Jan. 15
Death of inmate in custody
An inmate, Daphney Justice, female, 51, in the custody of the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention died Wednesday, January 14, 2009, at Harborview Medical Center at 01:35 PM. Justice was booked into the King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) on September 26, 2008, and was transferred to Harborview on January 7, 2009, where she remained for one week until her death.
Jan. 15
Trail sections closed for repair as flood damage takes toll on King County trail system
Last week's heavy rain and widespread flooding left its mark on King County trails, with significant damage and several closures reported on the trail system.
Jan. 14
County's first all-mail election underway, record-setting number of ballots in the mail today
The two-year effort of transitioning King County entirely to vote by mail will be put to the test on Feb. 3. With over 1.1 million ballots sent to voters today, the county has set a new record for the number of ballots mailed in a single election. This number surpasses all previous records set by Los Angeles County, formerly the nation’s largest contingent of mail voters. Ballots for more than 19,000 military, overseas and out-of-state voters were sent on Jan. 2.
Jan. 14
$36 million awarded countywide to create affordable and supportive housing projects
Creating affordable housing opportunities for hundreds of individuals and families in need, King County Executive Ron Sims today announced $36 million in grants and loans to fund affordable housing and permanent supportive housing development across the county.
Jan. 13
Reduced bus service for Metro Transit on Monday, Jan. 19
King County Metro Transit will be operating with a reduced weekday schedule on Monday, Jan. 19 for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. That means some commuter-oriented routes will be canceled that day, and there will be individual trips canceled on other routes. Many routes will have no changes.
Jan. 13
King County wants to hear ideas of farming's future
Farming has been an important part of the landscape since King County's earliest days, and county leaders want to hear ideas about ensuring the future of agriculture here. The public is invited to help shape the future of agriculture in King County by attending any of three upcoming meetings that are sponsored by the King County Agriculture Commission. The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 22 at the Carnation Elementary School's multipurpose room, 4950 Tolt Ave. in Carnation.
Jan. 13
Deep bored tunnel to replace Alaskan Way Viaduct
Gov. Chris Gregoire, King County Executive Ron Sims, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, and Port of Seattle Chief Executive Officer Tay Yoshitani today announced their agreement to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct with a deep bored tunnel under downtown Seattle. The plan also includes investment in improved bus service, east-west city streets, a new seawall, relocated utilities, and an upgraded waterfront.
Jan. 12
Sims, County Council develop plan to ease disposal of flood-damaged items, debris
As part of King County's ongoing response to last week’s record flooding, Executive Ron Sims and the County Council today developed a plan that will allow for continued free disposal of flood-damaged items and debris from the hardest-hit communities.
Jan. 12
Proposed bus service changes ready for review, comment for Southeast Seattle & Southwest King County
Last fall, King County Metro Transit and Sound Transit gathered ideas from the public for bus service changes in 2009 and 2010 for neighborhoods in Southeast Seattle, Skyway/West Hill, portions of West Seattle, and bus routes serving areas in Tukwila, SeaTac, Burien, Kent, Federal Way, and the Tukwila Sounder station. Those suggestions have now been shaped into proposed plans for specific routes and service changes, and Metro and Sound Transit are again inviting the public to comment. All comments are due by Feb. 6.
Jan. 11
King County crews make progress opening and repairing flood-damage roads and levees
As water recedes and river levels drop around the region, King County Road Services Division crews continue making progress repairing and cleaning up county roads hard hit by flood waters. Crews are also making progress on emergency repairs to damaged levees along the Tolt and Snoqualmie rivers.
Jan. 11
King County staff and volunteers pull out the stops to help Pacific flood victims clean up
At the direction of King County Executive Ron Sims, the county's Emergency Management office is managing an extraordinary effort to help the people of Pacific today as they clean up from last week's devastating flood. Emergency Management managers are coordinating the efforts of King County crews and equipment as well as a team of volunteers. King County Solid Waste trucks and King County Airport dump trucks are in Pacific where as many as 50 are expected to help residents clean and dispose of damaged belongings.
Jan. 10
Damage assessment and debris removal begin as flooding recedes
King County Executive Ron Sims today visited parts of the county that have been among the hardest hit by recent record floods. In Snoqualmie, Executive Sims and Mayor Matt Larson worked side-by-side with Snoqualmie residents unloading flood-damaged debris from their vehicles.
