An update on what's happening in King County government
Aug. 3, 2006
Repairs to close Reinig Road
A section of Reinig Road north of Snoqualmie and North Bend will be closed for four weeks, while the King County Road Services Division replaces a failing culvert underneath the roadway.
Aug. 2, 2006
New Public Health Reserve Corps invites volunteers for disaster response
Volunteers are invited to join a new Public Health Reserve Corps which provides a way for health professionals and other support volunteers to augment and work beside Public Health staff during an emergency response. In announcing the new program today, Public Health – Seattle & King County was joined by partners representing health and health professional organizations.
Aug. 2, 2006
King County and climate scientists write the book on coping with global warming
Local and regional governments will soon have a guidebook to help them take the mystery out of planning for the changing needs of their citizens as a result of global warming. The guidebook is being co-authored by the King County Executive and his global warming team, and the internationally distinguished Climate Impacts Group. ICLEI—Local Governments for Sustainability, an international non-profit group, will be a contributor and publish and distribute the guidebook to its 193 United States member cities, towns and counties.
Aug. 1, 2006
Media advisory: Sims to make a major global warming announcement
King County Executive Ron Sims will make a major announcement tomorrow jointly with representatives of two groups distinguished for their work nationally and internationally on global warming and sustainability.
Aug. 1, 2006
Seafair Hydro Races Transit Information
Transit options for Seafair activities from August 4-6, 2006.
Aug. 1, 2006
Updated registration cards in the mail:
King County Elections asks for voter help
King County voters this week will receive new voter registration cards in the mail. Voters are urged to carefully check their personal information to prepare for the fall election.
July 31, 2006
Find 'Chip' in King County's Eastside parks and trails, and win a year's supply of free burritos from Chipotle
A visit to any of King County's nationally renowned parks or trails is always a worthwhile experience. Beginning Aug. 3, Eastside parks and trail users will have the extra incentive of possibly winning a year's worth of free burritos from Chipotle.
July 28, 2006
'Test drive' demonstrates county's ability to generate energy from waste during power shortages
Investments in waste-to-energy resources at King County's South Plant water treatment facility in Renton are already paying off for area ratepayers.
July 28, 2006
King County Animal Services investigates possible animal cruelty case
King County Animal Services and the Auburn Police Department are investigating a possible case of animal cruelty. Last night a couple was seen beating an adult Labrador-mix dog with a baseball bat in the Auburn area. After leaving the dog for dead, the suspects fled the scene and witnesses called King County Animal Services.
July 27, 2006
Mosquito season in full swing, take West Nile virus precautions
Hot weather means more mosquitoes, and with more mosquitoes comes an increased risk of West Nile virus. While King County has not had a documented case of locally-contracted West Nile virus since the outbreak began nationally in 1999, the virus has been found in neighboring counties. Beginning this week, Public Health will begin testing a portion of the dead birds reported in an effort to document the virus within county borders.
July 26, 2006
King County's Marymoor Park Events: Aug. 3-17
From intense athletic tournaments to outdoor movies, festivals and concerts, there is a fun event for everyone at King County's Marymoor Park.
July 26, 2006
Sims expresses disappointment with Supreme Court decision against marriage equality
King County Executive Ron Sims said he was very disappointed with today’s decision by the Washington State Supreme Court’s decision to deny gay and lesbian citizens of the state access to the benefits of marriage.
July 25, 2006
Sims to respond to same-sex marriage ruling
King County Executive Ron Sims will join with plaintiff couples involved in the Washington state gay marriage case, and their legal representatives, to react to tomorrow’s decision by the Washington State Supreme Court regarding same-sex marriage.
July 25, 2006
Sims announces results of investigation of allegations of misconduct at county juvenile detention facility
King County Executive Ron Sims, joined by King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng and Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske, today announced the conclusion of a months-long investigation of allegations of sexual misconduct on the part of some officers at the county's juvenile detention facility.
July 25, 2006
Executive Sims reaction to proposal for an elected elections auditor
"I am extremely disappointed in councilmembers who seem determined to politicize and destabilize the King County elections system. The end goal seems to be to derail all mail balloting."
July 25, 2006
King County Fairgrounds hosts 60th annual Scottish Highland Games, July 28-30
Experience the traditions and culture of Scotland without even leaving this time zone at the 60th annual Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games and Clan Gathering, July 28-30 at the King County Fairgrounds in Enumclaw.
July 25, 2006
King County receives top honors for excellence in mail ballot processing
The National Association of County Recorders, Election Officials and Clerks will honor King County Elections with the Best Practice Award for mail ballot processing at its annual conference next week.
