10 years ago 1998
n After more than nine months of negotiations, Marysville police officers and sergeants have finally have a labor contract with the city. The nine months of bargaining came to a head in a 13-hour marathon session last Thursday. Details have not been released and the contract is still subject to votes by the police officers association and needs ratification by a City Council vote. Neither the city or the Marysville Police Officers Association expect much to hold up the agreement, particularly after such long and difficult negotiations. Former President Mark Thomas, a member of the negotiating team, said he would be very surprised if it wasnt approved, by the officers and City Council members. Mayor David Weiser also said he didnt anticipate any problems on the citys side. The agreement concludes a long and contentious negotiation that required the services of a state mediator after talks broke down in January. Officers and sergeants have been working without a contract since the old one expired at midnight Dec. 31 last year. They continued to work under the terms of the old contract which was negotiated more than three years ago. The officers association broke from the Teamsters in the early 1990s, a lengthy process that prevented them from negotiating a contract for nearly two years, while they established their own bargaining unit. Everyone agreed that the last contract was not comparable to contracts that similar departments have around the state. City Administrator Dave Zabell, who acts as the citys personnel director and is a member of the negotiating team, admitted before the settlement that Marysville officers were not fairly paid. The negotiations were complicated because nearly every aspect of the contract was reviewed. Not only were officers attempting to get their pay increased, but they negotiated how they are paid, education and training incentives and control of their work schedule. Participants in the sessions are reluctant to talk about the details of the contract and those of the negotiations until it is signed by all parties. One sticking point, however, was which departments contracts were appropriate to use as a comparison for Marysville officers contract. Both parties seemed happy with the fruit of their lengthy talks. All in all, I think it is a good package for both sides, said Officer Mike Engram, vice president of OMPA.

25 years ago 1983
n This year is extra special for Strawberry Festival planners, because its the year theyve chosen to celebrate one of the oldest festivals in the state. Although its been 51 years since the first Strawberry Festival began, its been 50 years since the first queen was chosen, an event which has become one of the favorite festival traditions. Maryfest organizers are excited at the large number of events planned for the annual celebration. They expect record numbers to attend the planned events. And while there are many events which have been a part of past festivals, but are no longer included today, every year Maryfest strives to add new events for family fun. Although festival week doesnt begin until the 11th, the queen coronation actually kicks off the events. The coronation itself is a special event for not only the candidates, but for the public. This years coronation promises to be an event long to remember. Queens from the last 50 years will be guests at the coronation at the Marysville-Pilchuck Performing Arts Center. Although things really get going the week before the festival, hundreds of hours are spent months in advance in preparation for one of Washingtons biggest festivals. Maryfest president Jim Brennick said the festival would not be possible without the support of area businesses.

50 years ago 1958
n Contracts for the new Marysville High School physical education plant have been given state approval as submitted and authority for the school board to sign them was given at the directors meeting. Demolition of the old Shoultes School Building was decided by the board, with calls for bids to be issued immediately for its removal. Directors heard a report that the deed to the elementary school on Tulalip Reservation is in the process of being cleared through the Dept. of Interior in Washington, D.C.