The Badges and Barbells Weightlifting Club is a unique program that builds connections between King County and the community. The program is targeted toward students and First Responders, which includes law enforcement, corrections and fire personnel. It focuses on weightlifting, conditioning workouts and additional exercises to improve individual health and allow participants to form positive relationships. Andrew McCurdy, Sergeant with the King County Sheriff’s Office and current Covington Chief of Police, heads the program. “As First Responders, we too often only have contact with teenagers during times of crisis,” he said. “By… Read More

Public defender Natasha Coleman recently asked King County Superior Judge Cheryl Carey if graduates from the King County Adult Diversion Drug Court could share a talent at their graduation ceremony. The judge agreed, and the first such performance happened Wednesday, when rapper Shelby Allen – a 22-year-old man and one of Natasha’s clients – shared his story and his appreciation for Drug Court through a rap he wrote. KCTV, KING5 and KIRO radio were on hand to observe him. Natasha said Shelby was thrilled. “It was the best ceremony I have ever… Read More

When it comes to Earth Day, move over Department of Natural Resources and Parks and shine a little green glory on KC Information Technology (KCIT)! While it’s true we don’t clean water, recycle asphalt shingles or plant trees, our paperless programs (SharePoint, CRM, paperless paychecks) can save a forest! Yep, KCIT is helping green the entire county with new processes, technologies and applications.

Commuters and drivers should start planning now; use http://www.99closure.org Starting Friday, April 29, the Washington State Department of Transportation will close the viaduct between South Spokane Street and the south end of the Battery Street Tunnel. This closure is expected to start prior to the morning commute and last approximately two weeks as the SR 99 tunneling machine Bertha digs underneath the roadway near Yesler Way.

The Elections Department has mailed ballots for the April 26, 2016 Special Election to all registered King County voters. Only certain jurisdictions are participating in this month’s election so not everyone will receive a ballot. For a detailed list of what is on the ballot, please visit the King County Elections website. The May Presidential Primary Election ballots will be mailed on May 4. Please remember: Do not use interoffice mail service to return a ballot.  Also, do not return ballots to the Voter Registration Annex.  The April election day deadline is… Read More

Crossposted from the It’s Easy Being Green blog Everyone can help to build a stronger food system by working to become better “food citizens.” Be aware of what you’re consuming, where it is grown or produced, and whether others also have the opportunity to eat healthy, local food. Through wise food purchasing and consumption we can keep our farms productive, our food businesses thriving, and ensure that everyone has access to affordable, healthy food. Here are 10 ways to become a local food champion: 1. Buy local Few places do food better… Read More