July 25, 2006
Sims to begin charter review
King County Executive Ron Sims today announced the beginning of the 2006-2007 charter review process. The King County Charter requires a review at least every ten years. The last review was 1996-97.
July 24, 2006
Media advisory: Sims to announce conclusion of major investigation into allegations of misconduct at juvenile detention facility
King County Executive Ron Sims, joined by King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng and Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske, will announce the results of a major investigation of allegations of staff misconduct at the county's juvenile detention facility.
July 24, 2006
King County completes South Park landfill site sale
The South Park community today is one step closer to a meaningful infusion of new jobs and revenue, thanks to the successful conclusion of a 10-year King County effort to sell an old landfill site to an industrial developer.
July 24, 2006
Bellevue Arts & Crafts Fair Transit Service
Transit service option to the Fair on July 28-30, 2006.
July 24, 2006
Seahawks Transit Service
The Seahawks and Metro Transit are providing non-stop shuttle service for Seahawks home regular and playoff games from five area park and ride lots to Qwest Field. For only $3.00 each way, eliminate driving and parking hassles. See the Park & Ride Locations map.
July 21, 2006
Sims: Thanks to Senator Patty Murray's perseverance, critical salmon-recovery projects will proceed
King County Executive Ron Sims today joined the region's most stalwart salmon leaders in thanking U.S. Senator Patty Murray for her efforts to ensure that crucial federal salmon recovery funding would be available so that ongoing salmon restoration efforts could continue.
July 21, 2006
King County launches online candidate filing Monday
People wanting to run for political office can now file online in King County. King County is using online banking technology to make it easier to file for office. Beginning Monday, candidates will be able to file from their personal computers instead of making a trip to downtown Seattle. Candidates still have the option to file in-person or by mail during candidate filing week July 24 to 28.
July 21, 2006
Keep cool: Come to the King County Fair
The 144th annual King County Fair in Enumclaw hits its stride this weekend with non-stop live entertainment, great food and plenty of activities for the whole family.
July 21, 2006
Sims and Nickels share national environmental award
The Sierra Club broke tradition and gave its national leadership in government award to King County Executive Ron Sims and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels for their work to reduce Global Warming. The Edgar Wayburn Award for outstanding government work to benefit the environment traditionally goes to elected and appointed federal government leaders.
July 20, 2006
Sewer Repair Work begins in Shoreline Boeing Creek Park
Boeing Creek Park will remain open to the public during a year-long sewer improvement construction project now under way in Shoreline.
June 20, 2006
Report contact with bats to Public Health
Bats are a familiar sight during the warmer summer months as they fly at dusk hunting insects. While bats are no cause for fear, it is important to avoid touching them because of the risk of rabies. Approximately 5-10% of bats that are tested in King County are found to have rabies, so anyone finding a bat on the ground or in a house should take precautions to avoid having direct contact with the bat.
July 19, 2006
Jake the horse trots away with Royal Critter crown: 24-year-old Morgan/Arab horse will represent 2006 King County Fair
A 24-year-old Morgan/Arab horse that knows how to "shake hands" and competes in barrel racing has been crowned the Royal Critter of the 2006 King County Fair in Enumclaw.
July 18, 2006
King County in a race against the clock to stop the spread of toxic tansy ragwort
When a pasture owner in Maple Valley had three of her horses die mysteriously several years ago, it wasn't until a necropsy on the third horse revealed the culprit: Poisoning from the noxious weed, tansy ragwort.
July 18, 2006
King County Fair: Alive and Kickin' for 144 years
Wednesday's Critter Crowning kicks off oldest county fair west of the Mississippi
The King County Fair--a summertime tradition that stretches back to the middle of the 19th Century--kicks off tomorrow in Enumclaw with all the sights, sounds and tastes that make this the best county fair in Washington.
July 18, 2006
Safety and skills emphasized at transportation 'roadeos'
With steady hands and nerves of steel, veteran and novice road warriors gathered in Renton and Tukwila this past weekend for two separate contests to determine which King County Department of Transportation (KCDOT) employees have the best on-the-job driving skills.
July 18, 2006
Sims to tap into water quality, supply issues at national conference in Seattle on July 19
An adequate supply of clean water for people and wildlife will be crucial to our regional economy and continued quality of life, according to King County Executive Ron Sims. Sims will address this vital issue in his welcoming remarks to the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) at their summer conference on Wednesday, July 19 at 9 a.m. at the Westin Hotel, Seattle.
