My Everett News

Guemes Island located just north of Anacortes.

A disturbing mystery started on March 26th with the discovery of a canine’s body floating near Guemes Island. It sent the message boards ablaze, as people tried to figure it out while more and more bodies were discovered.

As many as 25 dead canines were found, all skinned, missing their front paws, and some with orange twine wrapped around their necks.

Theories ranged from a serial killer stealing people’s pet dogs, to witches making sacrifices, to pelt hunters discarding the bodies.

Guemes Island Fire Dept collecting canine carcasses from the beach. (Credit: Olivia Cole)

Though the county sheriff’s is still awaiting DNA test results from the carcasses, they believe the mystery has been solved and it is more benign than thought. State prosectors are not likely to persue anyone related to this incident.

According to the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office, the dead canines were likely foxes and coyotes that originated from a farm outside of Washington State.

At least 20 foxes were “lawfully purchased and transported into Washington” for use as crab bait.

The sheriff’s office mentioned a crabbing boat had some mechanical issues, causing the operator to toss the foxes to lighten the load when the boat was taking on water.

Ironically, Guemes Island is historically known as “Dog Island”. The nickname didn’t come from this recent incident. It originated in the late 19th century due to a large population of Salish Wool Dogs (or woolly dogs) that were kept on the island by the Coast Salish people for their wool, which was woven into textiles.

The Edgewater Bridge has been reconstructed and will open soon.

The City of Everett will celebrate the opening of the new Edgewater Bridge on April 27 at 3:30 p.m.

The community is invited to attend and walk across the bridge, learn more about the project from the project team and hear remarks from the cities of Everett and Mukilteo. The bridge is expected to open to vehicles at the end of the workday on April 28.

“I’m excited to see the brand-new Edgewater Bridge open again and serving our community,” said Mayor Cassie Franklin.

“Construction brought real impacts – especially to the neighbors who live close to the bridge – but I’m proud to deliver a more structurally sound bridge that’s built to last and ready for the future.”

Crews pouring the deck on the Edgwater Bridge.

Replacing the Edgewater Bridge involved removing a 366-foot-long, 60-foot-tall concrete bridge and building three bridges: the new Edgewater Bridge and two temporary work platforms on either side of the ravine from which the new bridge was built. This work was done over a deep ravine while protecting the sensitive creek habitat and steep slopes below.

“This celebration is the culmination of a large and complex effort to build a new bridge in a complex site, with challenging geology and spatial constraints,” said Ryan Sass, Everett Public Works director.

“The new bridge is a long-term, high-impact investment in our transportation future. I want to thank our staff and our contractors for taking every step possible to keep the project moving forward despite significant and unexpected challenges.”

Edgewater Bridge Project Background:

Bridge covered today.

Edgewater Bridge is one of three major bridges along Mukilteo Boulevard that are within Everett city limits, serving as an important connection between Everett and Mukilteo.

The bridge that was replaced was built in 1946 and had reached the end of its useful life. This made replacement necessary to provide future access and reduce the potential for damage in an earthquake.

The majority of the project’s $34 million in estimated funding was secured through federal sources ($28 million), including a significant contribution from Congressman Larsen, and the replacement project moved forward, with the bridge closure commencing in October 2024.

Challenges were encountered during construction that necessitated modifications to the original schedule. This includes encountering unstable soil, which made access for drilling and shaft work challenging and time consuming.

Approximately 140 truckloads of unsuitable soils were removed during work on the substructure. Additionally, unexpected subsurface obstructions – believed to be pieces of the original bridge – slowed progress when working in the ravine. Staff worked closely with the project team to make up time when feasible and safe to do so.

The City of Everett incorporated community input into the design of the bridge, including the railings, light poles, and gateway design elements. The bridge straddles the border of Everett and Mukilteo and will welcome travelers into both cities. In addition to the design elements, the new bridge includes wider sidewalks and bike lanes on each side of the road.

Edgewater Bridge Reopening:

While the roadway will reopen to vehicle traffic on April 28, there is still work that needs to be finished before the project is fully complete.

Permanent roadway striping, barriers, lighting, paint and other tasks may need to be completed after the bridge is open to traffic. The new sidewalks on the bridge will remain closed until the final work on the bridge is complete.

