Your trusted source for local Snohomish, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Snohomish County extends its Stage 1 outdoor burning ban through September 30, 2025, due to high fire danger. The ban prohibits residential burning, with exceptions for recreational fires that meet specific requirements. Future extensions may occur based on fire conditions.
The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court's decision against Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue, siding with the agency in a religious discrimination case involving eight firefighters who refused the COVID-19 vaccine. The firefighters, who sought back pay after being placed on unpaid leave, argued that the agency failed to provide reasonable accommodations for their religious beliefs. Attorneys representing the firefighters criticized the ruling, stating it jeopardizes religious freedom protections.
Adam and Jill Fortney launched the Lead The Way Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at helping teens become positive community members. The foundation offers a free eight-week program for youth aged 13-17, focusing on leadership skills and personal development, starting on October 8 at Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center in Everett.
Fourteen-year-old Zayden Zimmerman, a mixed martial arts enthusiast, will compete as the No. 1 seed in the Moo Do taekwondo national championships on October 16 in Sacramento. After earning her first-degree black belt and winning 35 first-place medals, she aims to qualify for the 2026 AAU Junior Olympics in Des Moines. Zayden also excels in jiu-jitsu, having won all four of her competitions since starting the sport last year.
The "Celebration of Cultures" event will take place in India on September 10, 2025, featuring dance performances including kuchipudi. This cultural gathering aims to promote community engagement and celebrate diversity through art.
Central Everett plans to introduce a 2,000-square-foot skate park, termed a "skate dot," at Lions Park, with construction expected to begin in 2025. The project aims to engage the community positively and enhance recreational opportunities for all ages. Funding includes an $80,000 county grant, with a total project cost of $360,000.
A Texas woman, Natasha M. O’Dell, received a six-year prison sentence for burning down a Maltby church while under the influence of methamphetamine. O'Dell pleaded guilty after confessing to friends about her intentions to destroy the Laestadian church. The building, which served the community for 40 years, has since been demolished.
Snohomish City Council voted to declare the historic Kikendall Cabin surplus, allowing it to be auctioned off or dismantled if no suitable buyer emerges. Resident Chris Gee, the cabin's caretaker, expressed interest in relocating the structure to his property. The cabin, built in the 1870s, poses a liability risk and cannot remain in its current location.
Snohomish's construction of Fire District 4’s headquarters is underway, while the new City Hall project awaits funding. The city has allocated $11.17 million but plans to issue municipal bonds to cover the remaining costs, which have increased due to design changes.
Construction of Snohomish’s Fire District 4 headquarters progresses, while plans for a new City Hall remain on hold pending funding. The city has allocated $11.17 million for the Civic Campus, which is designed to centralize public services. Revised plans have reduced costs and building sizes, with completion of the new fire station expected by late 2026.