Washington fairgrounds prepare for crowds and COVID mitigation

It’s that time of year again: fairgrounds across the region are gearing up to attract large numbers of people with food and craft vendors, live music and a chance for communities to gather in ways they have not been able to in a very long time. 

Evergreen State Faire in Monroe to begin this week
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Protocols have been put in place for the fairgrounds ? guests will have to wear masks and capacity will be cut down.

Officials: COVID filling hospital beds statewide while vaccine newcomers come around

Health officials are sounding the alarm, saying critical care beds across the state of Washington are filling up faster than it ever has since the beginning of the pandemic. 

Frustration, fear as closures begin at Monroe prison

Frustration, fear and anger are being stirred by the state Department of Corrections as it moves to close units at the Monroe Correctional Complex and other prisons around the state.

The Evergreen State Fair to reopen this summer, with some changes

On Wednesday, Snohomish County announced The Evergreen State Fair would be open this summer. The pandemic forced the fair’s closure for the first time last year since World War II. 

Pedestrian struck, killed by train in Monroe

Investigators say the person killed, a male, was clipped by the train and it doesn't appear to be a suicide.

Pedestrian killed by train
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Police say the person who died was clipped by a train and it does not appear to be a suicide.

Monroe School District pauses in-person learning for first grade students

The Monroe School District has paused in-person, cohorted, hybrid learning for first-grade students amid concerns from many parents and teachers.

L&I reviewing complaints, classroom instruction expands in Monroe

The union on Tuesday claimed the situation was getting worse, alleging the district told an employee who felt sick to keep working.

Dozens quarantined, Monroe district continues plan to expand classroom instruction

Dozens of kindergarteners in the North Sound are sheltering in quarantine. All the kids involved went to Frank Wagner Elementary because they may have been in contact with someone infected with COVID-19.

Monroe teachers consider options as in-person instruction set to expand

On Thursday, a webinar was broadcast featuring the Snohomish Health District’s health officer and the Monroe School District’s superintendent aimed to ease school families and employees' concerns about next week’s return to in-class instruction for first graders.

Missing kangaroo found in Monroe, heading to Fall City animal hospital

A missing 8-week-old kangaroo named Jack has been found alive but scared in Monroe Tuesday afternoon. Jack is now at an animal shelter in Fall City where he is getting lifesaving medication.

Disappointment, resilience highlight Labor Day during pandemic

This Labor Day holiday is just another reminder of how much our lives have changed due to the pandemic. For many, Labor Day for experiences unique to the Northwest -- like family rituals that go along with the holiday.  Not this year. 

Plane stolen from Jefferson County Airport found crashed with injured pilot inside

A plane reported stolen Tuesday from the Jefferson County Airport was found a day later with the pilot still inside after crashing somewhere in Olympic National Park.