Jan. 10
Emergency repairs under way to flood-damaged levees
King County is mobilizing today to make emergency repairs to levees and other flood-prevention structures that were damaged by this week's record flooding. King County Executive Ron Sims is again heading out to affected communities to speak with elected local leaders and meet with residents whose lives have been affected by floods.
Jan. 10
King County Executive will meet today with flood victims as record river flows recede
King County Executive Ron Sims will travel to Snoqualmie and Pacific this afternoon to meet with city leaders and residents as river waters recede, and the amount of damage becomes more clear. The difficult clean up effort is underway for people in flooded communities as they are able to get back to their homes
Jan. 9
Incident management team dispatched to City of Pacific to assist in emergency response coordination
A specialized incident management team is on scene at the City of Pacific tonight, in response to a request from that community for help dealing with widespread flooding.
Jan. 9
Historic flows, significant road and structure damage visible as King County Executive tours flood damaged communities
County Executive Ron Sims spent most of Friday viewing East King County flood damage where all rivers had historic flows of rain and melted snow and the Snoqualmie and Tolt rivers hit the highest level in history. The Executive visited the Red Cross regional center in Renton and spoke with people who evacuated their homes as well as residents whose homes were spared from flooding.
Jan. 9
As floodwaters recede, the work now turns to repairs
More than forty roads remain closed in King County this afternoon as road crews get their first good look at the damage that’s been left behind from this week’s flood.
Jan. 9
Tolt River: record flows, levee damage
Record water flows on rivers across the region are causing significant flooding, including possible damage to two levees along the Tolt River near the City of Carnation. Flood waters are also causing significant road damage across King County.
Jan. 8
County Executive to tour flood areas
Media are invited to join King County Executive Ron Sims at St. Mathews Lutheran Church (1700 Edmonds Ave. NE, Renton WA) at approx 9:45 a.m. Friday morning where he will meet with evacuees and get a briefing from flood control managers about the magnitude of flooding on King County Rivers compared to previous flood events.
Jan. 8
Flooding cuts off residents in East King County
Levees across King County are holding the significant flows that have hit the region over the past 48 hours, although King County Flood Crews have not been able to reach the levee in Maple Valley to assess its condition.
Jan. 8
Sims signs emergency proclamation
In response to record river flows, flooding, land slides and other damage from severe weather, King County Executive Ron Sims this morning signed a Local Proclamation of Emergency to help county staff continue their quick response to damage.
Jan. 8
Day 2 brings little relief to flood-stricken county
The clouds may be lifting, but it will take days and weeks for the region’s transportation system to rebound from historic flooding in King County.
Jan. 8
Flood-control dam releases push Green River to Phase III flood alert level
The King County Flood Warning Center has issued a Phase III flood alert level for the Green River, which is expected to remain at high flood levels for the next several days as flood-control dam operators create additional storage capacity upstream.
Jan. 8
White River reaches Phase III flood alert level as flood-control dam releases raise flows
The aftermath of this week’s heavy tropical rainstorm continues to affect rivers across King County. The King County Flood Warning Center, which has been in continuous operation since mid-afternoon on Jan. 6, has issued a Phase III flood alert level for the White River. The river is expected to remain at high flood levels for the next several days.
Jan. 7
Cedar River joins Tolt, Snoqualmie rivers at Phase IV flood alert
King County has issued a Phase IV flood alert for the Cedar River, where a water release by Seattle Public Utilities from Chester Morse Dam is expected to keep stream flows dramatically elevated into Thursday evening.
Jan. 7
Green, Cedar river levels climb; dangerous levels persist on Tolt, Snoqualmie
The King County Flood Warning Center has issued a Phase III flood alert on the Green River and a Phase II alert on the Cedar River this morning due to heavy rain and water releases from dams in those upper watersheds.
Jan. 7
Phase IV flood alert level on Snoqualmie River, Phase II for Green, as rain continues
Officials at the King County Flood Warning Center say the Snoqualmie River, driven by heavy rainfall from a powerful tropical storm, has risen to a Phase IV flood alert level early Wednesday morning. Dangerous widespread flooding is likely to occur throughout the Snoqualmie Valley.
Jan. 7
Rain lifts Tolt River to Phase IV flood alert level; Snoqualmie River, Issaquah Creek at Phase III
Hard rain from a strong tropical storm continues to hammer portions of King County, leading to potentially significant and widespread river flooding.
