February 7, 2025

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Fatality in RV Fire in Neighborhood Near Paine Field

RV fire involving three people in Everett

Just after 10:30 a.m. today, Everett Fire, with the assistance of South County and Mukilteo Fire,  responded to a fire at the 11100 block of Paine Field Way.

Callers to 911 reported smoke and flames from the motorhome with one person inside.

Before the fire department arrived, a crew with Snohomish County PUD happened to be in the area for an unrelated job when they noticed the RV fire. PUD employees worked to rescue the person from inside the RV.

This Winnebago being used as a home caught fire.

South County Fire’s Engine 11 was the first unit on scene and found a fully involved RV fire, with an unresponsive adult female patient outside of the motorhome.

They also learned that a second person may be in the motorhome. Firefighters and EMS personnel immediately began performing CPR and administering life-saving measures while other fire crews worked to extinguish the fire and search for the second victim.

It appeared that the occupants had been living in the RV, which presented significant challenges for the firefighters due to the excessive personal belongings cluttering the inside. As they navigated through hoarding conditions, they found an adult male inside the RV. Fire crews immediately began CPR and attempted life-saving measures, but unfortunately, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A PUD worker was evaluated at the scene for smoke inhalation but was not transported to the hospital.

The surviving victim was transported to Harborview Hospital in critical condition by Everett Fire Aid 6 and South County Fire Medic 11.

Firefighters had the fire extinguished within five minutes of the first unit arriving.

The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation by the Everett Fire Marshal’s Office. The Everett Police Department is handling the death investigation, which is standard procedure.

The preliminary investigation does not lead investigators to believe any criminal activity is involved with the cause of this fire. Judging from the picture, it looks like a fire may have started inside the RV parked, which was parked on the side of the road in a residential area near the airport.

The incident took place in a neighborhood near Paine Field

The Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office has taken custody of the deceased victim to determine the cause and manner of death and establish identity.

The location of the incident is close to Paine Field on a street parallel to Airport Way, called Paine Field Way. Traffic on Paine Field Way between 112th St SW and 111th Pl W remains closed for several hours while the fire investigation is under way.

Living in an RV with hoarding conditions significantly increases the risk of fire due to blocked escape routes, excessive combustible materials, and potential damage to electrical wiring.

It is crucial to prioritize fire safety by keeping combustibles away from heat sources, keeping exits clear, regularly checking electrical systems, and having a well-defined escape plan. Additionally, you should always have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms to further enhance safety.

Though the circumstances are likely different than the car explosion back in January, the Fire Department shared tips for those who may be trying to heat themselves when living in a vehicle.

Whether you live in an RV or a home, hoarding can severely impede emergency responders’ ability to assist in critical situations and pose significant risks to the occupants’ safety. Taking these precautions can help protect your life and property.

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February 7, 2025

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2025 Board of Directors Unveiled For Leadership Snohomish County

Leadership Snohomish County announces their 2025 Board of Directors in an effort to “Expanding Leadership, Equity, and Community Engagement Across Snohomish County.”

Here’s the release:

Leadership Snohomish County (LSC) is proud to announce its 2025 Board of Directors, a dynamic group of professionals dedicated to advancing leadership, equity, and civic engagement throughout Snohomish County. The Board will guide LSC’s continued efforts to develop and connect leaders through innovative programs and professional development opportunities.

With a network of more than 1,100 alumni, LSC recognizes the importance of fostering deeper engagement and creating more opportunities for past program participants to stay involved. Under the leadership of Chief Leadership Officer Cindy Gobel, the Board will focus on expanding alumni engagement efforts while continuing to support LSC’s Signature Program, Leadership for Racial Equity, and the Step Up for Equity Conference, ensuring that leaders from across all sectors have the tools and knowledge to create lasting impact.

New Board Member Lisa Grund from Career Path Services

LSC’s Executive Committee, led by Board Co-Chairs Rachel Wilkinson Downes and Joshua Estes, includes Joel Taylor as Immediate Past Chair, Mark Nermo as Treasurer, and members Melissa Siv, Eliza Davis, and Jessica Moore. Together, they bring a deep commitment to strengthening LSC’s programs and expanding opportunities for leadership growth in Snohomish County.

