What's Up With That?

CarlaRae Arneson, of Lynnwood, grabs a tea press full of fresh tea from Peanut the server robot while dining with her 12-year-old son Levi at Sushi Hana on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, in Lynnwood, Washington. CarlaRae said she and her son used to visit the previous restaurant at Sushi Hana’s location and were excited to try the new business’s food. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Peanut the robot waitress is on a roll at Lynnwood’s Sushi Hana

She’s less RoboCop and more Rosey as she patrols the restaurant, making sure everyone has a drink and good time.

CarlaRae Arneson, of Lynnwood, grabs a tea press full of fresh tea from Peanut the server robot while dining with her 12-year-old son Levi at Sushi Hana on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, in Lynnwood, Washington. CarlaRae said she and her son used to visit the previous restaurant at Sushi Hana’s location and were excited to try the new business’s food. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
A photo of “M*A*S*H” character Corporal Walter "Radar" O’Reilly has mysteriously returned to the “Speed Checked by Radar” sign on Third Street coming into Langley on Whidbey Island on Jan. 2, 2023. (Andrea Brown / The Herald)

In Langley, ‘Speed Checked by Radar’ — Cpl. ‘Radar’ O’Reilly that is

The random act of comedy on a traffic pole an is ongoing M*A*S*H-ed up mystery on Whidbey Island.

A photo of “M*A*S*H” character Corporal Walter "Radar" O’Reilly has mysteriously returned to the “Speed Checked by Radar” sign on Third Street coming into Langley on Whidbey Island on Jan. 2, 2023. (Andrea Brown / The Herald)
Gary, the blooming cactus, inside the entrance to the Mountlake Terrace Police Department on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Christmas cactus named Gary is 40-year veteran of Mountlake Terrace police

He has grown a lot over the decades. Once a year he lights up the station in pink. He needs a haircut.

Gary, the blooming cactus, inside the entrance to the Mountlake Terrace Police Department on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
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What Was Up With That? Columnist looks back at memorable people of 2022

Science fiction-like ear surgery, the Galloping Gourmet, and more — choosing the top stories of the year is like choosing a favorite child.

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Mike Lane and son Dave Lane, right, in front of their family store Everett Vacuum with their popular sign and saying, “everything we sell sucks” on Thursday, April 7, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Suck it up — and shop it up — at Everett Vacuum

After 80 years on Broadway, the family-run store with the “Everything we sell sucks” sign moved to Hewitt Avenue.

Mike Lane and son Dave Lane, right, in front of their family store Everett Vacuum with their popular sign and saying, “everything we sell sucks” on Thursday, April 7, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
A number of different Archie McPhee candy cane flavors are available for the holiday season Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, at the Archie McPhee wholesale building in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Brisket, sardine, Caesar salad: Dare to eat Archie McPhee candy canes?

The famous novelty seller based in Mukilteo, with a store in Seattle, has a dozen flavors to tease your palate.

A number of different Archie McPhee candy cane flavors are available for the holiday season Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, at the Archie McPhee wholesale building in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Scout Skyler MacKay, 14, sits amongst only a small number of the over 600 toys he has collected for local children in foster care as part of his Eagle Scout project Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, at his family’s home in Lynnwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Teen Santa: Scout brings toys and joy to foster kids, like he was

Skyler MacKay, 14, of Lynnwood is collecting 1,000 toys for his Eagle Scout project. Toys will be given year-round.

Scout Skyler MacKay, 14, sits amongst only a small number of the over 600 toys he has collected for local children in foster care as part of his Eagle Scout project Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, at his family’s home in Lynnwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Jeremy DeBardi of Steel Beans plays a tune in his home on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Bare-chested rocker of ‘Steel Beans’ enjoying sudden ride to stardom

Jeremy DeBardi’s solo act — as singer, guitarist, drummer — went viral after 15 years in Everett’s local music scene.

Jeremy DeBardi of Steel Beans plays a tune in his home on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Curt Hanks designed the new JP Patches Pal license plate that took three tries to get passed in the statehouse. (Submitted photo)

J.P. Patches license plate: Third time proved the charm

It took six years to get a Patches Pal plate through the Legislature. It honors the state’s beloved clown, who lived in Edmonds.

Curt Hanks designed the new JP Patches Pal license plate that took three tries to get passed in the statehouse. (Submitted photo)
The Osa in the waters of Lake Riley at the Sons of Norway camp in Arlington, Washington on September 9, 2022. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

A Soundview beer and $1 later, a mythical Viking ship sails again

The Everett Sons of Norway started a “Save the Osa” campaign to restore the 30-foot ship for parades and use on Lake Riley.

