February 10, 2021 North County Outlook

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Vol. 14 No. 22 n February 10, 2021 - February 16, 2021

MARYSVILLE • ARLINGTON • SMOKEY POINT • LAKEWOOD • TULALIP • QUIL CEDA VILLAGE

Vaccine site opens at Arlington Airport The mass vaccination site has administered thousands of vaccines since opening on Jan. 29

By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com Snohomish County opened a mass vaccination site at the Arlington Municipal Airport on Jan. 29. It is the county's fourth mass vaccination site.

The county hopes to open a total of seven sites, and has their fifth site ready at The Tulalip Tribes' Boom City but has not been able to open it yet, as of Feb. 5.

“We want access for as many people as possible,” said Kari Bray, the public information officer for the county vaccination sites.

Before the Arlington and Tulalip locations, the first three sites were put up at Edmonds, Everett and Mukilteo.

“After that we wanted to make sure we had a north county location,” said Bray.

The two most recent locations will help serve some of the areas near Arlington and Tulalip.

“I was very happy we now have a vaccine site in the north county area to serve the people of Arlington,” said Arlington Mayor Barbara Tolbert. “It’s a wonderful set-up. Very easy to get in to and out of."

Staff at the airport and paramedics with the city have helped to coordinate the set-up of the Arlington location.

“The Department of Emergency Management did a great job making this easy for us to coordinate with them,” said Tolbert.

For the Arlington site’s See VACCINE on page 7

Nonprofit comes to Marysville to provide food to local families

By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com Hundreds of community members received food from local farmers as part of a food giveaway held on Jan. 3 in Marysville.

International Nutritional Sustainable Partners, a Redmond nonprofit organization that works across the state, came to Marysville’s Kendall Ford location to provide food to the community.

They had about 150,000 pounds of food to provide throughout the day.

“We’re out here to make sure that the city of Marysville, Everett and surrounding areas have sustainable food to ride out this pandemic,” said Brandy Badger, president of the organization.

“So many people have lost jobs and are going without food."

The organization provides federal USDA farm-to-family boxes that were paid for as part of the federal coronavirus relief bill passed last March.

“The federal government gives money to the USDA to purchase food from our local farmers,” said Badger.

See FOOD on page 7

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER ANDERSSON

Volunteer Kayla Miller puts a box of food into the back of a car during a food giveaway in Marysville held on Jan. 3.

Tulalip Tribes celebrate opening of new Quil Ceda Creek Casino

By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER ANDERSSON

Tulalip Tribal vice chairman Glen Gobin, left, as well as Tulalip Tribal chairwoman Teri Gobin, center, and board member Marie Zackuse, right, cut the ribbon for the new Quil Ceda Creek Casino on Feb. 3.

The new Quil Ceda Creek Casino opened officially on Feb. 3 after a tribal ceremony and ribbon cutting to celebrate the new facility.

After about four years since the groundbreaking of the facility just off of I-5, the new casino was completed and opened for the general public.

“We’re glad to finally get through this to be able to open it and have everyone enjoy it,” said Teri Gobin, Tulalip Tribal chairwoman. “It is so exciting to be able to bring this to our community members and our staff."

The new casino is 126,000 square feet,

double the size of the old Quil Ceda Creek Casino. It will have 1,500 gaming machines, a new food hall, a sit-down dining restaurant and a stage for live music and sports viewing.

The former Quil Ceda Creek Casino had been remodeled a number of times before the new casino was built.

“This plan started out as another remodel,” said Glen Gobin, vice chairman for the Tulalip Tribes. “What quickly surfaced was that if we’re going to spend that much money on a remodel, we need to just build a new one."

The Tulalip Resort Casino is largely meant for those coming from further away,

See CASINO on page 2

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February 10, 2021 -February 16, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK

Communities

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CASINO Continued from page 1

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Tulalip Tribal secretary Mel Sheldon Jr. talks at the tribal ceremony before the ribbon cutting for the new Quil Ceda Creek Casino on Feb. 3.

either Seattle or across the Canadian border, while the Quil Ceda Creek Casino has usually been for locals, according to Ken Kettler, president/chief operating officer of the Tulalip Gaming Organization.

Officials who helped design the new Quil Ceda Creek Casino didn’t want to lose those who had always come there.

“There was nothing wrong with the old ‘Q,’ it was just reaching capacity,”

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he said. “We really kept in mind the importance of not changing the basic feel and relationships people had with the original ‘Q.'" They have brought many of the same gaming machines to the new Quil Ceda Casino while adding more food options and a parking garage.

“There’s always been a demand for more food product,” said Kettler.

Smoking inside the casino is still prohibited because of the pandemic, however when it returns there are plans to ensure better air quality with a more advanced ventilation system and higher ceilings than the old casino.

