Sophia Gates

Jennifer Ross, a PCAP case manager for Sound Pathways, speaks with a client in the client’s home on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

‘I did get better’: Program helped Everett mother reunite her family

Jennifer Ross, a case manager with UW’s Parent Child-Assistance Program, made a big difference for Ashley Kozachenko.

Jennifer Ross, a PCAP case manager for Sound Pathways, speaks with a client in the client’s home on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Grayson Huff, left, a 4th grader at Pinewood Elementary, peaks around his sign during the Marysville School District budget presentation on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

At tense meeting, Marysville schools stare down drastic cuts to sports, more

Even with a $5 million loan, the budget is still $10.8 million short. In a budget presentation Tuesday, officials discussed next steps.

Grayson Huff, left, a 4th grader at Pinewood Elementary, peaks around his sign during the Marysville School District budget presentation on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
A school bus drives by rally before a Marysville School Board meeting on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Over protest, Marysville superintendent’s contract unanimously renewed

Zac Robbins inherited a district now facing a $5.9 million deficit. Dozens of parents and staff alleged a lack of transparency to fix the problem.

A school bus drives by rally before a Marysville School Board meeting on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

3 takeaways from Marysville mayor’s state of the city speech

Crime, business and roads were focal points as Mayor Jon Nehring addressed an audience of more than 50 for the annual speech this week.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Lake Stevens School District Superintendent Ken Collins poses for a photo in Lake Stevens, Washington on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

After fleeting NFL career, Lake Stevens educator, coach found his niche

Retiring superintendent Ken Collins built a sterling reputation in 34 years in the district, with a decade coaching football at Lake Stevens High.

Lake Stevens School District Superintendent Ken Collins poses for a photo in Lake Stevens, Washington on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Water pipes bursted in four schools in the Stanwood-Camano Island school district Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. (Photo provided by the Stanwood-Camano Island school district)

Frozen, burst pipes close schools in Lake Stevens, Camano, Edmonds

Temperatures dropped as low as single digits in some parts of Snohomish County over the weekend.

Water pipes bursted in four schools in the Stanwood-Camano Island school district Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. (Photo provided by the Stanwood-Camano Island school district)
Olga Gershaft, right, and her mother Galina Braynina stand behind the counter at European Deli Svitlana on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, on Everett Mall Way in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Signature Dish: At European Deli Svitlana, borscht is pure comfort

The Everett deli and grocery store caters to those seeking a taste of home while adding their own unique flair.

Olga Gershaft, right, and her mother Galina Braynina stand behind the counter at European Deli Svitlana on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, on Everett Mall Way in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Lola Ernsting, 6, second from left, and Sofia Banan, 6, far right, play with other kids in a structure meant for reading during the grand reopening of the Edmonds Library in Edmonds, Washington on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

‘We come together’: After burst pipe, revamped Edmonds library reopens

When the library at 650 Main St. flooded in 2022, it gave officials a “completely blank slate” to improve the branch.

Lola Ernsting, 6, second from left, and Sofia Banan, 6, far right, play with other kids in a structure meant for reading during the grand reopening of the Edmonds Library in Edmonds, Washington on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
MLK Jr. Celebration Choir sing at the start of the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration Sunday at First Presbyterian Church in Everett on Jan. 19, 2020. (Kevin Clark / Herald file)

Martin Luther King Jr. events planned for Snohomish County

Everett and Edmonds will mark the holiday with a church service, parade and other programs Sunday and Monday.

MLK Jr. Celebration Choir sing at the start of the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration Sunday at First Presbyterian Church in Everett on Jan. 19, 2020. (Kevin Clark / Herald file)
The Waits Motel in Everett, Washington on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. The motel is under new managership. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

Despite turnaround, Everett buys Waits Motel for $1.85M

The city has no immediate plans for the motel with a history of illegal activity. Residents still need to be relocated.

