Feature articles

Local bus, DART paratransit, and vanpool fares rising

On October 1st, 2018, Community Transit’s local bus and DART paratransit fares will increase by 25 cents. Vanpool fares will also increase by an average of three percent, or about $14 a van per month.

On Monday, October 1st, Community Transit’s local bus and DART paratransit fares will increase by 25 cents.

Vanpool fares will also increase by an average of three percent, or about $14 a van per month.

Mill Creek property owners face increased fees to pay for stormwater system repairs

The Sweetwater Ranch stormwater pipe repair required heavy equipment and cost about $900,000. Photo courtesy of City of Mill Creek.

Mill Creek's aging stormwater system needs significant repairs and property owners are the only source of funds the city can use to pay for them. The city council will consider increasing surface water fees during upcoming 2019-2020 budget discussions.

Left Coast / Right Coast: The Disappearing Periodical

Mike Gold living the dream in the Pacific Northwest. Photo credit: Nancy Gold.

We’ve all heard about the terrible shape newspapers are in. I thought it would be interesting to look at the reasons why. In fact, it all starts and ends with that great disruptive force, the Internet.

Security at the Mariner High School football stadium increased for Friday's football game with Monroe High School

In response to shots fired outside Mariner High School during last week's football game, there will be an increased security and law enforcement presence for the Friday night, September 21, 2018, game between Monroe High School and Mariner High School.

In response to shots fired outside Mariner High School during last week's football game, there was an increased security and law enforcement presence for Friday's game between Monroe High School and Mariner High School.

Forever Home Cat of the Week - Amai

Amai is Japanese for sweet – and sweet he is!

Our cat of the week Amai is an affectionate and loving three-year-old tuxedo dressed up for a lifetime of love.

Forever Home Dog of the Week - Susie

Rainy days are coming, it’s a fact when you live in the PNW, but Susie can help brighten up those cloudy days!

Susie is an adorable 13-year-old Shih Tzu mix with a face that radiates sunshine.

Come hang out with the Mill Creek Police on Coffee with a Cop Day

Coffee with a Cop Day is a national community outreach campaign to help understand mutual goals between officers and the public. residents are invited to meet with Mill Creek Police at three coffee shops around the city on Wednesday, October 3, 2018, from 7:30 to 10:00 am.

Coffee with a Cop Day is a national community outreach campaign to help people understand mutual goals between officers and the public.

Residents are invited to meet with Mill Creek Police at three coffee shops around the city on Wednesday morning, October 3rd, from 7:30 to 10:00 am.

"Berries for fall," by the Whistling Gardener

Snowberries; “Galaxy” is the white, and “Candy” is the pink. Photo courtesy of Sunnyside Nursery.

One of the treats of a fall garden is enjoying the sight of clusters of different colored berries on our shrubbery. In my own backyard is a delightful Beautyberry, called “Profusion,” that has the most incredible purple berries later in fall.

Community Transit looking for drivers, mechanics, marketers, planners, and others

Community Transit will be at local job fairs in September and October. Photo courtesy of Community Transit.

Community Transit will be at several job fairs in the next month to recruit new bus drivers, mechanics, marketers, planners and other positions. The Snohomish County transit agency’s continued service expansion is creating dozens of good-paying jobs.

The Mill Creek Fall Garage Sale is coming up

It's time to clear out the garage and clean out the closets. The fall garage sale is Saturday, October 6th.

As most people already know, Mill Creek's semi-annual garage sale is always held on the first Saturday in May and the first Saturday in October.

South County Fire and Rescue to offer Community Emergency Response Team classes

Learn how to help during a disaster in free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes offered by South County Fire this fall.

CERT classes teach readiness, basic disaster first aid, search and rescue operations, how to put out small fires and the psychological effect of disasters.

Mill Creek Police Beat: September 7th to September 13th

Mill Creek Police SUV. Photo credit: Lesley Van Winkle.

Mill Creek Police officers make any number of contacts and respond to numerous calls for service every day.

According to the latest Mill Creek Police Blotter, a total of 673 responses were reported the week of September 7th to September 13th.

Snohomish County Fire District 7 Commissioner Randy Fay completes emergency management training

FEMA Assistant Administrator Katie Fox congratulates Fire District 7Commissioner Randy Fay. Photo courtesy of Fire District 7.

On August 30th, Fire District 7 Fire Commissioner Randy Fay graduated from FEMA’s National Emergency Management Advanced Academy.

He completed the full curriculum that provides the essential skills needed for professionals to manage emergency management programs.

City of Mill Creek’s Capital Improvement Plan and Biennial Budget now being developed

Development of the City of Mill Creek’s 2019-2024 capital improvement plan and 2019-2020 biennial budget is now underway.

The process is extensive over the next several months and residents are encouraged to participate in the process.

Fire District 7 Sirens - September 1st to September 11th

Mill Creek Fire Engine 76. Photo credit: Lesley Van Winkle.

Snohomish County Fire District 7 responded to 325 calls from September 1st to September 11th, with 61 of the calls being in Mill Creek.