My Everett News

One of the 1940s water meters used by the PUD.

On Saturday, January 17th, the Snohomish PUD will be celebrating 80 years in operation.

Formed by a majority vote of the people on November 3rd, 1936, the Snohomish PUD started as a water utility, operating January 17th, 1946. It wasn’t until September 1st, 1949 that it started providing electricity.

One of the first buildings used by the PUD at 1515 Pacific Ave.

80 years later, the utility is the second largest publicly owned utility in the Pacific Northwest and the 12th largest in the United States.

It now provides reliable, clean water to more than 23,000 customers in Snohomish County and operates and maintains nine water systems, four treatment plants, 17 reservoirs, over 400 miles of pipe and 2,376 hydrants.

Jackson Hydro Project at Spada Lake

The Water Utility is celebrating its anniversary by unveiling its very own mascot. Be on the lookout on PUD social media channels for the debut of Splash the Otter, who will be joining the PUD’s squirrel mascots Zip and Zap on their adventures and teaching customers about the importance of water conservation, protection of our natural resources and safety.

“It’s incredible to think of all the amazing work that our Water Utility has been doing for the last 80 years,” said Jeff Kallstrom, the PUD’s Chief Water Operations Officer.

“Over that time, we’ve been constantly innovating and reinforcing our systems to provide our customers with safe, reliable drinking water. The water group works so hard to provide excellent service and I could not be prouder of every single one of them.”

In recent news, the Snohomish County PUD’s Water Utility is nearing completion of several major projects including installation of advanced water meters and a new reservoir that will bolster reliability for its customers.

The Water Utility has nearly completed its multi-year advanced meter installation, with 99% now in the field. These meters provide detailed water usage information to customers and help assist with leak detection.

In 2025, the new meters helped detect over 4,200 potential leaks, helping customers save money and water. Meter installations are projected to wrap up the first week of February, six months ahead of schedule.

In addition, the Water Utility continues to work on completing its new Kayak Reservoir, which will hold about 500,000 gallons of water. The new reservoir is scheduled to go online next month and will help reinforce the Water Utility’s strong reliability.

The Everett Station District Alliance Workforce Initiative will host a Career Fair on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Everett Station’s Weyerhaeuser Room, bringing together local employers and job seekers for an evening focused on workforce connections and opportunity.

The Career Fair will feature Everett-based employers from a variety of industries, offering job seekers the chance to learn about current and upcoming employment opportunities, speak directly with hiring representatives, and explore career pathways within the community.

Employers participating in the event are actively hiring or expect to hire within the next three to six months.

This event is about connecting people with real opportunities close to home. By bringing employers and job seekers together in a welcoming, accessible setting, we’re supporting both workforce development and local business needs.

The event is free and open to the public. Job seekers at all stages, those actively seeking employment, exploring a career change, or planning their next step, are encouraged to attend.

Attendees are advised to bring copies of their resumes and be prepared to network. Raffle opportunities will also be available throughout the event for those in attendance.

Local employers interested in participating may register in advance, though space is limited and participation is subject to availability.

For more information about the Career Fair or employer participation,
visit www.everettstationdistrict.com/calendar/everett-station-district-career-fair-2026

These Sky Valley Firefighters saved the six puppies from fentanyl poisoning.

Yesterday three unresponsive 10-week-old puppies were dropped off at Sky Valley Fire Station 54 in Gold Bar, Washington.

Firefighters discovered all three puppies were in critical condition with respiratory and full arrest.

Firefighters could tell that all three puppies were suffering from the same symptoms and the cause had to be environmental poisoning.

Puppies were revived with narcan.

Crews performed life-saving procedures, including CPR, Oxygen therapy, and administered Naloxone (also known as Narcan).

Knowing that Fetanyl is one of the major causes of poisoning, when introduced in the air as a powder, it was the firefighters best guess that the puppies had experienced a fetanyl OD.

The three puppies responded to the treatment and were resuscitated.

However, the story didn’t end there.

Sheriff deputies were called in and were able to find the individuals who originally dropped off the puppies. They were at their home and deputies found three additional very sick puppies and rushed them to fire station 54 where firefighter-EMTs provided additional life saving measures.

All six puppies were taken to a urgent care 24-hour veterinary clinic.

Later reports from the veterinary clinic is that all six puppies are recovering well. A video of them can be seen on Facebook here.

This story comes just a month after a dog was saved from a dumpster in Everett.

Burgler seen exiting the store before re-entering with a bat.

On Thursday, January 8th Mugu Games in Everett suffered a break-in robbery just after midnight.