“I think they’re going to enjoy it because of the air quality,” said Teri Gobin.

The casino is open to the public and will be following the same safety protocols as the Tulalip Resort Casino, said Kettler, including temperature checks, masks and deep cleaning throughout the day.

“We continue to follow all of those standards,” he said.

“We’ve been real pleased,” with how the safety measures have worked at the Tulalip Resort Casino, he said.

The Tulalip Tribes' two casinos are the biggest source of revenue for the Tribes.

“Our gaming operations help fund the government, which in turn funds all of our service programs, our youth programs, the housing for our elders,” said Teri Gobin. “So we suffered when it closed down for a little while, but we’ve bounced back since it got to open."

The funds have helped the Tulalip Tribes grow over the last couple of decades.

“From our humbled teaching and beginnings to where we are to be an economic powerhouse in Snohomish County and to be able to provide for the needs of our membership,” said Glen Gobin. “We hope that this continues to build upon that path."

Teri Gobin said economic development will continue with projects such as a state-of-the-art car wash planned for 116th Street and a new smoke shop/ convenience store, as well as other projects.

“We have some really big projects on the horizon that we’re working on,” she said.

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Communities

Februay 10, 2021 February 16, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK

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County's COVID cases continue to decrease

By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com

Snohomish County saw another week of decreasing COVID cases and continuing challenges with vaccine supply.

The two-week average for the daily case rate dropped to its lowest since mid-October. It was the third week straight of decreasing COVID cases locally.

“The case rate dropped yet again down to 184, more than 50 percent off of the peek several weeks ago,” said Dr. Chris Spitters, Health Officer with the Snohomish Health District during a Feb. 2 press briefing.

Other indicators also fell during that time.

“Hospitalizations, longterm care cases, long-term care outbreaks and deaths are also decreasing,” said Spitters.

As of Feb. 5, hospitalizations were down to 46 confirmed COVID cases.

Snohomish County, along with King and Pierce counties, entered Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s re-opening plan on Feb. 1 because of decreasing case rates.

“This easing of restrictions is good for our economy, our children’s education, and so many social and health needs in our community,” said Spitters.

“We know this is welcome news to small-business owners, schools and the county at large."

The relaxation of rules does not mean that people can stop the normal social distancing measures though, said Spitters.

“Everyone must be diligent with following all the precautions to minimize the risk of exposure and transmission,” he said. “I recognize that people may be stir crazy, have cabin fever, call it what you want.

They’re tired of staying home and mostly being alone or with the people they live with."

The guidelines still say a maximum of five people outside the household

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meeting indoors or a maximum of 15 people outside the household meeting outside.

As case numbers drop, the vaccine rollout continues locally.

The county and the Health District have five mass vaccination sites up that could be open.

“I have to emphasize ‘could be available’ because we don’t have the vaccine supply to keep all of those open,” said Jason Biermann, director of the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management.

From Feb. 1 to 5, three sites were not opened due to lack of availability, although they remain available to reopen once more vaccine doses are available.

“One of those sites is ready to go but we haven’t even opened it yet,” said Biermann. “I can’t emphasize enough how much is contingent on the availability of vaccines."

The county wants to have the capacity for 50,000 vaccines per week. In addition to the county’s mass

vaccine sites, 93 healthcare providers have been approved to administer the vaccine in the county.

About 61,000 people have received the first dose of the vaccine and about 30,000 have received both doses.

The week of Jan. 25 the county received about 17,000 vaccine doses and they expected to receive about 15,000 doses the week of Feb. 1, said Spitters.

The county receives their doses from the state Department of Health, which received about 90,000 doses the week of Jan. 25.

“They have to spread them around to do what is going to do the most good for the public health of the state .Do we want more vaccines? You bet. We want enough to fill up those 50,000 slots,” said Spitters.

The order of who is eligible for the vaccine continues to be debated.

“Every day, including from the teachers, we get compelling and rational arguments from various

COURTESY IMAGE

Snohomish County’s two-week average for the daily case rate of COVID-19 per 100,000 people from March 1 2020, to Jan. 30, 2021.

sectors about the potential benefits for that sector of society of changing the order of prioritization,” said Spitters.

The current order was chosen based on a matter of equity, vulnerability to COVID-19 and to protect essential workers, among other considerations.

“That work has already been done. I support the structure that is there. I understand that not everyone

is as high as they would like to be and they feel frustrated,” said Spitters. “These are difficult questions which reasonable minds will differ."

The county has also had to be less than transparent when distributing their share of the vaccine as well.

