A special summer for ten students
Crossposted from King County Wastewater Treatment Division Summer’s over and school supplies are flying off store shelves. For ten students, it’s time to return from a special experience. At the end of August, ten high school students completed internships at King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD). For six weeks, these interns have seen their world view and horizons expand. They’ve learned about water and wastewater systems at the foundation of our region. They’ve learned about careers that protect the environment. They heard industry professionals describe their career paths and commitment to our… Read More
Climate Preparedness Summit September 21
Come learn about what King County is doing to prepare for climate impacts, meet the staff working on preparedness, learn about preparedness tools that may help your program, and find out how you can help get the county prepared! The Summit is set for Sept. 21, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. in the King Street Center, 8th Floor Conference Room. All King County employees welcome, but space is limited, so please sign up online, and ensure you have prior supervisor approval. For more information, please email Jessica Engel or call (206) 477-3132.
Executive Constantine celebrates West Point 50th birthday with employees
On Aug. 18, King County Executive Dow Constantine joined Christie True, Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks, and Wastewater Treatment Division employees, former employees and retirees, to celebrate the West Point Treatment Plant’s 50th birthday. West Point, located next to Discovery Park in Seattle, has been helping protect Puget Sound for 50 years, and treats wastewater from homes and businesses in Seattle, Shoreline, north Lake Washington, north King County and parts of south Snohomish County. “We should be proud that we run such a clean sewage treatment plant that… Read More
King County employee saves passenger’s life on ferry commute
It just takes one person to save a life. And for a gentleman on the evening ferry headed from Seattle to Bainbridge Island on July 18, that person was a quick-thinking King County employee. It began with the announcement that there was a medical emergency. A passenger was having trouble breathing and ferry crew members had responded. When they realized he needed medical attention, a call was put out for medical professionals who could assist. That’s when Jim Gleckler, a Registered Nurse with Public Health, stepped forward. “He had stopped breathing and… Read More
My accidental mentoring opportunity … that turned out great!
By Dijana Steward, IT Project Manager and member of the KCIT Employee Engagement Committee In July, King County IT CIO Bill Kehoe and I were asked to participate in the “Diversity Panel and Resources Event for Tech Industry Career Opportunities” event, an evening-long program hosted by the Department of Community and Human Services to provide insight and inspiration to people of color in their quest to build a career in technology. Bill was on the employer leadership panel and I was on the “this is how it really is” diversity panel. I… Read More
Kudos to the Wastewater Treatment program for empowering high school students!
In the August 27 edition of the Seattle Times, the King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s Internship Program was mentioned in the “Rant & Rave” section for empowering teens and youth. The mention went as follows: “RAVE For King County’s wastewater treatment high school internship program and their staff. The students started with the thought that government doesn’t care about the average citizen and ended feeling empowered to participate in decision making and making our community a better place for everyone. Incredible growth was demonstrated during the students’ end-of-program presentations.”
Kudos! King County creates alternative to EpiPen
With the recent spike in cost of the EpiPen, KUOW did a news story on King County’s alternative, developed and used by King County Emergency Medical Services. This version costs roughly $20 and was created to address a change in how EpiPens are administered to patients. KUOW spoke with Jim Duren of King County Emergency Medical Services to gain more insight into this life-saving solution and is another example of how King County is striving to become the best-run government in the country. Photo courtesy of KUOW. Read the full story at KUOW.org
Kudos! Big thank you – Cine en el Parque was a success
Marie Trigona with King County Natural Resources and Parks thanks all the King County staff and community partners who took part in Cine en el Parque and ensured it was a fun, successful community event. Hi all, Many thanks for making Cine en el Parque a terrific success, in particular the White Center Community Development Association who cosponsored the event. We had about 500 attendees and we collected more than 100 stamped passes. King County had 10 tables and nine community partners who came out to the event. Two media outlets attended… Read More
Still warmer than normal
Crossposted from KC Emergency News While we won’t see temperatures in the mid-90s like last weekend, temperatures remain warmer than normal. So, take precautions: When playing or working outdoors, wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and heat. Drink plenty of fluids. (See more safety tips in earlier post below). Adhere to water safety directives when boating or swimming in pools, rivers, and lakes. Always wear a life vest, even if you consider yourself a strong swimmer. Remember that fire danger remains high and a burn ban is still in… Read More
Transit Advisory Commission seeks new members
Crossposted from Metro Matters Do you ride transit and have a desire to improve transit service for everyone? King County is seeking several new members for its Transit Advisory Commission. The commission helps improve transit services, planning, and programs by advising Metro, King County, and leaders about transit policy (visit the website to learn more). The commission’s members include residents and other transit stakeholders. Our goal is to reflect the county’s diversity. Most members ride the bus, and all live in King County. Each serves a two-year term. The commission meets monthly… Read More
Employee News 