Mugu display case broken into where expensive Pokemon cards were stolen.

The robber stole about $40,000 in Pokémon cards, including a rare “Psa 10 Vending Ooyamas Oikachu Pikachu,” which is worth at least $3,000.

Security footage (seen below) shows a masked and hooded figure breaking into the store, trying to kick in a specific display case, failing to do so, then going back outside to grab the baseball bat he used to break in.

He then breaks the display case glass, and grabs the cards, clearly indicating he knew exactly where to go.

The owner of Mugu stayed up late cleaning the mess in order to open at the regular time the next morning.

On Facebook, the owner mentions they won’t likely claim the loss with insurance, as the resulting increase in insurance rates will end up being more expensive than the amount they’d gain back from the claim. This is the sad reality many small business owners face.

Mugu Games is located at 5233 Evergreen Way in Everett, WA. This isn’t the first time we’ve writen about Mugu being robbed. In 2022, they were robbed at gunpoint.

Here’s the security footage showing the break-in:

Everett Chief of Police Robert Goetz

At the January 7, 2026, City Council meeting, Deputy Chief Robert Goetz was sworn in as the new Everett Police Department Chief of Police.

Chief Goetz has a long, comprehensive history with the Everett Police Department. He most recently served as Deputy Chief, overseeing the Investigations and Services Bureau. Prior to that, Chief Goetz oversaw the South Precinct as a captain and served as an administrative lieutenant with the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force.

He has filled numerous additional roles throughout his career, to include detective with the Office of Professional Standards, school resource officer, public information officer, patrol sergeant, member of the Marine Unit, and longtime member of the department’s Honor Guard.

Chief Goetz being sworn-in with the “Oath of Office.”

“I’m incredibly grateful to Deputy Chief Goetz for accepting this appointment to serve as Everett’s new chief of police,” said Mayor Franklin.

“Robert brings decades of experience; strong relationships throughout the department and across the region; and a steady leadership style that reflects the values of our community. His willingness to step up and serve in this capacity during this period of transition speaks to his commitment to this department and the people of Everett.”

Robert Goetz at a 2022 stabbing in Everett when he was Police Captain.

His experience, along with his deep and unique understanding of the numerous services offered by the Everett Police Department ensures the department retains the strategic leadership necessary to continue to serve our community with honor, integrity, and professionalism.

“It’s an honor to step into the role of chief and continue the strong legacy of integrity, professionalism and innovation built by Chiefs DeRousse, Templeman and the leaders before them,” said Deputy Chief Goetz.

“Everett has an outstanding police department, and I remain committed to supporting our officers, staff and the Everett community as we move forward together.”

New Chief of Police, Robert Goetz, takes the Oath of Office

It’s a new year, and there were a couple of new faces at the Everett City Council meeting yesterday. Here’s a brief recap of what went down in the first meeting of 2026.

The meeting started with a ceremonial swear-in and “Oath of Office” for recently elected or re-elected officials performed by Judge Remy Leonard, including:

• Mayor Cassie Franklin
• Councilmembers:
  • Erica Weir, Position 1 (new)
  • Paula Rhyne, Position 2
  • Don Schwab, Position 3
  • Luis Burbano, Position 4 (new)
  • Ben Zarlingo, Position 5
• New Chief of Police: Robert Goetz

Former councilmember Liz Vogeli made an appearance as a member of the public.

Former city councilmember Liz Vogeli showed up as the 2nd public commenter, mentioning the tragic news of Renee Nicole Good shot by ICE in Minneapolis.

Mayor Franklin recommended several people to boards that were all voted in by the council. These included:

Everett Housing Authority Board

1) Paul Manselle – position 2 serving until 10/6/2030
2) Koren Smith – position 3 serving until 10/6/2030
3) Jason Miller (new) – pos 6 serving until 10/6/2030

Civil Service Commission

Charles McMurray serving until 12/31/31

Library Board

Melinda Cervantes serving until 12/31/31

The board went on to approve consent items, then a 2nd reading of Pedestrian Safety RRFB – Everett Ave & 79th Pl SE, a second reading for grants to expand I-5/US-2 ramps to two lanes, and a 1st reading to adopt an ordinance for adjustments to the Everett 2044 Periodic Update, including more relaxed affordability levels for ownership housing.

Paula Rhyne was selected to be the Vice President of the council for 2026.

The meeting ended with the election for a President and Vice President for the council for 2026. The board re-elected Don Schwab as President. He was unopposed, a sign that the board felt he did a good job last year.

For Vice President, Paula Rhyne was nominated, unopposed, and unanimously voted in.