“For security reasons we have been blurring where vaccines will show up, because we want to pre-

serve order and access at those sites for people who are there to get vaccines, as well as people who are there for other services,” said Spitters. “I understand the desire on the one hard for transparency and on the other hand for the facilities to not get inundated or face security threats."

More information about when vaccines will be available to you is available at findyourphasewa.org.

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Communities

February 10, 2021 -February 16, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK

www.northcountyoutlook.com

NWD Off-Road and Performance opens in M'ville

By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com Marysville will now have a mechanic shop that specializes in off-road vehicles with the new NWD OffRoad and Performance.

The shop is at 1036 Cedar Ave., Marysville. They can be contacted at 360659-8033.

Owner Ethan Olsen has purchased already established mechanic shop Stryker Brothers Automotive, whose owners were planning to retire.

Olsen plans to continue the same services offered at that shop, but implement

new specialties as well.

“We’ll pick up where Stryker Bros. left off with general repair, but what we’re offering as well is something this area really doesn’t have, which is an off-road specialty shop with a lot of parts in stock for a lot of people,” said Olsen.

“We had the opportunity to take over an existing, already good business, and morph it into something more."

Olsen and shop manager Dana Swanson have a long history working in the mechanic industry locally.

“We’re going to specialize in performance and

Sun, Moon and Tides in Snohomish County

Wednesday, February 10, through Tuesday, February 16 Wednesday, February 10 Sunrise 7:22 am • Sunset 5:25 pm

Sunday, February 14 Sunrise 7:16 am • Sunset 5:32 pm

Thursday, February 11 Sunrise 7:21 am • Sunset 5:27 pm

Monday, February 15 Sunrise 7:14 am • Sunset 5:33 pm

5:17 am 10:58 am 3:17 pm 10:34 pm

5:50 am 11:39 am 4:09 pm 11:17 pm

High Tide Low Tide High Tide Low Tide

High Tide Low Tide High Tide Low Tide

11.62 ft 6.34 ft 10.2 ft -1.52 ft

11.7 ft 5.78 ft 10.1 ft -1.24 ft

Friday, February 12 Sunrise 7:19 am • Sunset 5:29 pm 6:18 am 12:18 pm 4:48 pm 11:57 pm

High Tide Low Tide High Tide Low Tide

11.66 ft 5.21 ft 9.92 ft -0.72 ft

Saturday, February 13 Sunrise 7:17 am • Sunset 5:30 pm 6:44 am 12:55 pm 5:46 pm

High Tide Low Tide High Tide

11.58 ft 4.63 ft 9.64 ft

12:35 am 7:09 am 1:32 pm 6:34 pm

1:12 am 7:35 am 2:09 pm 7:25 pm

Low Tide High Tide Low Tide High Tide

Low Tide High Tide Low Tide High Tide

0.04 ft 11.48 ft 4.03 ft 9.29 ft

1.02 ft 11.35 ft 3.45 ft 8.91 ft

Tuesday, February 16 Sunrise 7:12 am • Sunset 5:35 pm

1:49 am 8:02 am 2:48 pm 8:21 pm

Low Tide High Tide Low Tide High Tide

2.19 ft 11.13 ft 2.91 ft 8.54 ft

Source: NOAA for their Marysville/Quil Ceda Creek station NOT FOR NAVIGATION North County Outlook assumes no liability for damages arising from the use of these predictions. They are not certified to be correct, and they do not incorporate the effects of tropical storms, El Nino, seismic events, continental drift or changes in global sea level.

off-road. We both have lots of experience in both,” said Swanson.

NWD Off-Road and Performance will also be a shop that locals can stop by to purchase products.

“Everything being online now it’s hard to find a place you can go in and physically see what you’re buying,” said Olsen.

Olsen also owns NW Diesel, another mechanic shop in Marysville, however he was looking to expand and work with Swanson on a new venture.

“We got together and saw an opportunity,” said Olsen.

The new shop opened Feb. 1.

“Our first day was Monday and we were busier than most shops are after the first year,” said Swanson,

who said they have retained many of the same clientele as Stryker Brothers and look to continue those relationships.

“People really trusted them and they did good work,” he said.

They hope to continue that work with their mechanics and work, and are bringing in new equipment for the shop.

“We pride ourselves on having the best equipment,” said Olsen, who added that one item they are bringing in is a brand new alignment rack. “We’ll have the most state-of-the-art alignment rack you can buy,."

The racks help mechanics fix a car’s alignment, which can be more difficult for off-road vehicles.

“When it comes to the off-road side of things you

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER ANDERSSON

Owner Ethan Olsen, left, and shop manager Dana Swanson at NWD Off-Road and Performance, a new Marysville mechanic shop, on Feb. 4. end up with very custom alignments,” so it helps to have a good alignment rack, he said.