The Waits Motel in Everett, Washington on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. The motel is under new managership. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett Municipal Court plans to host a pilot program to give people charged with misdemeanors who have substance use disorder an alternative to the criminal process. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Everett approves minimum jail sentences for repeat offenders

The City Council passed a measure Wednesday in a 4-2 vote. It applies to a range of public disorder crimes.

Everett Municipal Court plans to host a pilot program to give people charged with misdemeanors who have substance use disorder an alternative to the criminal process. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Katherine Hopke poses for a photo in her studio for Golden Light Beeswax Candles at her home in Everett, Washington on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023.  (Annie Barker / The Herald)

As Christmas nears, Everett candle maker takes cues from nuns

In 2018, Katherine Hopke took over the business from a Stanwood convent. Now she sells the beeswax candles online.

Katherine Hopke poses for a photo in her studio for Golden Light Beeswax Candles at her home in Everett, Washington on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023.  (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Max Redman, his partner and their children in their empty bedroom that was one of the main rooms of their apartment with the maggot infestation on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

‘Nightmare’ infestation leaves Everett family in debt, battling landlord

One day, Erin Hauge bent to pick up a piece of garbage. It moved. Now, the family is grappling with the stomach-churning fallout.

Max Redman, his partner and their children in their empty bedroom that was one of the main rooms of their apartment with the maggot infestation on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
The Snohomish County Jail is pictured on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Everett council weighs minimum sentences for repeat offenders

Dozens of defendants per year could face a new 30-day penalty. Several City Council members questioned the cost and effectiveness.

The Snohomish County Jail is pictured on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
PAWS CEO Heidi Wills Yamada on Monday, Nov. 27, 2021 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

At PAWS in Lynnwood, the animals come first

PAWS staff are preparing for a major expansion, with a new wildlife center opening on 25 acres in Snohomish.

PAWS CEO Heidi Wills Yamada on Monday, Nov. 27, 2021 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin gives an address to the city council of her proposed 2024 budget at the Everett Police Department North Precinct in Everett, Washington on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

Everett’s new budget trims $104M, with deficit still looming

The City Council approved a $438.8 million budget this week, with the police department getting an 18.6% increase over 2023.

Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin gives an address to the city council of her proposed 2024 budget at the Everett Police Department North Precinct in Everett, Washington on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Founder and Executive Director Pa Ousman Joof, alongside Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell, right, prepares to cut the ribbon during the grand opening of the Washington West African Center on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, in Lynnwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Born out of struggle, West African Center flourishes in Lynnwood

African music filled the room Saturday at 19203 36th Ave. West, for the grand opening of the nonprofit’s new state headquarters.

Founder and Executive Director Pa Ousman Joof, alongside Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell, right, prepares to cut the ribbon during the grand opening of the Washington West African Center on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, in Lynnwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
U.S. Army veteran George Michael Taylor shares his stories from the Vietnam War during a Veterans Day program at the Snohomish Senior Center on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, in Snohomish, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Fallen soldier, Vietnam War survivor linked by name — and now, more

“My name is George Michael Taylor,” said the Everett man on the phone. But George Michael Taylor had been killed in 1967.

U.S. Army veteran George Michael Taylor shares his stories from the Vietnam War during a Veterans Day program at the Snohomish Senior Center on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, in Snohomish, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Stephanie Boyle prepares dinner for her three children as one of them plays with olives at their new apartment in Marysville, Washington on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

To escape homelessness, Everett mother navigates a labyrinth

Stephanie Boyle’s odyssey to find an apartment echoes the stories of hundreds of families. And the need is only growing in Snohomish County.

Stephanie Boyle prepares dinner for her three children as one of them plays with olives at their new apartment in Marysville, Washington on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Jen Hirman, left, Charles Mister, Charles Adkins and Ryne Rohla.

See who won school board races in Everett, Marysville, Edmonds

In Everett, Charles Adkins led Ryne Rohla for an open seat. And a Monroe school board race was separated by 9 votes.

Jen Hirman, left, Charles Mister, Charles Adkins and Ryne Rohla.