Your trusted source for local Snohomish, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Snohomish mayoral candidates Aaron Hoffman and incumbent Linda Redmon faced over 250 residents at an Oct. 6 candidate forum, addressing crucial city issues. Redmon emphasized fiscal responsibility and public safety, while Hoffman highlighted the need for improved permitting and community engagement.
A DUI driver eluded police and crashed into two vehicles on the U.S. 2 trestle, causing one vehicle to roll and another to hit the guardrail. The driver, a 40-year-old Arlington man, sustained injuries and was apprehended after falling from the trestle. The highway was closed for nearly six hours for the investigation and cleanup.
Everett will offer free transit rides to residents along Casino Road, following the closure of the Fred Meyer store. Route 12, which connects Seaway Boulevard to the Everett Mall, will operate fare-free until March 2026. Mayor Cassie Franklin deemed the situation an emergency, as many residents rely on the store for essential goods.
Eight firefighters are appealing a ruling against them in their religious discrimination lawsuit against Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue (SRFR) to the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. They argue that their employer failed to accommodate their requests for religious exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine, which has led to their sidelining. Their attorneys are seeking a rare en banc review, asserting that the case holds national importance for religious freedom.
Everett Police Department plans to deploy drones as first responders to 911 calls by the end of October. The program will include six drones stationed at various locations, enhancing public safety by responding to incidents like tracking suspects and locating missing persons. The initiative aims to improve emergency response times across the city.
Everett school bus drivers may strike if contract negotiations with Durham School Services fail. Key issues include wage disparities and how medical clearances are managed. Union president Pete Lamb warns that a strike is imminent if an agreement is not reached by the next negotiation date on October 15.
Snohomish County will host public open houses on Oct. 9 and Oct. 11 to discuss the future Food & Farming Center at McCollum Park. The center aims to support local farmers with processing facilities, a commercial kitchen, and an indoor farmer’s market. Community feedback will be collected during the events.
More than 150 participants celebrated the third annual Mrs. Roper Romp in downtown Snohomish on October 4. Dressed as Helen Roper from “Three’s Company,” attendees wore red wigs, caftan dresses, and gaudy jewelry. The event highlights local community spirit and nostalgia for the classic television character.
The planning commission voted 8-1 against a proposal to expand the Maltby Urban Growth Area, which the County Council had recently revived. Opponents expressed concerns that the expansion would diminish open space and quality of life in the area. The final decision rests with the County Council, which has not yet scheduled a discussion on the proposal.
Snohomish city officials launched an auction for the historic Kikendall Cabin, seeking bidders to relocate it by October 31. If no suitable bids are received, the city plans to dismantle the cabin due to legal liabilities. Interested parties can contact Public Works Project Coordinator Siobhan Waltman for more information.