Claudia Yaw

Kindergartener Robert, 5, imitates a turkeys actions as he answers questions about Thanksgiving outside Mt. Pilchuck Elementary on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Revisionist turkey talk: Kindergartners explain Thanksgiving

These Lake Stevens kids have holiday wisdom to impart, including what they’re grateful for — friends, family and paper swords.

Kindergartener Robert, 5, imitates a turkeys actions as he answers questions about Thanksgiving outside Mt. Pilchuck Elementary on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Holding her nine-month-old son Oliver,  Kate Torrey talks with older son Isaac and partner Lindsay, in their kitchen  at their home on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2021 in Snohomish, Washington. Like many families last year, The Torreys skipped out on the usual Thanksgiving get-together. This year will be the first time some family members get to meet her new baby. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Thanks to vaccines, Thanksgiving 2021 is closer to normal

Last year, we were told to stick to immediate households. This year’s holiday is cautiously more open.

Holding her nine-month-old son Oliver,  Kate Torrey talks with older son Isaac and partner Lindsay, in their kitchen  at their home on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2021 in Snohomish, Washington. Like many families last year, The Torreys skipped out on the usual Thanksgiving get-together. This year will be the first time some family members get to meet her new baby. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
The Snohomish Health District building in Everett. (Sue Misao / The Herald)

Financial audit urges training at Snohomish Health District

A “material weakness” in bookkeeping meant $5.6 million in COVID-19 relief wasn’t originally reported.

The Snohomish Health District building in Everett. (Sue Misao / The Herald)
Two unincorporated areas of District 4 seen here in yellow and purple will be absorbed by districts 2 and 3, impacting just under 14,000 people.

After county redistricting, you might have a new councilmember

Nearly 14,000 of Snohomish County Councilmember Jared Mead’s constituents will shift to other Democrat-represented districts.

Two unincorporated areas of District 4 seen here in yellow and purple will be absorbed by districts 2 and 3, impacting just under 14,000 people.
Gage Peterson, 11, holds Duke Peterson's, 6,  hand as he gets his COVID vaccination Saturday morning at North Sound Pediatrics in Mill Creek on November 6, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Big demand for appointments as kids begin to get vaccinated

County and state health officials say parents should be patient and keep looking for open slots.

Gage Peterson, 11, holds Duke Peterson's, 6,  hand as he gets his COVID vaccination Saturday morning at North Sound Pediatrics in Mill Creek on November 6, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
On Nov. 3, Snohomish County Sheriff Adam Fortney posted a picture on Facebook of the department's first Tesla. (Snohomish County Sheriff Adam Fortney)

Snohomish County looks to swap vehicles for electric ones

In 2018, the county fleet was responsible for 10,342 metric tons of greenhouse gasses.

On Nov. 3, Snohomish County Sheriff Adam Fortney posted a picture on Facebook of the department's first Tesla. (Snohomish County Sheriff Adam Fortney)
Snohomish County Council members (top row, from left) Sam Low, Megan Dunn, Stephanie Wright and (bottom row, from left) Jared Mead and Nate Nehring discuss the budget during an online meeting Nov. 9. (Snohomish County Council)

4 noteworthy changes in Snohomish County’s 2022 budget

The sheriff’s office gets a bump. Average homeowners will pay $7 more. And more about $1.26 billion in spending …

Snohomish County Council members (top row, from left) Sam Low, Megan Dunn, Stephanie Wright and (bottom row, from left) Jared Mead and Nate Nehring discuss the budget during an online meeting Nov. 9. (Snohomish County Council)

Snohomish County seeks to buy hotel to convert into shelter

County Council members approved an agreement for a firm to scope out and potentially buy a property with 125 rooms in Everett.

Jordan Sears (left) and Steven Yarbrough.

In mayor race separated by 38 years, Gold Bar goes with experience

Steven Yarbrough, 60, will lead the city after pulling ahead of 22-year-old Jordan Sears in the election.

Jordan Sears (left) and Steven Yarbrough.
Mike Fong

Biden administration appoints local recovery officer

After a short stint leading Snohomish County’s COVID recovery, Mike Fong will serve in the Small Business Administration.

Mike Fong
Jeremiah Mack, 9, gets his COVID-19 vaccination Wednesday afternoon at Shoreline Community College on November 3, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Kids ages 5 to 11 now eligible for vaccine in Washington

The COVID-19 shot approval comes as Snohomish County continues to see cases rise, especially in kids.

Jeremiah Mack, 9, gets his COVID-19 vaccination Wednesday afternoon at Shoreline Community College on November 3, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Snohomish County Councilman Sam Low (center) is congratulated by Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue Fire Chief Kevin O'Brien (right) as results show Low in the lead during an election night party at Nachos Family Mexican Restaurant on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021 in Lake Stevens, Washington.  (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Snohomish County Council incumbents cruise to victory

Preliminary results show Republicans Nate Nehring and Sam Low leading, as well as Democrat Jared Mead.

Snohomish County Councilman Sam Low (center) is congratulated by Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue Fire Chief Kevin O'Brien (right) as results show Low in the lead during an election night party at Nachos Family Mexican Restaurant on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021 in Lake Stevens, Washington.  (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Green Haven LLC owner Vince Nguyen points out the venting through filters and fans built to contain the smell of marijuana from leaving the building, on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021 in Darrington, Washington.  (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Mountain town’s marijuana mishap was quite the stinker

When filters failed at a commercial grow, neighbors noticed. The facility says the issue is fixed.

Green Haven LLC owner Vince Nguyen points out the venting through filters and fans built to contain the smell of marijuana from leaving the building, on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021 in Darrington, Washington.  (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Jessica Cain lets her Zoom students and in-person students know that it is break time on Friday, March 12, 2021 in Lynnwood, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

A school vax mandate should wait, local health officers say

Snohomish County’s health officer, Dr. Chris Spitters, joined in a call to hold off on a K-12 vaccine mandate.

Jessica Cain lets her Zoom students and in-person students know that it is break time on Friday, March 12, 2021 in Lynnwood, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers (top left) and Snohomish County Health District Administrative Officer Shawn Frederick (top right) give a COVID-19 update Tuesday in Everett. (Snohomish County Health District)

Kids are big part of coronavirus surge in Snohomish County

After seven weeks in decline, the county’s case rate has increased. About a fifth of new cases were kids under 14.

Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers (top left) and Snohomish County Health District Administrative Officer Shawn Frederick (top right) give a COVID-19 update Tuesday in Everett. (Snohomish County Health District)
Jordan Sears (left) and Steven Yarbrough.

Nearly four decades separate Gold Bar’s mayoral candidates

Jordan Sears, 22, got an early start in politics. Steven Yarbrough, 60, says his opponent “needs more seasoning.”

Jordan Sears (left) and Steven Yarbrough.
Top (L-R): Nate Nehring, Nicole Ng-A-Qui, Jared M. Mead. Bottom (L-R): Brenda Carrington, Sam Low, Brandy Donaghy.

3 challengers face long-shot odds in County Council races

Each race has a clear political divide. And each Snohomish County district reliably leans either red or blue.

Top (L-R): Nate Nehring, Nicole Ng-A-Qui, Jared M. Mead. Bottom (L-R): Brenda Carrington, Sam Low, Brandy Donaghy.
Dave Somers (left) and Dr. Chris Spitters.

COVID cases decline but local hospitals remain ‘under siege’

Coronavirus patients fill 62 hospital beds in Snohomish County. Expanded eligibility for vaccines could help.

Dave Somers (left) and Dr. Chris Spitters.