The Osa in the waters of Lake Riley at the Sons of Norway camp in Arlington, Washington on September 9, 2022. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Alex Phillips, Karen Mahood and their four-week-old baby Georgia sit inside the family’s home where the production and television sales of Zippered Stockings take place on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

From Mukilteo living room, Zippered Stockings get a national audience

They hit it big on shopping channel QVC. The handmade holiday stockings with zippers and handles sell for $20 to $30.

Alex Phillips, Karen Mahood and their four-week-old baby Georgia sit inside the family’s home where the production and television sales of Zippered Stockings take place on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Mr. Bone Jangles holds his scythe Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Halloween hunk: Meet Mr. Bone Jangles, the hottest guy in Lake Stevens

The sought-after 12-foot skeleton, Skelly, has lit up social media since 2020. In Lake Stevens, spooky season started in June.

Mr. Bone Jangles holds his scythe Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Phil Spirito and Libby Reed play a song together in their home on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Librarian by day, Monroe musician goes back on tour with ’90s band Rex

Phil Spirito has a double-life as “Phil the musician.” His indie slowcore band is getting a surprise revival with album reissues.

Phil Spirito and Libby Reed play a song together in their home on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Former television food personality Graham Kerr meets with residents of Windsor Square Senior Living before giving a presentation on Thursday, Sep. 15, 2022, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

At 88, TV chef ‘Galloping Gourmet’ still sizzles with the ladies

Graham Kerr, the granddad of cooking entertainment shows in the 1960s, calls Snohomish County home.

Former television food personality Graham Kerr meets with residents of Windsor Square Senior Living before giving a presentation on Thursday, Sep. 15, 2022, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

All ears: Mukilteo couple provides surgery for kids born without ears

Dr. Prabhat and Trish Bhama are part of a HUGS volunteer team providing treatment for microtia in Guatemala.

Amy Turnbull pulls seeds off of a sunflower on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Flower power: Garden on Gibson Road cultivates a sense of community

South Everett mom Amy Turnbull turned a ditch of trash into a colorful 100-foot stretch of blooms and kinship.

Amy Turnbull pulls seeds off of a sunflower on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Possession Point Bait Company owner Dan Cooper fishes live herring out of his holding pond with a net on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022 in Clinton, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Fish on! Whidbey bait shop delivers $7 bucket of herring to your boat

Possession Point Bait Co. owner Dan Cooper keeps afloat the Clinton fishing business his family started in the 1960s.

Possession Point Bait Company owner Dan Cooper fishes live herring out of his holding pond with a net on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022 in Clinton, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Twenty-four-year-old Joel Christensen, who was born with Infantile Refsum disease, causing him to be unable to see or fully hear, stands with his grandfather Harold at his side as he tosses trash into the pit at the the Airport Road Transfer Station on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, in Everett, Washington. Going to the transfer station is one of Joel’s favorite activities with the vibration of humming machinery, the whooshing of front end loaders and the tactile nature of his family’s trash all stimulating his strongest senses. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

At the dump, Joel is just one of the guys in an orange hardhat

Solid waste is a happy place for Joel Christensen, 24, who is blind and nearly deaf from a rare genetic disorder.

Twenty-four-year-old Joel Christensen, who was born with Infantile Refsum disease, causing him to be unable to see or fully hear, stands with his grandfather Harold at his side as he tosses trash into the pit at the the Airport Road Transfer Station on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, in Everett, Washington. Going to the transfer station is one of Joel’s favorite activities with the vibration of humming machinery, the whooshing of front end loaders and the tactile nature of his family’s trash all stimulating his strongest senses. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
People line up outside of the Clyde for the premier showing of Elvis on Friday, July 8, 2022 in Langley, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

It’s showtime! Get in line for a seat at The Clyde Theater in Whidbey

The Langley movie house has served up butterless popcorn, iceless drinks and priceless memories since 1937.

People line up outside of the Clyde for the premier showing of Elvis on Friday, July 8, 2022 in Langley, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Erika Weinert, an Everett-based mother, editor and now author, sits at her home workspace and holds her first published book, “Cursing with Style” on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

What the @#$%! Everett mom publishes a dictionary of curse words

Erika M. Weinert, 42, a copy editor who does business as The Werd Nerd, wrote “Cursing with Style.”

Erika Weinert, an Everett-based mother, editor and now author, sits at her home workspace and holds her first published book, “Cursing with Style” on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)