July 18, 2006
Public comment sought on proposals to give rural businesses more flexibility
In response to suggestions from rural residents, rural business owners and a County Council committee, county staff have developed draft regulatory changes designed to give more flexibility for agriculture, rural home businesses and forestry management. A public meeting on the draft changes will be held Tuesday, July 25, 7 p.m. at the Preston Community Center. Written comment is being taken through Aug. 10. Public comment will help shape a final proposal that will be sent to the County Council late this summer.
July 18, 2006
Sims to chair King County Charitable Campaign
King County employees will soon have a new way to help those in need. Executive Ron Sims proposes to allow employees the option of converting vacation and compensatory time into cash donations for nonprofit organizations participating in the annual King County Employee Charitable Campaign. The 2006 campaign will run from October 2 – November 30.
July 18, 2006
Bite of Seattle Transit Service
Special transit services to the Bite of Seattle Friday, July 21 - Sunday, July 23, 2006
July 14, 2006
Vandalism, misuse at county parks taking toll
"Out of control" partying this summer at Flaming Geyser Natural Area is so severely trashing the park and creating safety and environmental hazards that King County Parks, with the full support of the Sheriff’s Office, is temporarily closing the park for this weekend. Parks is also asking for the public’s help in stopping vandalism of public property.
July 14, 2006
Seattle, King County, United Way, Suburban Cities, Sound Families collaborate to fund housing, services
In an innovative effort to combine funds and expedite development of regional housing combined with supportive services for individuals and families who are homeless, several key public funders of low-income and special needs housing are joining together to support a first-ever combined countywide funding application process.
July 14, 2006
King County Park Events: July 19 - Aug. 2
This summer King County Parks is pulling out all the stops to bring must-see entertainment events to "Your Big Backyard." Take it to the extreme at the first-annual Demolition Derby and Rollover Contest at the 144th King County Fair in Enumclaw, or take an active role in King County’s battle against invasive weeds along Issaquah Creek or Cedar River as a "weed warrior" park volunteer. Looking to relax? Head on over to Marymoor Park for an outdoor concert and a movie or two.
July 11, 2006
No evidence of active faults found in Brightwater seismic investigation
Brightwater neighbors can have added confidence in the treatment plant's design standards after a seismic investigation showed no evidence of active earthquake faults under a critical portion of the site.
July 10, 2006
King County ready to lengthen Soos Creek Trail
King County's nationally acclaimed regional trail system is about to have a growth spurt. Work crews have begun construction on three-quarters of a mile addition to the Soos Creek Trail in Kent.
July 10, 2006
Alive and Kickin': 144th annual King County Fair, July 19-23
Kicking off its 144th year, the King County Fair--the oldest county fair west of the Mississippi--is full of time-honored events and attractions, plus plenty of new-found traditions.
July 7, 2006
Which critter will rule the King County Fair? 10 finalists chosen for 2006 Critter Crowning Contest
What do fainting goats, a guinea pig and a Black Polish rooster all have in common? They are among 10 exemplary pets and farm animals chosen as finalists for the 2006 King County Fair's Critter Crowning Contest. The passel of pets is vying to be crowned "Royal Critter," the official mascot of the King County Fair, set July 19-23 in Enumclaw.
July 7, 2006
King County briefs community on Hobart road closure
The King County Road Services Division will participate in a second community meeting to share information on a road-repair project that will close 276th Avenue Southeast in Hobart for up to two months.
July 6, 2006
Celebration in Carnation as construction on city's first treatment plant gets under way
Carnation community members today celebrated the start of construction on a new wastewater treatment plant that will replace failing septic systems, protect public health and the environment, and revitalize the economy.
July 6, 2006
Sims says flood protection can't wait, proposes countywide district to shore up aging levees
An aging levee system protecting thousands of lives, billions of dollars in economic infrastructure and transportation corridors would get much-needed fixes under a new county-wide plan proposed today by King County Executive Ron Sims.
July 5, 2006
King County land and building sale to bring new retail, mixed income housing to Pioneer Square Community
King County Executive Ron Sims today announced the sale and planned redevelopment of 3.85 acres of key, undeveloped County-owned land in the north parking lot of Qwest Field. He also announced the development of the historic Johnson Plumbing and Hardware Building in Pioneer Square at 590 1st Avenue South. Locally-based developer Nitze-Stagen will be involved with both projects.
July 3, 2006
County Executive to announce major mixed use, mixed income urban village development for the Qwest Field North Lot
Members of the media are invited to join King County Executive Ron Sims as he announces a major development partnership for the region. The partnership will develop a new, cutting edge urban village on one of the last prime parcels of County-owned undeveloped land in downtown Seattle.