In the future Olsen hopes to invite the community to see the new shop.

“As COVID goes away we want to hold a big bar-

becue and invite everyone down, but obviously right now we can’t,” he said.

He also hopes the shop can be a part of the community like Stryker Brothers was.

“I imagine we’ll be sponsoring some events,” he said.

Marysville Tulalip online marketplace launches Feb. 22

By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com The Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce will have a new online marketplace of local businesses which is slated to premiere on Feb. 22.

The marketplace at shopmarysvilletulalip.com will allow customers to see products from a variety of local businesses at one place.

All local businesses are welcome to apply for the

website, not just chamber members, as the project has been paid for by a grant from the city of Marysville and a Snohomish County grant that came from funds from the federal coronavirus relief bill passed in March.

“Since the beginning of the shutdown this has been our focus. We want to figure out how we can get those smaller businesses online so they are not missing out on

all the online sales going on right now,” said Jesica Stickles, president/CEO of the Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce.

She hopes the new website makes it simple for locals to browse through small businesses in Marysville and Tulalip.

“We’re making it so the customer has an easier time finding what they want to locally,” she said.

The chamber plans to

create gift guides for various holidays as well.

“It’s user friendly for us to host and for all for all of the businesses to post their products as well,” said Stickles.

The chamber has begun outreach to get local businesses on board with the project and has about 20 right now.

“Our goal is to have 100 businesses signed up before the end of the year,” said Stickles. “We are contacting local businesses and letting them know they can offer to sell their products online."

The website doesn’t process purchases, but can direct customers to the business’ site where people can purchase the products.

“We have a couple of different options for those without an online presence,” said Stickles, including working through gift cards or working with the chamber’s experts who will help local businesses set up an online presence.

“And that is really what our expert will recommend because some kind of online presence is needed in this day and age,” she said.

Those experts will also be able to help local businesses through the process and with other aspects, such as photography and how to do lighting and a nice backdrop for your items.

To sign up for the program or for more information about the chamber, go to http://www.marysvilletulalipchamber.com.

Communities

5 More students return to Arlington schools M'ville K-1 students return to class on Feb. 17 facebook.com/TheNorthCountyOutlook Twitter: @ncoutlook

By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com The Arlington School District plans to bring back fourth and fifth graders for in-school learning on Feb. 16 and are considering a March return for middle school students.

Students are returning under a hybrid model, and will only be at school two days a week with online learning the rest of the time.

Superintendent Chrys Sweeting proposed the Feb. 16 date during the Feb. 2 school board meeting, as well as potential dates of March 15 for sixth graders, March 22 for seventh and eighth graders and April 12 for high school.

“I believe the administrators would support these, although there are still logistics to work out,” she said.

The Feb. 16 date was approved during the meeting while the district still considers the return date for middle and high school students.

“We will be prepared and ready to bring students in grade 4 and 5 back to campus and I’m sure the parents are excited and happy to hear that,” said school board president Judy Fay.

The state Department of Health guidelines say that middle and high school students should return under hybrid models if the daily case rate is under 300 per 100,000 people.

With three weeks of declining cases, the two-week average for the county was 184 cases per 100,000 people as of Jan. 30.

“Thank you for our community for washing their hands and keeping everyone safe,” said school board member Mary Levesque.

“I’m very proud we’re bringing kids back when case rates are low."

Some board members hoped that middle school student and high school students could return earlier if case rates continue to drop locally.

“If the numbers keep going the direction they’re going, I would be in favor of looking more toward March 8,” said board member Sherri Kelly.

Karen Gorzela, speech pathologist at the district, said she was glad that kids were returning to campus but asked for continuing caution for staff and teachers.

“I implore the board to bring us back safely,” she

said. “Please call the governor and beseech him to prioritize vaccinating teachers."

Sweeting said the district is currently working with the Stillaguamish Tribe who may be able to provide vaccines to teachers in the district.

“We have a plan that is in the works. And that plan is that all staff who want to be vaccinated can be vaccinated in the next four weeks,” said Sweeting.

As a sovereign tribal government the Stillaguamish Tribe has more authority to use their vaccine supply than U.S. government agencies.

“I say that I humbly accept this generosity because I know there are many individuals that want the vaccination … there’s a long waiting list,” said Sweeting.

So far, the district’s measures have not resulted in an outbreak and currently they have three positive student cases and zero staff, according to Krissa Cramer, district nurse.

Because of those cases 25 students are currently quarantined, as well as three staff members.

“That’s a safeguard.

They’re not positive or symptomatic currently,” said Cramer.

By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com The Marysville School Board approved a plan to bring kindergarten and first grade students back to school beginning on Feb. 17.

