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Mukilteo schools lose 381 students as kindergarten enrollment falls

The Mukilteo School District continues to lose students, with enrollment declining by another 381 students this fall and an unexpectedly small kindergarten class raising concerns about future …

Mukilteo property tax rates could rise in 2027

Mukilteo property owners could see higher City property taxes in 2027, with a proposed 1% increase in the general property tax levy and a much larger increase in the emergency medical services (EMS) …

Planting roots for freedom

Members of the Sons of the American Revolution march toward the newly planted Liberty Tree at 92nd Street Park on Saturday, Oct. 17. The ceremony was part of the celebration for America’s …

Rock Against Hunger to benefit Mukilteo students facing food insecurity

The Mukilteo Schools Foundation will bring the community together for a night of music and fundraising with Rock Against Hunger, a battle of the bands to support students facing food insecurity in …

Strom Peterson and Jason Moon on 6 important issues

Snohomish County Elections mailed ballots for the Nov. 3 general election to 500,000 registered voters on Oct. 20. The county previously mailed ballots to military and overseas voters, as well as …

Snack on this!

Door-to-door trick or treating is so yesterday. Instead, Mukilteo Recreation and Cultural Services is organizing its annual Boo Bash, a kid-friendly event that offers a safe and free trick-or-treat …

Clarification: School bond tax estimates

Last week’s Beacon story about the Mukilteo School District's proposed $400 million construction bond reported an estimated property tax increase of 20 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or about …

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Oct. 22, 2026

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Arts & Entertainment
Mukilteo Community Orchestra

Mukilteo Community Orchestra opens 2026-27 season with ‘Breakthroughs’

The Mukilteo Community Orchestra (MCO) opens its 2026-27 season at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at the Rosehill Community Center, 304 Lincoln Ave., in Mukilteo. The free concert, “Breakthroughs,” …
Published in 2022, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” has sold more than 2 million copies and was a movie hit starring Sally Fields.

Bestselling author Shelby Van Pelt to appear at Rosehill Oct. 21

Author of “Remarkably Bright Creatures” will discuss her acclaimed novel with librarian Nancy Pearl A lonely widow, a mysterious disappearance and an unusually perceptive giant Pacific …
Carie Collver (Photo courtesy Schack Art Center)

35 years: Schack celebrates career of Carie Collver

After 35 years of shaping the artistic identity of Schack Art Center and championing artists throughout the Pacific Northwest, Gallery Director and Chief Curator Carie Collver will retire on Jan.14. …

From OBS to OBT: Two alumni named trainees for 2026–2027 season

Two Olympic Ballet School (OBS) alumni, Kaeli Pierce and Olivia Friedman-Blixt, have returned to the Pacific Northwest to join Olympic Ballet Theatre (OBT) as trainees for the 2026–2027 season. …

ECA adds The Mavericks to its lineup

The Grammy Award-winning band The Mavericks bring their country, rock and roll, Cuban grooves, Tex-Mex twang, and Latin swagger to the Edmonds Center for Arts Friday, Feb. 26, at 7:30 p.m. The …

MCO announces 2026-27 season of music

The Mukilteo Community Orchestra (MCO) begins its 2026-27 season this fall with concerts scheduled from November 2026 through May 2027. The orchestra’s season opener, “Breakthroughs,” on …

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Weekly Editorial Cartoon
Letters to the editor
 Vote Yes on I-638 and I-001
I-638 will keep boys out of girls’ sports. Opponents are trying to scare people by saying it would require genital inspections, as if girls would be subject to inspections by some coach. In …
Time for a change
Holy Smokes! There is an election approaching and we need to get our ballots in. Amongst the citizen initiatives there is a pivotal race in Snohomish County for 21st Legislative District Rep. between …

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Opinion

Schools: Richer places for everyone

Every student brings interests, talents, ideas, and experiences that enrich our schools. We want each of them to feel welcomed, build friendships, and know they have something valuable to contribute. …

When home care isn’t enough

Dear Savvy Senior, My mother has several chronic health conditions and needs a home caregiver to help with daily activities. I know she wants to stay at home as long as possible, but how do I know …

Redefining legacy as we age

When most people hear the word "legacy," they think of wills, trusts, and inheritance. But as we age, the question of what we leave behind has a much broader answer. Our legacy is not merely what we …

