After tax bills hit farms that branched into being venues, lawmakers intervene

SNOHOMISH — A wedding at a farm can be the perfect backdrop, but those farms that converted their barns into regularly booked wedding spaces or other uses got put on the back foot this summer. The barn’s not agricultural anymore, so the land around it is not allowed to be given a special lowered property tax rate named Open Space. The tax fee for changing the land use out of Open Space is seven years of back taxes plus a 20% penalty. At least a handful of farms in the Snohomish River Valley received sizable tax bills last summer. Local lawmakers noticed. They have a new bill to clarify the rules, and the county assessor is on board.

Election for Monroe mayor to succeed Thomas shaping up between Fulcher, Cudaback

MONROE — A race to succeed long-serving Mayor Geoffrey Thomas has begun as City Councilwoman Heather Fulcher and former City Councilwoman Patsy Cudaback have organized campaigns.

Recovery to recreation: ElderPlace PACE program in Everett attends to needs without nursing home

Providence ElderPlace PACE in Everett is the only Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in Snohomish County, a federal elder care program that serves people age 55 and older, and it is making important strides in helping with health and recovery.

County health officials target increase in illegal food carts

Snohomish County health officials are stepping up enforcement against unpermitted food carts and stands, which have been operating illegally and raising public health concerns.

Snohomish girls basketball in Districts

Snohomish junior Kendall Hammer drives downcourt against a player on the Shorecrest Scots during second-round Districts action Feb. 18 on Marysville-Pilchuck’s court. Shorecrest bested Snohomish 47-23 for this game.

Executive decisions spent public’s money but ignored public

GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURES

A reader raises concern about the future Snohomish Civic Campus.

He swims the Snohomish for rehabilitation

SNOHOMISH — Rain or shine, below-freezing temperatures or above, Snohomish resident Fred Mydske still makes his way to the river for a swim. After facing a sciatic nerve injury a couple of years ago with advice to ice it, Mydske turned to the Snohomish River to ease some of his pain.

All school meals would be free if legislative bill passes

State Rep. April Berg’s House Bill 1404 in the State Legislature would make all public school meals free for students starting in fall 2026 for any student who asks. Local school districts are in support.

Monroe vs. Edmonds-Woodway Boys Basketball

Edmonds-Woodway Warrior junior William Alseth (on right) and a teammate double-team Bearcat senior Kieren Greear during the battle Feb. 10 between the two top teams of Wesco 3A North and Wesco 3A South.

Snohomish crosswalk safety campaign reports its findings

SNOHOMISH — Earlier this month, the Snohomish Public Safety Board conducted a creative, weeklong pedestrian safety campaign aiming to highlight drivers’ blindspots and remind motorists when to yield to foot traffic.