Students will return with a hybrid model so they will be still be doing a combination of online learning and in-person learning.

The measure to return students passed 4-0 during the Feb. 3 school board meeting, with board member Chris Nation absent from the meeting.

“At this point we’re directing you to open our schools,” said Vanessa Edwards, school board president. “There is nothing more important."

The school board approved a Feb. 8 return for kindergarten and first grade students during a January school board meeting, however some of the final details still needed to be worked out with the Marysville teachers union and that date was pushed back.

“There are a lot of very intricate things moving to get students back on campus,” said Edwards.

The school board approved the plan to work with the union during the Feb. 3

Februay 10, 2021 February 16, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK

meeting, while the union approved the plan during their Feb. 2 meeting.

“It was a quick turnaround,” said Jason Thompson, superintendent for the district.

That approval was one of the final steps for the district to begin moving toward bringing students back to inperson learning.

“Hopefully we can get things rolling here, sooner rather than later,” said Thompson. “It’s time to get kids back in school."

Board members said they appreciated the work that went into the plan.

“Thank you for everyone who put in the work to reach the agreement to reopen our schools,” said school board member Pete Lundberg.

School board members also said they take student safety seriously.

Board member Paul Galovin said his nephew was recently in the ICU with COVID-19 because of school returning.

“It’s a rare case,” he said, but added he understands how necessary safety measures are.

“We’re not going to put anybody at risk,” he said, noting he has students in the district as well.

The social and emotional

side of transitioning will also be something the district has to work on, said Edwards.

“We do address it as best as we can emotionally, but it’s going to be a whole new training when these kids get back,” she said. “We’re social creatures and we need to be around each other."

Also, since late January, the Tulalip Tribes have been providing vaccines to all Marysville School District teachers and staff who want them and the Marysville School Board also passed a resolution honoring them for that contribution at the Feb. 3 meeting.

“I would like to thank the Tulalip Tribes for their generous gift,” said Lundberg. “I know the opening of schools is paramount and the teachers are feeling a little more comfortable about us pushing for that now."

The sudden availability of vaccines for teachers has helped ease many concerns from staff.

School board members were glad that the district has begun movement toward reopening.

“I very much appreciate we are getting to a result that is going to get those students back into their seats,” said school board member Jake Murray.

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February 10, 2021 -February 16, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK

Communities

n GUEST OPINION

Local businesses need our support Small and mediumsized businesses have faced enormous challenges over the past year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic shutdown. As we celebrate the recent announcement that Snohomish County was moved forward to Phase 2 of the Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery plan, it is important to remember that many businesses will continue to struggle in the weeks and months to come.

While indoor seating is now allowed for restaurants, it is restricted to 25% capacity. I have heard from several local restaurants in our area that 25% capacity will still leave them in a position of struggling to pay their bills. Our restaurants and other small and medium-sized businesses will need our continued support in order to stay afloat and keep their staff members employed.

According to Q13 News, the Washington State Department of Revenue has reported that over 2,900 restaurants permanently closed their doors in just the first 6 months of the economic shutdown. Undoubtedly, thousands of other businesses have also had to close down over the past year. Every one of these business closures means more of our friends and neighbors out of work, less dollars flowing through our local economy, and in-

Nate Nehring

creased demands on an already burdened unemployment insurance system.

I have spoken personally with several local business owners who have worked very hard over the course of the economic shutdown in order to ensure they do not have to lay off their employees. These business owners were shocked when they received massive tax hikes for unemployment insurance from the state.

One business owner told me that his bill increased by over 500% and he was being required to pay over $72,000. He was devastated that in order to pay this increase, he would likely need to lay off some of his employees who he had worked so hard to keep employed during the shutdown.

This move from the state to place the burden of unemployment insurance costs directly on the shoulders of businesses who have been crushed during the economic shutdown was inappropriate, to say the least. Thankfully, legislators from both parties have been working together in Olympia to find

a resolution to this issue.

I was pleased to see that a bipartisan bill was passed which reversed the automatic increases employers were handed down from the state. However, this legislation only temporarily addresses the issue.

The state’s unemployment insurance trust fund has significant deficiencies and I am hopeful that the legislature will work to continue to address these challenges during this session without placing the burden on the backs of our local businesses.

Support for our businesses from the legislature as well as various grant and loan opportunities are critical. That said, it is my belief that the best relief program for our local businesses is to allow them to continue to open safely and responsibly as we move toward economic recovery.

There is light at the end of the tunnel as case counts continue to drop and businesses begin to reopen.

Let’s continue to actively support our businesses and workers through this difficult time.

Nate Nehring is a member of the Snohomish County Council and represents District 1 which includes Arlington, Darrington, Granite Falls, Marysville, Stanwood, and unincorporated north county. He can be reached by email at Nate.