Jan. 7
Worst flooding in years closes King County roads
King County road crews continue to respond tonight to what may be one of the worst floods in years – a flood that has already impacted more than 35 roads countywide. And the worst may not be over.
Jan. 7
Major flooding prompts numerous King County Road closures; Metro Transit assisting with evacuations
King County road crews continue to respond to a variety of dangerous flood related problems this afternoon as Metro Transit mobilizes to help with emergency evacuations due to rising floodwater.
Jan. 7
Some drinking water at risk
Floods can damage septic systems and make well water undrinkable as well as contaminate food and medicine. Flooded basements and buildings should also be cleaned up carefully. Detailed information on the following flood and health related topics may be found in English and other languages at www.kingcounty.gov/health/disaster
Jan. 7
Widespread flooding, mudslides posing serious travel hazards
Continued heavy rain is causing numerous travel hazards all across King County this morning. Flooding on Issaquah Creek has closed the southbound lane of Issaquah-Hobart Road below Highway 18 just south of Tiger Mountain at about 8 a.m.
Jan. 6
King County Flood Warning Center opens to monitor rain-fed high river flows
The King County Flood Warning Center was opened at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday to monitor minor flooding on the Tolt River, and to prepare for the likelihood of significant flooding on the Snoqualmie River and other river systems, as a powerful tropical storm moved into the region today.
Jan. 5
King County, Department of Justice reach agreement on proposed jail improvements
Today, King County Executive Ron Sims announced a proposed agreement with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) that addresses previous issues concerning jail operations and establishes measures that continue ongoing improvements. The proposal is now being transmitted to the King County Council for review and authorization.
Jan. 5
Many options available in King County for Christmas tree recycling
Don’t worry if foul weather or the rush of holiday activities kept you from getting rid of the family Christmas tree. There are still several great options available for recycling your tree – and doing something good for the environment.
Dec. 29
Assistance available to residents and businesses with storm-related damages
Property and business owners who had losses due to the recent winter weather may be eligible for assistance getting their property back in order. Eligibility is determined through a damage assessment process which takes into account total reported losses within King County.
Dec. 28
King County Road crews continue round-the-clock-efforts to clear snow
While temperatures have warmed and snow has melted in much of the region, areas in northeast King County - particularly around Woodinville and Duvall - still have considerable snow on the roads creating difficult driving conditions.
Dec. 26
Roof safety urged with heavy snowfall
Snow mixed with rain falling on the deep, heavy snow already around the region is creating a potential hazard for King County residents. The rains and snow mixture may create growing snow loads on rooftops, which could cause safety hazards such as structural collapse or sliding snow.
Dec. 23
Give King County's environment a hand by recycling your Christmas tree
King County encourages residents to take advantage of the many options for recycling Christmas trees, instead of throwing the tree in the garbage.
Dec. 23
King County road and transit services and public health outreach helping residents weather 11th day of snow and ice
King County residents appear to be traveling safely and staying safe at home as the region faces its 11th day of snow and ice-covered roads.
Dec. 21
King County clearing roads, keeping people moving
Fewer King County residents than expected are struggling with weather-related impacts today as the overnight storm packed less of a punch than forecast. The weather along with staffing and preparations by King County departments and regional partners combined to help keep people moving and safe overnight.
Dec. 19
Weekend storm may bring power outages: Stay safe and avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
High winds forecast this weekend may lead to power outages in some parts of King County. Given the cold temperatures, Public Health advises all residents to take steps to stay safe and warm and especially to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Dec. 19
Weather closes King County’s transfer station in Kirkland; other solid waste facilities open for now
Snow conditions have prompted King County to close its Houghton Solid Waste Transfer Station in Kirkland for a second straight day, but all other county transfer facilities are operating normally for now.
Dec. 19
Snow and ice cause second day of King County snow closures
Several King County government offices are adjusting operating hours in response to snow, ice and difficult road conditions. The following county services or operations are closed on Friday, Dec. 19...
Dec. 18
Major snow producing big travel problems
A major winter storm that moved into the area just before the morning commute continues to pound King County this afternoon, as Metro Transit struggles to keep service going and Road Services Division crews work to keep roads open.
