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Snohomish County Elections received the 2025 Professional Practices Independence Award for its Elections Explained initiative, which enhanced voter education and accessibility. The initiative, recognized at the National Association of Election Officials conference, engaged the community through partnerships and a multi-platform marketing campaign, generating over 11 million impressions.
Monroe will host its annual Swifts Night Out on September 6, featuring thousands of Vaux’s swifts roosting in a historic chimney. The event includes educational activities, wildlife booths, and a presentation on swifts. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs for optimal viewing.
Snohomish County has extended the Stage 1 burning ban until September 14, 2025, prohibiting outdoor residential burning except for recreational and cooking fires. The ban aims to mitigate fire risks amid dry weather conditions, with additional restrictions in place during “Red Flag Warnings.”
Snohomish County has extended its Stage 1 outdoor burning ban until September 14, 2025, due to high fire danger. The ban prohibits all residential burning, with exceptions for small recreational and cooking fires using approved fire pits. Residents are urged to exercise caution and stay informed through the Outdoor Burning Information Hotline.
Madilyn Brown, 13, of Arlington, decorates Henry, an 18-year-old Percheron horse, at the Evergreen State Fair on August 23. The fair, running until September 1 in Monroe, features various competitions and activities for attendees. A guide to the fair is available both online and in print.
Snohomish city officials have ruled out parallel parking on First Street east of Avenue D following community feedback prioritizing increased parking. The proposed plan includes converting Avenues A, B, C, and Union Avenue into alternating one-way streets, potentially adding 53 parking spots downtown.
Snohomish residents will receive a small credit on their trash bills due to recent service interruptions. The city negotiated this credit after organizing a public drop-off event for residents, which was supported financially by Republic Services.
Gauge Bryant, 13, rescued an 11-year-old boy from drowning in Silver Lake on July 9, 2025. After diving into murky waters, Bryant pulled the boy to safety, where bystanders, including off-duty nurses, administered CPR until the fire department arrived. Both Bryant and the boy received recognition for their roles in the rescue.
The Reptile Zoo in Monroe, open for nearly 30 years, will close on October 18 due to financial difficulties. Owner Isaac Petersen cited COVID-19 losses, rising inflation, and a 10% annual drop in attendance as key factors in the decision. The zoo is currently for sale for $385,000, excluding real estate.
Kroger plans to close its Fred Meyer store on Casino Road in Everett, raising concerns about food access for the local community. Mayor Cassie Franklin is exploring options to assist residents, including public transportation and resource mapping. This closure marks one of five Fred Meyer locations set to close in Western Washington.