“This year’s Board is a testament to the strength of leadership in Snohomish County,” said Rachel Wilkinson Downes, Board Co-Chair.

“We are excited to build upon the organization’s strong foundation and continue offering leadership development programs that create lasting change.”

Returning Board Members are:

  • Kate Anderson, Port of Everett
  • Heidi Schauble, Career Path Services
  • Douglas Evans, Edmonds College
  • Councilmember George Hurst, City of Lynnwood
  • Ryan Shaughnessy, Tulalip Bay Fire
  • Eliza Davis, The Tulalip Tribes
  • Jessica Moore, Volunteers of America Western Washington
  • Mark Nermo, Optum
  • Melissa Siv, Peoples Bank
  • Joel Taylor, Inflection Wealth Management
  • Joshua Estes, Pacific Northwest Regional Strategies, LLC
  • Rachel Wilkinson Downes, Housing Hope

New Board Member Jason Smith from Community Transit

New Board Members are:

  • Jason Smith, Community Transit
  • Lisa Grund, Career Path Services

“Leadership is about cultivating meaningful relationships, embracing diverse perspectives, and recognizing that our strength as a community lies in our ability to work together,” said Jason Smith, newly appointed board member and Community Transit leader.

“LSC provides an invaluable space for leaders to grow, collaborate, and make meaningful contributions to Snohomish County.”

Step Up for Equity Conference Returns in April 2025:

LSC’s Step Up for Equity Conference, taking place in April 2025, will bring together leaders from across the country for a virtual event focused on the intersectionality of race, equity, diversity, and inclusion. The conference will provide a nationally accessible platform for engaging in meaningful discussions and developing actionable strategies to address systemic inequities and foster more inclusive communities and workplaces.

Date: April 29th, 2025
Location: Virtual
Registration and details: https://leadershipsc.org/stepup2025

Strengthening Alumni Engagement and Leadership Development

Since its founding in 1998, LSC has been committed to developing leaders who are engaged in their communities. The organization recognizes the need to strengthen connections with its alumni by creating more meaningful ways for past graduates to stay involved, share their expertise, and continue growing as leaders. In addition to alumni engagement efforts, LSC will continue to focus on professional development through its Signature Program and Leadership for Racial Equity, ensuring that leaders are equipped to address critical local issues while fostering collaboration across sectors.

“As we move forward, we recognize that there is an opportunity to better connect with our alumni and ensure that their leadership journey doesn’t end with graduation,” said Chief Leadership Officer Cindy Gobel. “We are committed to providing ongoing opportunities for learning, networking, and community impact.”

For more information about Leadership Snohomish County, its programs, or upcoming events, visit https://leadershipsc.org.

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February 6, 2025

Comments Off on Everett Police Seek Public’s Assistance on Identifying ATM Skimmer Scammer

Everett Police Seek Public’s Assistance on Identifying ATM Skimmer Scammer

The Everett Police Department is looking for the public’s assistance in identifying this pictured individual.

He has been associated with multiple fraud cases, including one instance involving the installation of a skimming device on an ATM in a central Everett grocery store.

Example of an ATM Skimmer

Skimming devices capture card data and record cardholders’ PIN entries.

The ATM skimmer devices are usually inserted in the card reader or otherwise installed within the terminal.

However, some skimmer devices may fit over the terminal’s card reader or be situated along exposed cables at freestanding ATMs.

Pinhole cameras installed on or around ATMs record a customer’s PIN entry. Pinhole camera placement varies widely.

In other cases, keylogging keypad overlays are used instead of pinhole cameras to record PINs. These overlays record a customer’s keystrokes.

This data is used to then create fake payment cards and make unauthorized purchases or steal money from victims’ accounts.

It is estimated that skimming costs financial institutions and consumers more than $1 billion each year.

Protect yourself from falling victim to skimming:

  • Don’t use any card reader that looks unusual, such as being crooked, loose, damaged, or excessively scratched.
  • Use ATMs in well-lit indoor locations.
  • Routinely monitor your credit card, bank, EBT, or other benefits accounts. Set email or text message alerts to notify you of transactions.
  • Consider using tap to pay via a digital wallet, particularly at gas pumps.