More Opinion

Police and Fire
Suspects rammed a pickup into a jewelry store on 196th Street SW. (Photo courtesy Lynnwood PD)

Employee fires shots at burglary suspects

At about 12:26 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, Lynnwood Police responded to a reported armed robbery with shots fired in the 6500 block of 196th Street SW. Police say multiple suspects used a pickup truck …
(Photo courtesy South County Fire)

Firefighters battle multiple fires in one day

More than 50 firefighters fought multiple fires simultaneously across southwest Snohomish County Tuesday afternoon, including brush fires and a house fire. One firefighter suffered minor injuries. …
Snohomish County will use a DOJ grant to purchase Grappler Police Bumpers. (Photo courtesy Grappler Police Bumper)

Grapplers coming to Snohomish County with DOJ grant

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs has awarded Snohomish County $84,296 for implementing the Grappler Police Bumper pursuit immobilization system on patrol vehicles, and …

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Assault of officers leads to arrest
Oct. 15 DUI — 3800 blk Harbour Pointe Blvd SW: A caller reported a vehicle swerving and nearly hitting other vehicles. Officers located the driver, determined the driver was impaired and made …
Domestic violence arrest
Oct. 8 Suspicious vehicle — 11600 blk Harbour Pointe Blvd: A caller reported a vehicle parked in the area for about two hours. The vehicle was gone when officers arrived. Oct. 7 …
Alarms, collisions, and more collisions
Sept. 18-Oct. 1, 2026
Oct. 1 Alarm — 3700 blk South Rd: Officers responded after an alarm company reported a man walking around the property. Officers found no signs of forced entry or a disturbance and noted …
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Engagements & Weddings

Heidi Baird and Anthony Shami

Congratulations to 2019 Kamiak Grads Heidi Baird and Anthony Shami. They were wed at Chateau Lill in Woodinville on Aug 2nd. We are so grateful to have celebrated this day surrounded by the people …

Anna Jordal and James Stirton

Tom and Amy Jordal of Mukilteo are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Anna Jordal, to James Stirton, son of Bill and Lorna Stirton of Cerritos, California. Anna is a 2020 …

Obituaries
 James Roy Peters: 1939-2026
James Roy "Jim" Peters peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on June 2, 2026, at the age of 86 in Vacaville, California.  Born on December 3, 1939, in Stilwell, Oklahoma, to …
Thomas Earl Van Duzer Jr.: 1947-2026
Thomas Earl Van Duzer Jr., age 79 of Mukilteo, passed away unexpectedly on May 2, 2026. Tom was born in March 1947, in Scranton, PA. He is survived by his wife, Connie, and two sons, Thomas (wife …
Linda Carney Dawson: 1943-2026
Linda passed away just a few months shy of her 83rd birthday due to complications of a life well lived. Linda was a friend to all, a mom to three, a Nana to seven and had two beautiful great …
Skip Kidd: 1944-2025
Celebration of Life for  Skip Kidd: 1944-2025 Please join us as we gather to celebrate the wonderful life of Skip Kidd (Earl A. Kidd Jr). We plan to share stories, remember the good times, …
Christian Andrew Olson: 1956-2026
Christian Andrew Olson, 69, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Edmonds on March 1. He left behind his loving wife of 46 years, Sandy, and his children, Nikolas, Leif (Allison) and Britta. …
Ann Margaret Hovland: 1949-2026
Ann Margaret Hovland, 76, of Mukilteo, Washington, passed away unexpectedly on February 18, 2026, following a heart attack and stroke. Born in West Seattle, Washington, to Bert and Elsie …

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Sports
Kamiak Athlete of the Week

Amar’e Payton - Football

Amar’e Payton has been chosen as the Athlete of the Week. Amar’e is a defensive back and running back for the Knights Football team, and he is having a great season! Amar’e leads …

Cadence Bigby - Volleyball

Outside hitter and captain of the volleyball team, Cadence Bigby has been an outstanding leader for Kamiak throughout her senior season. She brings competitiveness, positivity, and consistent effort …

