Cross-posted from Clean Water Stories There are many names for remotely piloted aircraft, and you may have heard them called drones, but at the King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD), they’re referred to as an RPAS — or a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System. The use of RPASs by the County began about six years ago, but it is only recently that WTD came to own and operate their own devices. Before that, contractors were hired to provide the services that WTD now performs. This saves the county money in the long, and offers… Read More

The Water Taxi is a cool way to beat the heat. It’s operating on its summer sailing season, with seven-days-a-week service to and from West Seattle, including midday sailings, and Friday and Saturday night service. Don’t forget your dog or cat, or your bike! Hop aboard for a 15-minute ride across Elliott Bay while enjoying panoramic views of the Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier, and the Olympics. You can walk to the Mariners game or the Sounders match. When riding from downtown to West Seattle, you can take a shuttle from the Seacrest Dock that will take… Read More

Cross-posted from Executive Services Express The Office of Risk Management Services (ORMS) continues to develop a policy to handle customer service regarding gender identity. “Customers, claimants, and other individuals with whom ORMS interacts have the right to be addressed by the name and pronouns that correspond to their gender identity,” said Sean Catanese, Program Manager. “This policy and its procedures ensure respectful customer service and clear communication.” Read more.

Crossposted from the DES Express The sound of wedding bells is getting louder. King County is starting to see an increase in business for marriage licenses. “We believe this is due to customers becoming more comfortable with our online process, couples now able to have larger get-togethers and receptions that were prohibited under COVID, and more people traveling to Seattle to have their weddings,” said recording manager Jon Scherer. “This last category is particularly interesting as we are anecdotally seeing an increase in couples coming to us from Oregon.” Read more.

King County Elections has relocated the ballot drop box previously found at the Administration Building on Fourth Ave to near the King Street Center. The new location is in front of the Kingdome Deli on the corner of Second Ave S and S King St. This new location will provide more direct access to a ballot drop box for the Pioneer Square area and is more conveniently located to a variety of transit options. View all drop box locations, at the King County Elections website.

Crossposted from Public Health Insider Summer is here, and that brings a mix of emotions for parents. Let’s be real, this year has been a dumpster fire of stress and anxiety for parents navigating the pandemic. While some may feel relief, others are facing a whole new set of questions about how to keep their kids safe from COVID-19 in settings like camps or during summer travel. When kids have less structured time, some kids may need to make more of their own health and safety choices. No matter your plans or… Read More