SnoCo leadership elected

The Snohomish County Council elected its 2019 leadership team Monday with Terry Ryan, representing District 4, elected chairman and Nate Nehring,

representing District 1, elected vice-chairman. This is the first time in over a decade that both political parties are represented in council leadership.

“We had a unique circumstance in that Councilmember Brian Sullivan was slotted to be vice-chair, but he is term-limited and running for another office,” Ryan said. “With all the political gridlock nationally, this is an opportunity to show the County Council is working together for the betterment of

all of Snohomish County.”

Somers helps manufacturing center 

ARLINGTON – Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers declared the Arlington-Marysville Manufacturing Industrial Center a “Project of Countywide Significance” Jan. 3.

The intent of the declaration is to help ease permitting and improve the center’s chances of recruiting new businesses or supporting the expansion of existing businesses.

“I am committed to using every available tool to help our partners in the business community create jobs and diversify our economy,” Somers said. “When Boeing, Amazon, Microsoft or other major employers in our local community or outside our region go looking for a place to expand, we want them looking here. Somers will assign staff that will facilitate and expedite any permitting work.

County Councilman Nate Nehring, who represents both areas, said: “I think this will help bring greater attention to this important regional asset. This is a great sign of the strong partnerships between the county and cities, all working together to strengthen and expand our economy.”

New Lakewood school board member

LAKEWOOD – A active supporter of the Lakewood School District has been named to the school board.

Jeremy Toponce takes the place of Oscar Escalante, who resigned in October.

He will serve until the next regularly scheduled school board election in November.

Toponce has lived in the community with his wife Alysa for 10 years. He is a local retailer, and Alysa is a para-educator with district. They have three children – George, a 2018 graduate; Mason, a junior; and Maryjane, a sophomore.

Volunteers sought for Marysville school committees

MARYSVILLE – Volunteers are being sought to be part of three citizen committees that will help shape the future of the Marysville School District.

•Enrollment and Demographics: will study historical, current and future enrollment in schools and examine demographic trends. The group will make a recommendation regarding the geographical boundaries of elementary and middle school feeder patterns into two comprehensive high schools. •Equity and Diversity: will advise school leaders by providing support, guidance and information about issues related to equity, diversity and inclusion. It will: review policy and draft recommendations to focus on equity/diversity districtwide; examine cultures in our community including language, student performance and program participation, and discipline data to form recommendations; develop principles for the district’s Strategic Plan; and recommend ongoing professional development for staff and training for students and families in issues of diversity and equity.

•Facility Task Force: study the feasibility of a 2020 bond to replace aging schools. The task force will hear reports on the state of current facilities, learn about current and future bond rates, and review facility needs.

Nehring state of city address

MARYSVILLE – Mayor Jon Nehring will present his 2019 State of the City address twice this year.

The address includes city accomplishments and what’s coming ahead.

The first event is Jan. 25 at 7:30 a.m. at the Tulalip Resort. It will be at the Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce breakfast. Cost is $28.

The second event will be free Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. at the Opera House.

Free Wedding Show at Opera House

MARYSVILLE – A free Wedding Show will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Opera House, 1225 Third St.

The event includes a fashion show, samples from wedding professional vendors, swag bags, tours of the Opera House and more.

Interested vendors need to contact Dana Mulligan at dmulligan@marysvillewa.gov or call 360-363-8400.

Valentine’s dinner includes dueling pianos

MARYSVILLE – The Marysville Opera House will host a Valentine’s Dinner and Dueling Pianos with Jeff and Rhiannon Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m.

VIP seating is $65 with doors opening at 6 p.m. General admission is $10 less with doors opening 15 minutes later.

For tickets, go to marysvillewa.gov or go to the city’s parks office at 6915 Armar Road.

Yoga Calm helps kids with special needs

MARYSVILLE – A Yoga Calm class will take place at the Marysville Library at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 26 at 6120 Grove St. To pre-register call 360-658-5000.

Yoga Calm helps children develop resilience, imagination, confidence, focus and self-control. The whole family can participate in this class. Everyone of all abilities is invited. The class works well with kids who have ADHD, autism and anxiety, along with their families.

Business seminar free

MARYSVILLE – A free Business Seminar & Networking event will take place at the Living Room Coffee House from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 15.

The event will feature guest speakers and tips from local experts from Edward Jones and Coastal Community Bank.

Register at Buildingsoundbusiness@gmail.com

The coffee house is located at 1636 4th St.

Arllington officers help at academy

ARLINGTON – Police officers Mike Ellis and Kendahl Metcalfe, along with K-9 partner Tara, are assisting at the Washington Law Enforcement Explorer Academy in Yakima.

The academy gathers law enforcement Explorer Scouts to learn more and receive training. The 189 explorers range from 14 to 21 years old and are part of the 38 law enforcement agencies across Washington. Ellis is the academy president and is in the initial stages of bringing back the program to Arlington.

Arlington police: Don’t fall for scam

ARLINGTON – Police have received multiple reports that scammer calls occurring again.

A scammer claiming to be associated with the Arlington Police Department is calling and demanding money because they “failed to show for jury duty” or “have active warrants.”

The victims are instructed to purchase gift cards for Google Play, Visa or other merchants and call the suspect back to pay the “money owed.”

No law enforcement or court personnel will ever call to demand money over the phone, the city’s weekly newsletter says.