Nehring@snoco.org or by phone at 425-388-3494.

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Our Favorite Quotes "All of us, consciously or unconsciously, set out to have the best possible love life. Valentine's Day simply shines a light on the degree to which that didn't - or hasn't yet - materialized."

Author ­— Tracy McMillan Submitted by North County Outlook editor Scott Frank.

&

RAVE RAVE: Congratulations to the Tulalip Tribes on the opening of the new Quil Ceda Creek Casino.

want to see the cases numbers continue to decrease, and to see our businesses and schools open back up.

RAVE: It's good to see that the number of COVID cases in Snohomish County are continuing to decrease, but we shouldn't get the false sense that the pandemic is no longer a threat. We must continue to take the recommended safety precautions of wearing our face coverings, washing our hands and social distancing if we

RAVE: A big thank you to the Marysville Parks, Culture and Recreation Department for finding unique and creative ways to offer activities that families can do in a safe manner. The Hearts in the Park, Drive-in Movie, and the Drive-in BINGO are great opportunities for some muchneeded family fun.

North County Outlook is published every other Wednesday and mailed direct to households and businesses in Marysville, Arlington, Smokey Point, Tulalip and Quil Ceda Village. Letters to the editor, community news and story ideas may be e-mailed to editor@northcountyoutlook.com, or sent to the mailing address below. The Publisher reserves the right to edit material for content, grammar, taste, style or length, and all submitted items are published at the sole discretion of the Publisher.

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Weekly Puzzle CLUES ACROSS 1. Composed 5. Lesotho currency 9. Ethnic group associated with Hungarians 11. Gains knowledge of 13. Gradual destruction 15. Purchase 16. Pharaoh of lower Egypt 17. Where you’re going 19. The 6th letter of the Greek alphabet 21. Fishing net 22. Midway between south and southeast 23. A way to sort 25. C C C 26. Popular sports podcast (abbr.)

27. Discount 29. Consumes tobacco 31. A way to run 33. Popular musical awards show 34. Pertains to the male sexual organ 36. Supplements with difficulty 38. Green veggie

39. Deep-bodied freshwater fish 41. Holy fire 43. Usually has a lid 44. Being of use or service 46. Have a yen for 48. Unknowingness 52. Dry white wine drink 53. Unwinds 54. Traveling by sea 56. Outdoor entertaining areas 57. Stringed instruments 58. __ Redgrave, actress 59. Moves earth CLUES DOWN 1. Progressive decay of a bone or tooth 2. Burrowing rodents 3. French/Belgian river 4. A professional cleaner 5. A Russian river 6. Kiln 7. True statements 8. Most private 9. French city 10. Masses of fish eggs 11. Apart from others 12. Monetary unit of Sa-

moa 14. Nanosecond 15. Film 18. Men’s fashion accessories 20. Flowering shrub 24. North Carolina university 26. Former monetary unit of Spain 28. Foodies 30. New Zealand parrot 32. Makes very happy 34. A payment required for not fulfilling a contract 35. Emerald Isle 37. The act of terminating someone’s employment 38. Gland in some mammals 40. Commoner 42. Large animals 43. Belch 45. Employee stock ownership plan 47. Work units 49. Wagon 50. Nerve fiber 51. Proclaimed 55. Japanese delicacy

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FOOD Continued from page 1

Boxes contained bread, potatoes, vegetables, milk, cheese, ground chicken and other items from local farms.

“Nothing is expired.

These are brand new,” said Badger.

Badger said the federal relief funds have been reduced throughout the pandemic so they were not able to provide as many farm-tofamily boxes.

“We were only allowed to get six pallets today,” she said.

Because of that the organization partnered with Amazon to bring in additional food.

Not all of the food provided was sustainable farm food.

“Some of it is sustainable, and some of it is fun, because we all have to have fun once in a while,” said Badger.

“That still just lets you know you’re loved."

Badger said she was out in Marysville to support her neighboring communities.

“I don’t get a paycheck, none of our volunteers get a paycheck, so we’re all just out because we love our community,” she said.

VACCINE Continued from page 1

first few days, through Feb. 1, they had administered 2,900 vaccines, and the site has done more since then, said Bray.

Appointments are very limited and are currently hard to get because of the limited vaccine supply and large number of people eligible for vaccination.

Tolbert said she has heard people are having trouble setting appointments.

“We’re hopeful that people will express patience and continuing being diligent about setting up appointments,” she said.

Bray said the county does understand the frustrations about the limited number of appointments available.

“Our biggest barrier right now has been the vaccine supply,” she said. “I know people are really struggling for their appointments."

Volunteers who helped out during the event also said they enjoyed providing food to families and individuals.