Edgewater Park:

During construction, portions of Edgewater Park have been used for construction staging. The park will be renovated following the full completion of the Edgewater Bridge Replacement Project.

Attending the Re-opening Event:

For those attending the celebration, please note:

• Street parking is available but is very limited. We encourage carpooling if possible.
• Please do not park on private property or block driveway access.
• The bridge will not be open to vehicle traffic at the time of the celebration. You may approach the bridge from either side but will not be able to drive across the bridge.

To learn more about the project, please visit: everettwa.gov/edgewater.

Kayak Point is a popular destination among locals.

While construction at Kayak Point will be ongoing through the fall, Snohomish County Parks planning team and contractors have been working hard towards the goal of reopening the access road and part of the day-use area by July 1st.

So far they are on track to meet that goal. This week, crews are moving in earth to raise the park by 4-5 feet.

Construction at Kayak Point.

The design will help protect park infrastructure from significant storms by adding additional beach height with native habitat materials. The parking and recreation elements will also be raised.

View of Kayak Point pier near the boat launch.

This will protect this treasured park from the impacts of sea level rise and storms. Recent work has included installing underground utilities, restroom updates, and repaving the southern picnic shelter area (which remains closed to the public).

The access road to the Kayak Point Day-Use Area and northern picnic shelters will reopen on July 1, 2026. Online reservations for the picnic shelters will open at 10:00 am PST on April 13, 2026.

Construction will still be ongoing and even though there will be vehicle access to the day-use area, the southern portion of the park will remain closed. There will be portable restrooms only and limited parking in the day-use area.

The boat launch will also reopen July 1, and there will be partial access to the pier contingent on construction activities.

Current park access: The access road is closed through June 30 with hike-in only access to the northern part of the day-use area. Learn more on the project page here.

Photos by Rich Patton on April 7, 2026.

U.S. Figure Skating announced that 2026 Skate America will return to Everett and be held at Angel Of The Winds Arena on November 13-15, 2026.

The prestigious event is being held in partnership with Snohomish County Sports Commission and is one of six stops in the International Skating Union (ISU) Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series, bringing world-class figure skating back to the Pacific Northwest for the first time since 2018.

This marks the fifth time Skate America will be held in the state of Washington and the third time hosted in Snohomish County at Angel Of The Winds Arena, reinforcing the region’s reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events.

“It is an honor to host Skate America for the third time,” states Tammy Dunn, Snohomish County Sports Commission Executive Director. “We are excited to welcome the top athletes from around the world and figure skating fans to Everett and Snohomish County.”

Fresh off the Olympic season and as part of the ISU Grand Prix Series, Skate America returns this fall as the fifth of six stops on the Grand Prix circuit. The event will feature many of the world’s top athletes as they launch the next chapter of international competition. Everett will serve as one of six stops in a global series that traditionally includes events in France, China, Canada, Japan, and Finland. Skaters earn points throughout the Grand Prix Series to qualify for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final in December. Skate America will feature elite athletes from around the globe competing in women’s, men’s, pairs, and ice dance disciplines.

Entries for the competition will be announced this summer. “Hosting Skate America in Everett is a privilege for Angel Of The Winds Arena,” said Corey Margolis, Oak View Group’s General Manager at Angel Of The Winds Arena. “We look forward to providing a world-class stage for the top figure skaters and an unforgettable experience for our fans and community.”

Tentative Event Schedule (subject to change)

• Thursday, November 12 – Practice Session (open exclusively to All-Access Ticket Holders; not sold separately)
• Session 1 – Friday, November 13 | Men’s Short Program and Pairs Short Program
• Session 2 – Saturday, November 14 | Women Short Program and Men’s Free Skate
• Session 3 – Saturday, November 14 | Rhythm Dance and Pairs Free Skate
• Session 4 – Sunday, November 15 | Free Dance and Women’s Free Skate

Ticket Information for 2026 Skate America
All-session Tickets for the 2026 Skate America will be available through the following presale and public sale periods:

• Friends of Figure Skating Presale: Tuesday, April 21 at 10:00 AM PT– Wednesday, April 22 at 9:59 AM PT
• Fan & Venue Presale: Wednesday, April 22 at 10:00 AM PT– Thursday, April 23 at 9:59 AM PT
• Public On-Sale: Thursday, April 23 at 10:00 AM PT
  Tickets can be purchased at the Les Schwab Box Office at Angel Of The Winds Arena or online at angelofthewindsarena.com.

