Latest News in Snohomish, WA

Widely hailed urban mushroom farm at precipice of closure

Black Forest Mushrooms, an urban farm in Everett, faces closure unless it secures a $750,000 government bailout to replace faulty equipment. Founder Nathanael Engen has laid off 20 employees and is seeking public assistance after being denied funding from state resources due to private investments. The operation, which has shrunk production from 20,000 pounds to 2,000-3,000 pounds monthly, highlights the challenges faced by small businesses in scaling up.

Volunteers clean up Machias Cemetery

More than 40 members of Snohomish’s VFW Post 921 and volunteers from Home Depot cleaned up the Machias Community Cemetery on May 15, placing 160 flags on veteran graves. Last month, VFW Post 921 assumed responsibility for the cemetery, which had been managed by local volunteers for 40 years.

Local farmers markets expand and innovate for 2025 season

The Monroe and Snohomish Farmers Markets return for their 2025 seasons with expanded vendor lists and special events. Monroe Farmers Market will feature over 180 vendors and host community events like Dog Day and Kids Day, while Snohomish Farmers Market aims to support local businesses with nearly 150 vendors and collaborations with community food banks.

Countywide wetlands update containing contested amendment approved 3-2

The Snohomish County Council approved a Critical Areas Regulations bill with a contentious amendment that reduces wetland protections. Council members expressed concerns about environmental risks, with two opposing the amendment due to its potential impact on wildlife. The amendment allows for significant reductions in buffer zones around wetlands, raising alarms among environmental advocates.

EvCC again closing Early Learning Center

Everett Community College plans to close its Early Learning Center on June 30, leading to layoffs for about 50 staff members. The center, which serves children aged infants to 5 years, faces a projected $300,000 deficit for the 2025-26 fiscal year, prompting community protests and a rally scheduled for June 25.

CVS Pharmacy to take over many Rite Aid, Bartell Drugs store sites in Pacific Northwest

CVS will acquire many Rite Aid and Bartell stores in the Pacific Northwest following Rite Aid's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing on May 5. During the transition, affected stores will remain open, although some locations, including a Granite Falls store, will close. This acquisition reflects Rite Aid's ongoing asset sell-off amid a significant financial restructuring.

Families come for day at Paine Field

Hundreds of families attended the Paine Field Community Day on May 17, despite rainy weather. Attendees explored various aircraft, including a sheriff’s office helicopter, and children like Leo Bailey and Sasha enjoyed hands-on experiences with a Boeing Flight Club plane.

No cigarette tax increase this year, flavored vape ban fails in legislature in Washington state

A coalition's effort to ban flavored tobacco and increase the cigarette tax in Washington state failed to advance in the legislature this year. The coalition criticized lawmakers for yielding to Big Tobacco, as the current state cigarette tax stands at $3.025 per pack.

Obituaries Snohomish County Tribune

Mary Pat Larsen, born March 17, 1944, in Everett, Washington, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2025. She was an accomplished student at the University of Washington, where she studied mathematics and Slavic languages. Her obituary is among several published on May 20, 2025, in the Snohomish County Tribune.

City seeks folks for First Street board

Snohomish seeks applicants for a new ad hoc advisory board focused on the First Street Master Plan. Interested individuals must submit applications by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 23, through the city website. Final appointments require City Council approval.