Ian Thorson - Boys Cross Country

Kamiak Athlete of the Week Ian Thorson is a senior and leader of the Knights cross country team. A 4-year cross country and track veteran, Ian has always been a reliable role-model for the team. He …
Mariner Athlete of the Week

Ellie Zubanova - Volleyball

Ellie Zubanova has been making a huge impact on the volleyball court with her all-around game and positive energy! In the match against Pilchuk, her amazing serves put pressure on opponents, while …

Angel Martinez - Boys Cross Country

Junior Angel Martinez has been the number one varsity runner, week after week, and is a role model for consistency. Consistent effort and a coachable attitude builds great athletes, and Angel has …

Amen Zewdie - Girls Soccer

Freshman Amen Zewdie has been chosen as the Athlete of the Week, as she has made an immediate impact on the soccer field this season. A highly technical player with an impressive and versatile skill …

King’s athletes shine at Oregon Relays with record-setting performances

Athletes from King’s High School in Shoreline – including from Mukilteo – delivered standout performances against elite West Coast competition at the Oregon Relays this past weekend, …

Snohomish County sports tourism generates $42M

The Snohomish County Sports Commission had a strong year in 2025, supporting more than 150 sports tournaments and welcoming more than 230,000 visitors to the area. The events generated …

Kamiak basketball player named WIAA Athlete of the Week

Kamiak girls basketball player Annika Hastings was named a WIAA/Gesa Credit Union Athlete of the Week for Dec. 21-27. Hastings scored 29 points in a 59-44 victory over Everett on Dec. 22. …
Kamiak Performing Arts Student

Joe Fitch - Choir & Drama

Joe Fitch is a section leader in the Kamiak Kantorei choir, and co-captain of the Kamiak Improv team. His friends describe him as funny, loud, and outgoing. He loves getting to know others. When …

Ismael Romero - Band

Ismael Romero is a multitalented instrumentalist who plays in the band, show band, orchestra, drumline, and musical pit. After moving from New Mexico, he threw himself into the arts. “My …

Zoë Mitrovich - Choir & Drama

Zoë Mitrovich has been singing and acting since before she can remember. This year she is a Drama Club officer, and sings in the Kamiak Choir. She credits both her parents – her father the …

Amanda Choi - Choir & Drama

Amanda Choi started in choir at the age of 9 and came to the theatre as a sophomore at Kamiak. She is the Kamiak Choir Historian and her most memorable performance was in this year’s spring …
SCHOOL NEWS

Mariner’s Harvest Fest offers Halloween fun while helping families

Mariner High School will offer families an alternative to traditional trick-or-treating while also collecting food for those in need during its annual Harvest Fest. The event will be held from …

Cybersecurity: Employees and board members are key targets

Staff presentation: Cybersecurity Awareness Month Part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Mukilteo School District technology leaders last week told the school board that cybersecurity is a …

Mukilteo schools stress prevention, connection in approach to student safety

Keeping students safe involves more than locked doors, security cameras and emergency drills, Mukilteo School District officials told families during an online school safety town hall recently. …
Spruce Elementary students study Esperanza. (Photo courtesy Art Start Northwest)

What happened to Esperanza, a Douglas fir?

A Douglas-fir, named Esperanza, once stood on the grounds of Spruce Elementary in Lynnwood. Why did it come down?   An after-school art and ecology club hosted by teacher Jennie …
Calendar of events
Web Extra content
Scammers are finding new ways to target your phone. Here are 5 ways to protect yourself
Malwarebytes reports scammers are targeting mobile users with increasingly sophisticated scams.
Your 2026 tax return just got easier: Here's what's coming this filing season
(BPT) - Filing your taxes is never a top item on anyone's fun to-do list, but it's definitely a must, and can lead to a very welcome refund. The good news is, there's a new service that can help make …
Hit by an uninsured driver? What to know
TheZebra.com reports that 1 in 3 drivers are uninsured or underinsured, increasing financial risk for insured motorists in accidents. 
8 personal banking tasks you should automate to save time and money
Mercury reports on automating personal banking tasks to save time and money, highlighting eight tasks like automatic savings and payment setups.
How a smarter home can help families reclaim their time
(BPT) - It's a Thursday evening at home, and all you want to do is relax with your family. However, the mental list of possible to-dos stops you from being fully present with your loved ones. …
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