Anyone with additional information on this matter is asked to contact the Everett Police TIP Line at (425) 257-8450 or the Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound at 1-800-222-TIPS.

To learn more about skimming and other common frauds and scams you should be aware of, visit: the FBI Skimming Scam page.
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February 6, 2025

Comments Off on Senator Murray and Rep Strickland Introduce Flight 293 Remembrance Act for Missing Not in Action Servicemembers

Senator Murray and Rep Strickland Introduce Flight 293 Remembrance Act for Missing Not in Action Servicemembers

Seen between flights, the N290US crashed into the Pacific Ocean 180 miles west of Annette Island, Alaska on June 3, 1963, while operating a military charter flight 293; all 101 aboard were lost. A cause of the accident was never determined. Credit: Jon Proctor

On the heels of the 2025 Potomac River mid-air collision, new bipartisan legislation led by Murray would provide overdue recognition and assistance to families of servicemembers lost in non-combat military plane crashes, including those who perished in tragic 1963 Flight 293 from McChord Air Force Base to Elmendorf Air Force Base.

Senator Murray speaking in Congress.

Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, introduced the Flight 293 Remembrance Act—new legislation that would provide overdue recognition and support to families of the hundreds of servicemembers whose lives have been tragically lost in non-combat military plane crashes.

US Representative Marilyn Strickland, former Mayor of Tacoma

Companion legislation in the House has been introduced by U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10), a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

The legislation was inspired by the infamous Flight 293, which left McChord Air Force Base in Washington state on June 3rd, 1963, en route to Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska with 101 people on board—58 members of the military, 22 family members and a Seattle-based flight crew of six—and disappeared two and a half hours after leaving the tarmac.

There’s a great podcast about the crash available on the Unsolved Histories podcast by KSL. Here’s a two minute intro about the story:

As pointed out for many years by Tonja Anderson-Dell of the group Honored Bound, whose grandfather disappeared in a military crash in Alaska in 1952, the Flight 293 families—like her own family and so many others—have felt left behind and excluded.

Since World War II, hundreds of military personnel have been classified as “Missing Not In Action” (M-NIA) following non-combat plane crashes—and unlike the families of those classified as “Missing in Action” (MIA), who receive regular updates from the Department of Defense (DoD) and invitations to remembrance events, M-NIA families have long been left unsupported and excluded from these resources.

The lack of a formal recognition system for M-NIA servicemembers has resulted in these families being denied the public acknowledgment, memorials, and support services they deserve. The bipartisan Flight 293 Remembrance Act seeks to correct these disparities by ensuring that the sacrifices of M-NIA servicemembers are properly recognized, their families receive essential support, and they are included in remembrance efforts.

“For far too long, the U.S. government has treated the families of servicemembers who went missing in non-combat plane crashes differently—denying them the communication, acknowledgement, and public support that other families of missing servicemembers receive,” said Senator Murray. “It’s long past time to fix this and at least provide federal recognition for families who lost loved ones in tragic accidents like Flight 293.

Our legislation would ensure that the service of our fallen heroes is commemorated and that their families receive the recognition and assistance they deserve—I’ll be working hard to get this commonsense bipartisan solution across the finish line.”

“Our brave men and women in uniform encounter risks to their lives when carrying out their day-to-day duties for our country, even when not in combat or in a warzone,” said Senator Sullivan. “American service members killed in these kinds of non-combat circumstances, like the tragic crash of Flight 293 in 1963, deserve to have their service and sacrifice recognized and honored by a grateful nation. I’m glad to join Senator Murray in introducing legislation to ensure all service members who’ve laid down their lives for our country are properly remembered and included in memorial activities, and to provide solace and support for the families and loved ones they left behind.”

“This bill will help families get the recognition and assistance they need when their loved one is lost in a tragic, non-combat plane crash,” said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10).

“The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is honored to support the Flight 293 Remembrance Act and thanks Senators Murray and Sullivan for introducing this significant legislation, which seeks to recognize families of service members lost or missing from non-combat military plane crashes,” said Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President and Founder. “Ensuring these families the same level of commemoration and support as the families of those Missing in Action will help provide much needed resources and closure for these surviving families, while honoring the service and sacrifice of their loved ones.”

