The bond's approval marks a turnaround from a failed attempt in November.
Voter registration is crucial in ensuring participation in the upcoming public election in Everett, Washington, scheduled for June 18, 2025. Residents are encouraged to register or update their voter registration to ensure they can exercise their democratic rights on election day. This initiative highlights the importance of civic engagement in the Seattle Metropolitan Area.
State Route 96 near Snohomish will undergo weekday closures from February 18 to May 2 for essential utility work by the Silver Lake Water and Sewer District. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes, though local and emergency vehicles will have access through the closure. This significant local infrastructure project may impact daily travel for residents and commuters in the area.
A public works event is scheduled for February 14, 2025, in Everett, Washington, focusing on environmental services and community engagement. The event will address key issues related to infrastructure and public works, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in local governance. Residents are encouraged to participate and engage with the planning process.
Snohomish County Public Works has released its 2024 Annual Report, titled "Engage, Enhance, Innovate," which highlights significant infrastructure projects and responsible financial management. The report emphasizes the department's commitment to improving roads and solid waste facilities while efficiently leveraging tax dollars and grant funding. Available in an interactive online format, the report showcases various completed projects and ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Snohomish County is set to host a comprehensive training and exercise event from March 25 to March 27, 2025, aimed at enhancing emergency management skills across various sectors. This initiative, involving public security, first responders, and nonprofit organizations, will focus on improving coordination and response strategies in the face of disasters. The event underscores the importance of community involvement in safeguarding public health and safety.
Snohomish city leaders are set to explore the establishment of the city as a sanctuary for unauthorized immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community, following a proposal from Councilman David Flynn. The discussion comes in light of recent changes in Olympia, which expanded its sanctuary city rules, and amid concerns over federal funding cuts to such cities under the new U.S. Attorney General.
Starting April 1, residents in Snohomish County will see a 4.9% increase in their power bills, translating to an average rise of about $6 for single-family homeowners and $4 for apartment residents. This adjustment is primarily due to increased fixed charges implemented by the PUD to address revenue balances impacted by energy-efficient appliance adoption and restoration efforts following severe weather events. The PUD anticipates this change will generate approximately $32 million in additional revenue over the next year.