Your trusted source for local Snohomish, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Fourteen-year-old Jacob Badgley remains paralyzed from the chest down following a dirt bike accident in Washougal on May 31. His family is seeking financial support for potential stem cell treatments through a GoFundMe campaign, which has received significant community backing.
Pilchuck Park restrooms in Snohomish will remain closed for the season due to an exposed sewer utility main caused by riverbank erosion. The city has placed six portable restrooms at the park while planning a bank stabilization project for 2026 to prevent future issues.
Monroe Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Janelle Drews led a community event on June 21, where locals painted a giant ant at Galaxy Theaters. Frank Rimkus, CEO of Galaxy Theatres, brought the giant ants from California, where they had decorated a multiplex for a decade. The initiative involved local youth organizations, encouraging creativity and community spirit.
Snohomish County conducted its Annual Point-in-Time count on January 22, 2025, identifying 1,140 people in 890 households experiencing homelessness. The count revealed a 1.8% decrease from 2024, with an 11% increase in those sheltered due to the availability of Cold Weather Shelters. County Executive Dave Somers emphasized the importance of local partnerships in addressing homelessness and the ongoing threat to federal funding for these initiatives.
Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue appointed Brian Park as its new fire chief, succeeding Kevin O’Brien, who retires in mid-July. Park previously led the Rialto Fire Department in California, which handled over 25,000 calls last year. The board selected Park over other finalists, with a 6-1 vote in favor of his hiring.
Snohomish County's 2025 Point-in-Time count identified 1,140 homeless individuals, a 1.8% decrease from 2024. The sheltered population increased by 11%, attributed to the availability of Cold Weather Shelters during the count. County Executive Dave Somers emphasized the importance of local partnerships in addressing homelessness.
A Snohomish County judge temporarily blocked the closure of Everett Community College's Early Learning Center (ELC), requiring a public meeting after a lawsuit alleged violations of the Open Public Meetings Act. Parents, teachers, and alumni gathered to voice their support for the ELC, which is set to close on June 30, citing concerns over its impact on the community and children's education.
Snohomish County prepares for the 2025 Point-in-Time Count of homelessness, a critical measure for assessing housing needs. This count assists local agencies in tracking progress and securing funding to combat homelessness. The Human Services Department aims to meet basic needs and promote community development.
Snohomish County property owners will receive new assessed value notices by June 27, 2025, reflecting a 6.26% increase in residential sale prices. The county’s overall increase in property values is 5.51%, with commercial properties rising by 2.68%. Property owners can verify their assessments and appeal if necessary.
CVS plans to acquire 64 Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs locations in the Pacific Northwest, including multiple stores in Snohomish County. The transition, expected to be completed by late summer or fall, will involve rebranding the Bartell stores to CVS. Rite Aid continues to face bankruptcy, with plans to close several locations.