For more information on 2026 Skate America, visit usfigureskating.org/feature/2026SkateAmerica.

Everett Station is a major hub for bus and train connections for morning commuters.

A 36-year old man was stabbed in the stomach at the Everett Transit Center early this morning.

Everett police were alerted at 4:59 AM but the victim was already gone.

After being stabbed in the stomach, the victim had hopped on a bus to Seattle in an attempt to make it to Haborview on his own.

When he made it to the Northgate Station, his plan was to take light rail towards Harborview. A person on the Northgate platform alerted a security guard.

First responders arrived and transported the victim to Harborview Medical Center. He is listed as being in stable condition.

No arrests were made today that would have indicated the suspect in a stabbing.

We’ll add more details if they become avaiable.

Lake Stevens School District has agreed to pay millions to former student Kalynn Taber, now 19, to resolve a pending lawsuit. In addition, the District has agreed to increase its training of both school staff and district-level administrators related to topics including sexual grooming and mandatory reporting.

Plaintiff’s lawsuit alleged that Mark Hein, a math teacher at Lake Stevens Sr. High School, targeted students, including Kalynn, then a sophomore math student, and engaged in a pattern and practice of sexual grooming behavior.

She reported Hein in January 2022 to Principal Leslie Ivelia and Associate Principal Tonya Grinde. Hein, told to have no contact with the student, continued to “bump into her” at school through April 2022.

Lake Stevens School District did not notify law enforcement, nor was Hein placed on administrative leave until August 2022, when an outside counselor advised law enforcement of the teacher’s conduct and a police investigation was launched.

Though Hein was arrested following a police investigation, the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office declined to pursue charges.

The lawsuit set forth that the District repeatedly failed to protect students by ignoring mandatory reporting laws, refused to advise the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) of Hein’s conduct as required by state law (WAC 181-86-110) and internal policy (LSSD 4900), failed to end the harassment, or conduct a competent investigation, among other failures.

“Forcing a 15 year-old to participate in years’ long litigation to ensure that school professionals protect kids is a betrayal to every child in the Lake Stevens School District. Kalynn Taber and her family have repeatedly proven themselves much braver than the adults charged with keeping her safe,” said Attorney Maridith Ramsey. “The Taber family is relieved to close this chapter and hopes that the increased district-wide training results in protection of all students in the future.”

Hein resigned from his position after more than two years of paid leave to avoid participating in an internal investigation. The District also paid Hein a severance of $122,184.00 in January 2025.

As a result of the Taber’s lawsuit, an OSPI investigation into Hein’s teaching certificate is now pending.

Chari, Kalynn’s mom, added:

“Our family has been fighting for nearly 5 years to affect change and ensure all LSSD students are safe and predators are reported immediately. If the idea is see something say something, then the district needs to believe the students and take action. My daughter suffered more than any child should, but her strength removed a predator from LSHS, and exposed a serious need for policy change and accountability.”

This April, Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens offers two free events that bring together gardening enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The Snohomish Master Gardeners Perennial Demonstration Garden will feature a walk-through in its popular Walk & Talk Series, and Spring Fest Family Fun will offer hands-on gardening activities for children. B

Both events aim to inspire a deeper connection with nature. Here’s a description of the two events:

April 11: Evergreen Perennials Walk & Talk
12 PM – 1 PM

Join us for a free, informative stroll through the Perennial Border Demonstration Garden. Lee Borgatta, WSU Extension Snohomish County Master Gardener and Evergreen Arboretum Board Member, will lead a discussion on “Spring Bloomers” — focusing on the plants in bloom this season and how to grow them in your own garden. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and bring your questions!

April 18: Spring Fest!
 10 AM – 12 PM

Celebrate the season with fun, hands-on activities for families. Kids can plant snapdragons at the entrance, take one home, and explore a spring-themed story along the Conifer Garden trail. There will also be crafts, treats, and a new self-guided activity kiosk to inspire return visits throughout the season. It’s a perfect way to enjoy spring together!

The Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens are located at 145 Alverson Boulevard in Everett, WA.