King County Executive visits Wastewater Treatment Division
On the final day of one of the rainiest months in the region’s recorded history, King County Executive Dow Constantine took a day-long tour of several wastewater treatment facilities. He was able to meet employees who work on the front lines, keeping treatment plants and pump stations operating 24/7 under adverse winter conditions. He started in Georgetown where construction of a major new facility, the Georgetown Wet Weather Treatment Station, is underway. It will treat polluted stormwater that currently flows directly into the Duwamish River during severe rainstorms. Afterwards, he was briefed on… Read More
Pet of the Week: Trap
Hi! My name is Trap and I am available for adoption. My personality color is RED. I am a spirited dog with a fun-loving personality! I am still working on my manners, so I would do best with a family who is willing to work with me and help me become the best dog I can be! Read more and view all available pets at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet.
Plan for more time for security screening at courthouse
Starting Wednesday, Feb. 5, security screening at the King County Courthouse will take longer. New security equipment has been set to a sensitivity level that ensures a more thorough screening process. Items such as loose change, keys, underwire in bras and shoe shanks may require secondary screening such as wanding. To speed up the process, please remove all metals from pockets. As a side note, beginning this Friday, Feb. 7, the Fourth Avenue entrance will open from 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., and noon to 2 p.m.
Four things you need to know for the Census
Every 10 years in the United States, a national census takes place, and King County is partnering with community-based organizations, philanthropies, other governments, and stakeholders across the region to support and promote a fair and accurate 2020 Census. Starting March 12, people will receive letters in the mail with instructions on how to complete the 2020 Census. Until July 31, you can complete the census online, by mail, or over the phone. The results inform how funding is distributed for things like our schools, affordable housing, hospitals, and public transportation for the… Read More
Redmond Youth Court participants practice restorative justice
By Troy Brown, Communication Manager, King County District Court Editor’s note: This article only uses first names to protect the privacy of minors. Each time 16-year-old “Mary” (not her real name) steps behind the wheel, she likely will be a safer driver thanks to lessons she learned at her Redmond Youth Court hearing. Redmond Youth Court is a student-led organization that works with King County District Court to hear real cases of traffic citations issued to 16- and 17-year olds by Redmond Police within the City of Redmond, offering them an alternative to… Read More
Update on novel coronavirus, February 4
On Friday, the federal government declared the new (novel) coronavirus a public health emergency in the U.S. and announced a series of restrictions on U.S. citizens and foreign nationals entering the U.S. after trips to China, which took effect Sunday at 2 p.m. PST. While government officials stress that the risk to the general U.S. public continues to be low at this time due to the small number of cases in the United States, the global situation continues to change rapidly. Public health officials here and around the world continue to be… Read More
777X first flight lands at King County International Airport
Crossposted from DES Express In a long-anticipated trip delayed two days by windy weather, Boeing’s new 777X took its first flight on Saturday, Jan. 25 from Paine Field in Everett. It landed about four hours later at King County International Airport (KCIA), after flight testing over Eastern Washington and a flight-to-flight photo session over Mount Rainier. The jet roared down the runway, leaving a trail of spray from the rain as it ended its journey. At least 40 media representatives – videographers, photographers and reporters – stood in a roped-off area near the… Read More
Walking the streets for Count Us In 2020
King County Executive Dow Constantine joined hundreds of volunteers, including many King County employees, for the annual Point in Time Count. “Many of us know how seeing homelessness makes us feel—but it’s vital that we also see the first-hand experience of homelessness and what our unsheltered neighbors are up against every day,” Executive Constantine said. “Joined by hundreds of volunteers, service providers, and lawmakers, we walked the streets early on the morning of January 24 to collect data about the needs of our unsheltered population.”
Pet of the Week: Oreo
Hi! My name is Oreo and I am available for adoption. I was brought in by my previous owner on April 26, 2019 because there was too much activity in the home. I am a very sweet and affectionate boy and I just love hanging out with my favorite people! I particularly enjoy getting head scratches and playing with wand toys. After having some litter box issues in my previous home, I was diagnosed with a urinary tract disease. This is being managed through a prescription diet and reducing stress in the… Read More
Personal safety trainings coming Feb. 10
Do you find yourself out and about, walking between King County buildings, or to and from bus or light rail stops? Have you wondered what you can to do keep yourself safe? King County is partnering with the Seattle Police Department and the Seattle Metropolitan Improvement District to present lunch-and-learn sessions on Personal Safety & Public Safety Resources. Register early as these sessions tend to fill up quickly. Choose from two sessions on Feb. 10 at the King County Administration Building, Room 560: 11 a.m. – noon Register here. 12:15 p.m. – 1:15… Read More
Employee News 