Specifically, the Flight 293 Remembrance Act would mandate that the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) create a publicly accessible database documenting all non-combat military plane crashes, ensuring the preservation of the names, ranks, and service details of those who perished in these incidents.

It also directs the DoD to enhance resources for families of military personnel who have been classified as “Missing Not in Action,” ensuring they are informed of available support services and connected to peer support networks. Furthermore, the bill requires the DoD to submit regular reports to Congress, evaluating the effectiveness of these efforts, gathering family feedback, and making recommendations for improving support.

A one-pager with additional details on the legislation can be found HERE.

The legislation is endorsed by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), National Military Family Association (NMFA), and Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS).

The full text of the legislation can be found HERE.

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February 6, 2025

Comments Off on Two Arrested For Threatening Students Near North Middle School

Two Arrested For Threatening Students Near North Middle School

North Middle School in Everett

Two males were arrested for threatening students near North Middle School—the same area where a child was recently stabbed.

Pricilla Goldberg posted her 13-year-old son’s story publicly on two Facebook groups, tagging North Middle School, and asking for the community to share.

Here’s what she posted (we made minor grammar fixes to make it easier to read):

“My son goes to North middle school and as you all have heard a kid got stabbed randomly a couple weeks ago, well today my son walked to his dads house something that doesn’t happen often because I usually drop him off and pick him up from school.

Two men approached him on broadway and 23rd, right at the corner. As my son was walking they got close to him and asked if his Jordan’s were real. My son, in fear, said no and then they continued to ask him if he had ever tried fentanyl and if he wanted to try it or coke.

My son said no and told them they were making him feel uncomfortable. They continued to follow him close and told him to take off his shoes. My son said no and one of the guys said we can do this the easy way or the hard way. He then put his hand in his pocket.

In that moment, my sons dad was at the light and thought it was odd that two grown men were that close to my son. He immediately jumped off his truck and asked what was going on. My son then said,  “Dad they are trying to steal my shoes and he has a weapon in his pocket.” His dad took his gun out to protect our son and they both ran off.

Cops were called and everything was reported. Luckily the school got a recording of the men running through the back. One of the officers that heard the call pulled them over and they took my son in to identify them.

Unfortunately my sons dad was talking to the police where it all happened and one of the guys from the oil place stated they had just walked with another kid from north but they thought he was with them so we are not sure if this happened to another student.

When the men were arrested they recovered a full bag with different items and that’s why I’m here I pray no other kid had to deal with this today.

My son is a straight A student that’s in football and ROTC he’s not one to ever get in trouble at school before anyone says that maybe this is gang related. I just want all parents to be aware of how bad N. Everett is getting and that our kids are not safe walking alone from school or to school. God bless.”

In some follow-ups, she clarified that the two suspects were arrested near the train tracks around 3:15pm.

Video was provided by the school and the nearby Valvoline shop.

One arrested was an adult and one was a minor. The adult went to jail and the minor has already been released.

Goldberg was told they two suspect are from Bellevue.

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February 5, 2025

Comments Off on Port of Everett and Lincoln Announce Office Pre-leasing at Waterfront Place

Port of Everett and Lincoln Announce Office Pre-leasing at Waterfront Place

Port of Everett and private development partner, Lincoln Property Company (Lincoln), are excited to launch pre-leasing for up to 120,000 sq. ft. of commercial office space in the new Millwright District at Waterfront Place.

Located at the heart of the Port of Everett’s $1-billion Waterfront Place mixed-use development in the City of Everett, the 10-acre Millwright District offers a unique waterfront setting at the largest public marina on the West Coast.

Companies can now secure their spot for custom Class-A suites ranging from 5,000 to 120,000 sq. ft. in up to three interconnected buildings.

The office complex offers on-site structured parking, rooftop terraces, community conference rooms, a fitness center, and a wide array of surrounding employee amenities, including dining, retail, entertainment, recreation, and housing.

