Michael Bennett – Real man, real mentor, real inspiration

This article is shared from the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention’s In Depth column and is featured courtesy of Linda Robson, Communications Specialist with the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention. Moments with the Seattle Seahawks star at Juvenile Detention that ESPN didn’t show There’s no doubt that two-time Pro Bowl Defensive End Michael Bennett is larger than life when he’s suited up and crushing opponents at CenturyLink Field. But Bennett looms larger than life off the field, too, even when he’s not wearing the imposing helmet and pads or the giant… Read More

2017 brings a bond rating boost, lower costs for vital infrastructure 

Crossposted from Clean Water Stories  Operating a regional wastewater utility requires more than a dedicated workforce and highly specialized equipment. It also takes money, especially when it comes to funding new facilities to make sure our system keeps pace with population growth.  Just like you might borrow money to invest in a new home, or remodel a kitchen, we borrow money to build new facilities, or to upgrade or expand our system, by issuing bonds.  Read more at Clean Water Stories

Sing-a-long: “These are a few of our public health things” 

Crossposted from Public Health Insider  Smileys on restaurants and signage on clinics Saying “you’re welcome” to all who come in it Kicking off Best Starts with com-mun-ities These are a few 2017 things!  Spray parks and hygiene and tales made of doodles Noro in oysters And phthalates in noodles Wild bats that fly and may carry rabies These are a few 2017 things!  Read more at Public Health Insider

Chief deputy of King County Sheriff’s Office featured in national magazine 

Chief deputy Jim Pugel is featured in a recent article by the Pew Charitable Trusts entitled Law Enforcement Veteran Offers New Perspective on Policing.  “I was taught to catch the bad guys and put them in jail and then go out and do it all over again.”  The article discusses criminal justice reform, recidivism rates, the LEAD program here in King County and how real-world consequences changed Jim’s thinking about crime and punishment.  Read more at the Pew Charitable Trusts.

Make the holidays safer for your pet 

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC  The holidays are a fun and festive time for everyone, including our pets. However, that good cheer could be ruined if your cat or dog ends up sick, missing, or worse. To help keep this the most wonderful time of the year, Regional Animal Services is pleased to offer the following tips adapted from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).  Keep people food away from your pet, especially candy and chocolate, and ask your holiday guests to do the same. If you suspect your dog or cat has gotten… Read More

Medical Examiner’s Report: What we learned from those we lost in 2016 

Crossposted from Public Health Insider  Last year, 14,373 people died in King County. The King County Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO) investigated those deaths that were sudden, unexpected or unnatural – 2,494* in total.  But, the count of life lost is more than a number. By tracking and analyzing different manners of death as well as trends in homicides, traffic fatalities, and drug overdose deaths, we are able to develop preventative measures and learn about emerging issues.  Here are some key findings from 2016, as illustrated in the MEO’s recently published annual report, and… Read More

Are you prepared for holiday snow flurries? 

Crossposted from Public Health Insider  Snow can catch us off guard, especially if we have health needs. When snow closes roads, it’s hard for people to get to their medical appointments or get crucial medical supplies. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead when you hear a forecast for possible snow or severe winter weather if you have medical needs.  Things to consider if you depend on:  Oxygen tanks, medication prescriptions, or other medical supplies: Plan with your doctor, pharmacist, or medical service provider about what to do if they can’t be delivered… Read More

Temporary travel lane closures beginning in early January near Coal Creek Parkway 

Preliminary work is about to get underway on planned upgrades to an aging and undersized regional sewer line that is a critical part of King County’s clean-water infrastructure in Bellevue and Newcastle.  While construction on the Coal Creek Trunk sewer upgrade isn’t expected to begin until 2021, crews will begin drilling test holes in early January near Coal Creek Parkway to help determine soil conditions along the new line’s recommended alignment.  Starting Jan. 4, crews will perform two to four days of test drilling per week at five locations along Coal Creek Parkway.  The… Read More

The year in review: Responding to climate change by taking strategic actions in 2017 

Crossposted from Keeping King County Green   King County bolstered its reputation as a national leader in the effort to confront climate change in 2017, delivering on Executive Dow Constantine’s commitment to protect the region’s natural environment while creating more resilient communities.  Whether it’s a pledge to operate one of the nation’s largest zero emission battery bus fleets, expanding non-motorized transportation options, or investing in alternative energy sources, King County’s efforts are helping people, neighborhoods and even cities adapt to a changing world.  The Department of Natural Resources and Parks coordinated much of the County’s work… Read More

Save the planet one plate at a time! 

Crossposted from Go, Green Team!  Easy ways to help the environment are to compost your food waste and not waste food. On average, Americans waste about 25 percent of all food and drinks we buy. That’s not only wasting food, that’s wasted money – $130 every month. By helping prevent food waste, you are also saving water, energy and fuel that are all used to produce, package, and transport food.  Learn more at Food: Too Good to Waste.  Recently, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) did studies in three cities- Denver, New York and Nashville… Read More