“Because feeding our neighbors is really important and showing our neighbors we love them is important,” said volunteer Jane Wen. “I like helping the community and the smiles on people’s faces, and the little bit of relief they get,” said volunteer Sarah Dacruz.

The event was arranged in part with Kendall Cares, a nonprofit related to the Kendall Auto Group.

“Not just during COVID, but in every day nor-

About 200,000 people are currently eligible for the vaccine in the county, however the county has not received enough vaccines for all of those individuals.

As of Jan. 31 the county had received about 61,000 first doses and 29,000 second doses.

The county’s ability to set appointments is contingent on more vaccines coming in, and has not kept all of their sites open every day because of the lack of doses.

During the week of Feb. 1 there were days with only one of the county’s five sites was open.

“I know people would like a set timeframe, but it really depends on the supply we’re receiving,” said Bray.

The registration system does not allow for appointments unless the county has the dose on hand.

“We really don’t want to cancel an already set-up appointment,” said Bray.

The current system only allows

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mal life, there are people who are struggling to make ends meet, and we want to help give back,” said Alishia Jonas, community relations manager with the Kendall Auto Group.

Jonas said they wanted to host the event to help build better communities.

“When we come together we can do wonderful things,” said Jonas, who added they are planning to do similar events in the future.

Badger said International Nutritional Sustainable Partners also coordinates to get food to a number of community food banks for distribution.

for registrants to sign up for their first dose appointment, not both.

The second appointment needs to be set up separately.

The county is working on a system to do the sign-up for both appointments simultaneously, but Bray said she didn’t know when that would be ready.

Those signing up for a second dose appointment are not competing for space against those signing up for a first dose appointment, she said.

The second dose needs to be a minimum of 21 or 28 days after the first dose, however receiving it after is not a problem.

“It may not be at the target date, but that is okay,” said Bray.

Those who receive only the first dose still gain some resistance to COVID-19 and the efficacy of the second dose is not reduced if it is delayed.

Those with more than one person eligible in their household still need to make an appointment for

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utlook

Real People. Real Life.

Februay 10, 2021 February 16, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK She said the federal funds have been lowered throughout the pandemic and hopes that the state or federal government will bring forward a new bill for additional support for getting sustainable food out into the community.

“During the summer there wasn’t enough because we were still running out, and each phase after that we have gotten less and less,” she said.

Badger wanted to thank everyone who helped during the event, including Kendall Ford of Marysville, EastWest Food Rescue, Amazon and Farmer Frog.

each individual.

“So if you have a household where the husband and wife are both eligible, you can’t schedule just one appointment,” said Bray, because all doses of the vaccine have to be tracked and assigned properly.

Families can still come in together, they just need to sign up for individual appointments.

Those coming in for appointments should have ID, medical insurance information and a printout of your appointment confirmation.

Insurance is not necessary to receive the vaccine.

“If you don’t have insurance, you won’t be charged. We don’t want cost to become a barrier to anyone,” said Bray.

Tolbert wanted to thank everyone who is helping to put up the local vaccination site outdoors at the airport.

“I have the highest compliments to the volunteers and staff out there who are working through all kinds of weather,” she said.

Legal Notices LEGAL NOTICE

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR SNOHOMISH COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PAUL M. EDWARDS, Deceased, NO. 21-4-00076-31, PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS, RCW 11.40.030

The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and RCW 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: February 3, 2021.

Personal Representative: Jessica E. Edwards Attorney for Personal Representative: Steven J. Peiffle, WSBA #14704 Address for Mailing or Service: P.O. Box 188, 103 North Street, Arlington, WA 98223

Court of probate proceedings and cause number: Snohomish County Superior Court, Cause No. 21-4-00076-31.

Crossword answers from page 6

Thank You to Our Marysville, Tulalip & Arlington Police Officers North County Outlook will be publishing a salute and thank you to our Police Officers in Marysville, Arlington, Tulalip and Stillaguamish.

Publishes February 17 ▪ Deadline February 11 Call Sue, Leslie or Carole today to reserve your space!