“For companies looking to expand or stand-up satellite campuses closer to their workforce, now is the time to get in on the ground floor in the fastest growing county in the state,” Port of Everett CEO Lisa Lefeber said.

“With back-to-office mandates on the rise and quality employees tired of long commutes, Everett offers an alternative downtown experience between the Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. markets, with everything a big city has to offer.”

Everett is the largest city in Snohomish County, with a skilled workforce, diverse economy, and vibrant culture. It is regarded as one of the key cities in the greater Seattle metro area, with continued expansion expected over the next 20+ years and a growing population to help attract quality new employers to Waterfront Place.

“The new campus development at the Port offers companies a rare opportunity for Class-A, waterfront office space in business-friendly Everett, with its robust economy fueled by aerospace, maritime, military, advanced manufacturing, energy and green tech,” said Alex Aigner, Executive Vice President with Lincoln’s Pacific Northwest division.

“The Project offers a truly unique experience in the Puget Sound Region, with flexible space for companies of all sizes, a prime location along the shoreline, complete with stunning views of Port Gardner Bay and direct access to popular retail, restaurants, and outdoor recreation.”

Office development is targeting a 24-month construction period with openings anticipated as early as 2028.

The address for at least one of the buildings will be 1020 West Marine Drive, Everett, WA 98201.

For more information on pre-leasing, please visit www.portofeverett.com/office or contact Alex Aigner, EVP with Lincoln’s Pacific Northwest Region, at aaigner@lpc.com.

 

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February 4, 2025

Comments Off on Bipartisan Community Event in Everett to Talk Local Taxes

Bipartisan Community Event in Everett to Talk Local Taxes

The Braver Angels Western Washington Alliance is hosting an unusual event on February 22nd in Downtown Everett.

Join “Reds” and “Blues” to find agreement on Snohomish Co. taxes with the intent of sharing the ideas with Snohomish County Council members.

Braver Angels is a citizens’ organization uniting red and blue Americans in a working alliance to depolarize America. They bring people from both sides of the aisle to discuss  things that both sides can agree on.

This time they want to discuss taxes. Here’s the description:

Let’s talk taxes in Snohomish County! Join your fellow citizens to discuss property taxes, sales taxes and others.

We will convene a mixed group of roughly equal Reds and Blues with the goal of finding areas of agreement on various aspects of local tax issues that we can share with county council members to help inform them of constituents’ sentiments on these issues.

Robert J. Drewel administrative building in Downtown Everett

The event is 2:30-5:30pm on February 22nd at the Robert J. Drewel Building at 3000 Rockefeller Avenue Everett, WA 98201.

Tickets available here. Tickets are Free, but Donations Help Use promo code BRAVER during registration to get a free ticket. Donations beyond the free ticket support Braver Angels, 501(c)3.

 

 

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February 4, 2025

Comments Off on Catching a Movie With Drinks at Galaxy Theatres in Monroe

Catching a Movie With Drinks at Galaxy Theatres in Monroe

Galaxy Theatres invited us out to check out their movie theater in Monroe, WA. After our visit, we felt it stands out as an interesting alternative to the Regal movie theaters in Everett and Marysville. Galaxy Theatres is a smaller chain with 15 theaters in the Western U.S., two of which are in Washington State. […]

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February 3, 2025

Comments Off on Learn Why PUD Rates Are Going Up in April 2025

Learn Why PUD Rates Are Going Up in April 2025

On January 24th we warned that utility rates would be going up. Now we have more clarification on the 4.9% PUD rate increase starting in April. Severe weather events the region experienced in 2024 are the main driver of the rate increase. The PUD spent an additional $45 million purchasing electricity in January of 2024 […]

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February 3, 2025

Comments Off on I-5 between Everett and Marysville Will Have Nighttime Lane and Ramp Closures Starting Today

I-5 between Everett and Marysville Will Have Nighttime Lane and Ramp Closures Starting Today

Both directions of Interstate 5, between Everett and Marysville, will have lane and ramp closures beginning Monday, February 3rd. Crews continue their work to complete the I-5 and State Route 529 interchange.  Here are the specific closures that run through Friday, February 7th: Northbound I-5 closures: Two right lanes will close nightly from 8 p.m. […]

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