Jenelle Baumbach

Brenda Stonecipher, left, and Mary Fosse

Everett council president pitches ban on serving in 2 elected offices

Departing City Council member Brenda Stonecipher’s ordinance would only apply to one current member, Mary Fosse, who feels “targeted.”

Brenda Stonecipher, left, and Mary Fosse
Instructor Gael Gebow checks her stopwatch while tracking her group’s exercises during her Boot Camp fitness class Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, at the YMCA in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

YMCA fitness instructor challenges, empowers Everett residents

Gael Gebow has made inclusivity and healthy living her focus in 23 years at the YMCA.

Instructor Gael Gebow checks her stopwatch while tracking her group’s exercises during her Boot Camp fitness class Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, at the YMCA in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
A man walks through the M/V Kitsap on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 in Mukilteo, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Mukilteo-Clinton ferry gets grant for renovations focused on walk-ons

The $4.8 million grant from the feds will be split between six aging Washington ferries, to improve the vessels’ interiors.

A man walks through the M/V Kitsap on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 in Mukilteo, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
The Days Inn on Everett Mall Way, which Snohomish County is set to purchase and convert into emergency housing, is seen Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Over $130M for affordable housing set to be approved by County Council

The five-year investment plan of the 0.1% sales tax aims to construct 550 new affordable units.

The Days Inn on Everett Mall Way, which Snohomish County is set to purchase and convert into emergency housing, is seen Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The county canvassing board certifies election results at the Snohomish County Auditor’s Office in Everett, Washington on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023.  (Annie Barker / The Herald)

General election results stamped official by canvassing board

In Snohomish County, one hand recount will take place. Officials said ballot challenges were down this year.

The county canvassing board certifies election results at the Snohomish County Auditor’s Office in Everett, Washington on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023.  (Annie Barker / The Herald)
A person turns in their ballot at a ballot box located near the Edmonds Library in Edmonds, Washington on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

County, state seek to improve on paltry turnout in local elections

How do you build on a 36% turnout? State legislators are weighing a longer ballot in even-numbered years, when returns can top 85%.

A person turns in their ballot at a ballot box located near the Edmonds Library in Edmonds, Washington on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Valentino Warr, 5, smiles while holding his certificate of adoption during National Adoption Day at the Snohomish County Courthouse on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

On National Adoption Day, 11 Snohomish County families grow by 1

There were tears of joy in the county courthouse on Friday when Sean Myers, 8, was adopted Friday.

Valentino Warr, 5, smiles while holding his certificate of adoption during National Adoption Day at the Snohomish County Courthouse on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Alvaro Guillen, executive director of Connect Casino Road, at the Snohomish County Campus on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Snohomish County funds Spanish voters’ pamphlets, but not ballots — yet

The county could become the second in the state to provide Spanish-language ballots without being required to.

Alvaro Guillen, executive director of Connect Casino Road, at the Snohomish County Campus on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
The first flight from Paine Field to Honolulu is prepared by grounds crew on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

‘Aloha’ to first Honolulu flight from Paine Field

Passengers boarded Alaska Airlines’ inaugural flight from Everett to Oahu on Friday. It’s a new daily nonstop service.

The first flight from Paine Field to Honolulu is prepared by grounds crew on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Ray Stephanson, former Everett mayor, looks over the city during a photo of 2015 in Everett, Washington. Stephanson sees  Utah’s “housing first” model – dealing with homelessness first before tackling related issues – is one Everett and Snohomish County should adopt. (Andy Bronson/ The Herald)

On Hat Island, longtime Everett mayor finds way back in public office

Ray Stephanson won his Hat Island fire commissioner seat by a landslide, 52-3. He’s also vice-president of the community association.

Ray Stephanson, former Everett mayor, looks over the city during a photo of 2015 in Everett, Washington. Stephanson sees  Utah’s “housing first” model – dealing with homelessness first before tackling related issues – is one Everett and Snohomish County should adopt. (Andy Bronson/ The Herald)
A person turns in their ballot at a ballot box located near the Edmonds Library in Edmonds, Washington on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

Suspicious mail sent to Snohomish County elections office

The auditor’s office, which was still counting votes, said the mail matched the description of envelopes received by other counties.

A person turns in their ballot at a ballot box located near the Edmonds Library in Edmonds, Washington on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Two election workers seal up boxes of ballots after closing the county courthouse ballot box at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, in downtown Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

54 votes separate Mill Creek race; some gaps widen in new ballot count

The outcome of many major races remained largely unchanged with updated election results Wednesday in Snohomish County.

Two election workers seal up boxes of ballots after closing the county courthouse ballot box at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, in downtown Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
A person enters the Robert J. Drewel Building on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, at the county campus in downtown Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Addressing opioids is ‘issue of the year’ for Snohomish County

County officials hope strengthening state law is the key to slowing down a multifaceted opioid crisis.

A person enters the Robert J. Drewel Building on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, at the county campus in downtown Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Bob Hagglund, left, and Dave Somers, right

Incumbents lead for Snohomish County executive, council, assessor

Dave Somers and Megan Dunn, both Democrats, held big leads in county executive and county council races.

Bob Hagglund, left, and Dave Somers, right
Election workers remove ballots from their envelopes before sending them to be counted at the Snohomish County Auditor’s office on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, in downtown Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

What you need to know on Election Day in Snohomish County

Deliver your votes to a ballot box before 8 p.m. to ensure your voice is heard in this year’s general election.

Election workers remove ballots from their envelopes before sending them to be counted at the Snohomish County Auditor’s office on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, in downtown Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Eternal Flame monument burns in the center of the Snohomish County Campus on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Diversity report identifies gaps in support at Snohomish County offices

The report suggests Black employees feel less acceptance in the workplace. “We understand that there is more work to do.”

The Eternal Flame monument burns in the center of the Snohomish County Campus on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Maygen Hetherington, left, and John Kartak

Ex-Snohomish mayor faces political newcomer in City Council bid

John Kartak touts his fiscal responsibility. Maygen Hetherington wants to focus on small business and growth.

Maygen Hetherington, left, and John Kartak
Kymm Shipman, left, and Gloria Ngezaho

Lake Stevens council candidates talk transit, transparency, police

Gloria Ngezaho believes the mayor should’ve signed a Pride proclamation. Kymm Shipman wants a stronger police presence.

Kymm Shipman, left, and Gloria Ngezaho
Housing Hope Administrative Offices in Everett, Washington on October 5, 2022.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Everett-based Housing Hope cuts positions amid financial troubles

A Housing Hope spokesperson said layoffs of over 10 percent of the staff were “painful” but necessary — and hopefully temporary.

Housing Hope Administrative Offices in Everett, Washington on October 5, 2022.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Cash is used for a purchase at Molly Moon's Ice Cream in Edmonds, Washington on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

Ban on cash-free businesses passes in unincorporated Snohomish County

The Snohomish County Council unanimously approved an ordinance Wednesday, setting fines for businesses that don’t accept cash.

Cash is used for a purchase at Molly Moon's Ice Cream in Edmonds, Washington on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)