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February 10, 2021 -February 16, 2021 NORTH COUNTY OUTLOOK

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n WHISTLING GARDENER

It's berry planting time in the Pacific Northwest There’s nothblooms and proing like a fresh duces your crop bowl of strawof fruit. While berries, blueberit is producing ries, raspberries fruit, a new cane or blackberries is sprouting up straight out of the By Steve Smith from the ground, garden, and now where it will prois the time to plant them. duce next season, and so All of these berries are well on and so forth. Once your suited for growing in the canes have produced, they northwest and are readily should be cut to the ground available from garden cen- and removed. By the fall, all ters this time of year. you should have left is new Regardless of the kinds canes that can be tied to a of berries you decide to wire system so they won’t grow, they should all be get confused with the new planted in full sun with canes that come up next rich soil that drains well year. Ever-bearing varieties but retains some moisture. differ in that they will proFertilize them once a year duce fruit on new canes the with either an all-purpose first season, starting in late or slightly acidic fertilizer, summer or fall. In the fall like berry or even rhodo- you can leave these canes dendron food. There are and they will produce along few pests that bother these new side shoots the followplants and the worst thing ing spring (like a springthat can happen is if you bearing variety) or you can forget to harvest the fruit. just mow the whole mess Let’s start with strawberries. down to the ground in NoStrawberries: Straw- vember and start fresh in berries come in both June- spring, in which case you bearing and Ever-bearing don’t even need a trellis types. If you like to make or wire system to support preserves, go with the June them. Give ‘Crimson Night’ crop types because you will a try, it is compact and proget one big crop all at once. duces fruit June into Fall.

If on the other hand you just For a real thornless dwarf, like to graze throughout the you can’t beat ‘Raspberry summer, then look for the Shortcake’. ever-bearing (sometimes Blackberries: Almost called day neutral) variet- all blackberries are springies. All strawberries should bearing, with a few excepbe replaced every few years tions ­ — ‘Prime Ark’ produe to viruses that can lead duces on both new and to lowered production. For second year canes and ‘Su2021 you might consider perlicious’ does too, as well ‘Eversweet', an ever-bearing as being dwarf, thornless variety that has replaced the and produces two crops a old tried and true ‘Tristar’. year. Excluding the aforeFor an ornamental touch, mentioned exceptions, let plant ‘Berried Treasure’, an blackberry canes grow one ever-bearer with double season and tie them up to pink flowers. Also, just for a post or trellis in the fall fun, plant a few ‘Raspy- — they will bloom the next berry’ starts which claim to spring. Once you have hartaste like a cross between a vested the fruit, remove the raspberry and a strawberry. canes and tie up the new Raspberries: Just like canes again the next fall. strawberries, raspberries Domesticated blackberries also come in two forms — are a little easier to manage Spring-bearing and Ever- than the wilds ones, espebearing. Spring bearers pro- cially if they are the thornduce fruit in the second year, less varieties. ‘Triple Crown’ which means that your cane is a “semi-erect” variety, comes up from the ground making it more bush-like and grows for one season. rather than vine-like (makThe second year is when it ing it much easier to man-

age), it is also thornless and produces fruit over a long period of time.

Blueberries: Traditional high-bush blueberries come in early, mid, and late ripening varieties, which means that you can harvest berries from early July into August, depending on the varieties you choose to grow. There are a plethora of choices; some of which only get 1 to 2 feet tall, others that can be almost evergreen in our climate, and even some that sport pink berries.

Several new varieties also have attractive new foliage in spring and they all have fabulous fall color. About 6 years ago I wrote about Brazel Berries (which are now marketed under the new name of Bushel and Berry). These are mostly

compact shrubs (1 to 4 feet tall) that are great for growing in containers, have good landscape value too, and produce delicious edible fruit. ‘Bountiful Delight’ is the new flavor on the market and we will be carrying them in the nursery this year.

These are the four major types of berries that grow well for us here in the northwest. Some will actually grow in containers, but most are happiest in the ground, either in the veggie garden or incorporated into the landscape. Give them a try this season! Stay safe and keep on gardening.

Steve Smith is the owner of Sunnyside Nursery in Marysville and can be reached at sunnysidenursery@msn.com.

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Disinfecting garden tools can help ensure the long-term health of plants and vegetables. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, plant pathogens, including bacteria, fungi and viruses, cause diseases that can damage and even kill plants. These pathogens can be transferred to plants and infect them through bits of soil and plant debris that get stuck on common gardening tools, including shovels and pruners. Pathogens are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, which is why even tools that appear clean may still contain harmful substances on their surfaces that can prove life-threatening to plants. Disinfecting tools at the appropriate time, such as when the tools are being stored in fall or before using them in spring or after using them to remove infected plants, can prevent the damage caused by invisible pathogens. Avoid using strictly bleach to disinfect garden tools, as the UME notes that bleach corrodes metal and can therefore render tools that require sharp edges ineffective. A homemade solution that’s nine parts water and one part bleach can be used to effectively clean shovels, spades and rakes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) in concentrations of 70 percent or more can effectively disinfect surfaces for bacteria, fungi and viruses. Such a solution can be used to disinfect hand pruners and other small hand tools. Store-bought cleaners with an active ingredient that is .1 percent alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate also can be effective when disinfecting small hand tools as well as small pots and saucers.

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