Snohomish PUD’s Water Utility Celebrates Turning 80
EVERETT—The Snohomish County PUD’s Water Utility is nearing completion of several major projects including installation of advanced water meters and a new reservoir that will bolster reliability for its customers. The Water Utility has nearly completed its multi-year advanced meter installation, with 99% now in the field. These meters provide detailed water usage information to […]
From engineers to advocates: Here are the hopefuls vying for Lynnwood’s open council seat
LYNNWOOD—The Lynnwood City Council selected the following eight finalists to interview to fill the Position 6 vacancy after voters elected Councilman George Hurst as mayor in November 2025. The City Council will interview the eight applicants on the evening of Tuesday, January 20, with an anticipated final decision on Monday, January 26. The appointed Council […]
Mukilteo to hold first ever Lunar New Year celebration at Rosehill Community Center
MUKILTEO—The City of Mukilteo will be holding its, first-ever, Lunar New Year celebration this year, on February 12, at Rosehill Community Center. The event – which will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. – is completely free, open to the public, and will feature delicious food, jaw-dropping performances, and the opportunity for cultural exchanges […]
New Everett PD Chief Robert Goetz plans to bring a ‘community focused’ approach to law enforcement
EVERETT—Newly appointed Everett Police Chief, Robert Goetz, officially swore in on Wednesday, January 7, optimistic about what 2026 has in store for Everett’s Public Safety sector. Bringing with him 25 years of law enforcement experience, Chief Goetz plans to approach his new position with a “community-oriented” vision. Chief Goetz was appointed to the position by […]
Lynnwood City Council passes sales tax increase to 10.7%, now highest in Washington state
LYNNWOOD—The council voted 5-1, at its Monday business meeting, to impose a councilmanic 0.1% public safety sales tax increase without voter approval, to fund criminal justice and safety priorities—Council Vice President Derica Escamilla was the lone dissent. Starting April 1, on April Fool’s Day, Lynnwood’s combined sales tax rate will increase to 10.7%—the highest in Washington state. […]
Ferguson may have broken ethics laws allowing ex-adviser to fly on state plane
TUMWATER [JERRY CORNFIELD]—Washington Governor Bob Ferguson likely violated state ethics laws by allowing his former top adviser, Mike Webb, to travel with him on a state plane to the Tri-Cities last summer, the state Executive Ethics Board ruled Friday, January 9, 2026 (Case No. 2025-061). In a unanimous vote, the board concluded there was “reasonable […]
Refusing to take fraud concerns seriously will add to public’s distrust
Allegations of fraud involving childcare funding and other government-subsidized programs elsewhere have people here concerned that something similar could be happening in Washington. I know this because of the calls and emails that have come in since federal Republicans began investigating the suspected theft, through fraud, of billions in taxpayer dollars intended to subsidize a […]
What’s on the agenda for Washington’s 2026 legislative session
With a looming $1.6 billion to $2.3 billion budget shortfall hanging over the Washington state legislature, House and Senate leaders and Governor Bob Ferguson presented differing proposals to address the issue. Three panels of House and Senate leaders discussed the state’s transportation budget and general fund, while Ferguson renewed his support for a “millionaire tax.” […]
WAGRO Foundation provides chicken dinners to 300 families
DOS CAMINOS, Guerrero, Mexico—For the third consecutive year, the WAGRO Foundation provided chicken dinners to families in Guerrero, during Christmas holiday, continuing its commitment to addressing food insecurity in vulnerable rural communities. This year’s distribution took place in Dos Caminos, a community of approximately 2,000 residents, where 300 families received prepared chicken dinners. The event […]
WSP graduates 58 new troopers from the 121st Basic Training
OLYMPIA—The Washington State Patrol (WSP) added 58 newly commissioned troopers to its ranks on Wednesday, January 7, during the 121st Trooper Basic Training (TBTC) and 5th Trooper Lateral Training Class (TLTC) graduation ceremony held at the state Capitol Rotunda. For the 121st TBTC, the graduation marks the completion of more than 1,400 hours of rigorous […]