Dec. 18
King County Animal Care and Control puts priority on animals
With continued snow and icy conditions around the county, King County Animal Care and Control is limiting where and how quickly its officers and staff can respond to animal-related calls out in the field.
Dec. 18
Winter weather conditions prompt closures, reduced hours for solid waste transfer facilities
King County’s Houghton Solid Waste Transfer Station in Kirkland has closed for the day and the remainder of the county’s transfer facilities will close at 4 p.m. due to severe winter weather conditions.
Dec. 18
King County managing snow impacts
King County motorists are being urged to limit non-essential travel as much as possible as county crews work to sand major roadways in unincorporated areas, while Metro Transit reports severely impacted transit service countywide and in surrounding areas today.
Dec. 18
County wants to hear ideas on farming's future
Farming has been an important part of the landscape since King County's earliest days, and county leaders want to hear ideas from local farmers about ensuring the future of agriculture here.
Dec. 18
You can depend on King County's Waste Free Holidays
The holidays are here. If you’re stumped on what gifts to give to your family, friends and co-workers, let King County's Waste Free Holidays program take away the stress of holiday shopping.
Dec. 17
Businesses experiencing economic losses due to Kummer Bridge repairs may qualify for federal assistance
Southeast King County businesses being impacted by the closure of the Kummer Bridge linking Black Diamond and Enumclaw over the Green River on State Route 169 will have a chance to get questions answered and learn about possible federal assistance at a meeting Dec. 22 in Black Diamond.
Dec. 16
King County prepared for winter blast
King County government is gearing up to respond to area road, transit and emergency management needs as forecasters warn of a coming winter storm that is expected to bring snow, ice and sustained cold temperatures on Wednesday.
Dec. 15
King County Transportation crews gear up for another round of bad winter weather
Yet another winter storm with heavy snow possible in some King County communities by Wednesday evening has road and Metro Transit crews scrambling to get ready this afternoon.
Dec. 15
Most Metro Transit buses on regular routing Monday morning
Because there was no significant precipitation overnight, most Metro Transit buses are operating with regular routing Monday morning. But, approximately two dozen routes – mainly in West Seattle, South Seattle, and East Kent – are experiencing problems due to icy side streets. As of 4:30 a.m., only a few were on snow routing. The other routes in those areas are operating with chains, which could slow service.
Dec. 14
County warns of an icy Monday commute
The ongoing wintry weather is expected to create a difficult Monday morning commute, and travel conditions will continue to be a challenge throughout this week. King County Metro Transit plans to have all its buses chained Monday morning, which may cause some service delays. The King County Road Services Division will be patrolling the unincorporated areas of the county overnight and in the morning, and will be laying down sand and anti-icer on major travel routes in hopes of improving the driving conditions for morning commuters.
Dec. 12
King County Transportation gears up for first winter blast
With the season’s first punch of cold, wind, and snow headed our way, the King County Department of Transportation is prepared to respond to a variety of weather-related problems as we head into the weekend. That forecast has road crews ready to deal with to snow and ice, and Metro Transit closely monitoring travel conditions.
Dec. 12
Protect pets from cold weather
With the threat of snow and frigid temperatures this weekend, King County Animal Care and Control warns pet owners to protect their animals from the elements. Animals can suffer from frostbite and can get lost or injured during a wind or snow storm.
Dec. 12
Executive and Council Chair lead King County housing stimulus effort
More housing and, ultimately, more construction jobs are the goals of a new housing stimulus effort proposed by King County Council Chair Julia Patterson and King County Executive Ron Sims. A motion introduced by Patterson on Monday aims for a more streamlined and cost-effective development and permitting process for builders, which is expected to result in more revenue for the county and more environmentally-friendly development.
Dec. 10
Residents of King County face increasing challenges
Many aspects of living in King County have improved or remain unchanged in recent years, yet residents face serious challenges in terms of affordable housing, living wage incomes and transportation choices. In addition, more children live in poverty, and the gap between the rich and poor continues to grow, according to the new Communities Count 2008 Report released today.
Dec. 10
Upper Green River Watershed protected forever in King County-Plum Creek conservation agreement
The environment and the economy both get help from an agreement between King County and Plum Creek Timber that gives the county a conservation easement on nearly 45,500 acres of forestland at no cost to taxpayers.
Dec. 9
Perfect time of the year to get flu vaccine
You have a better chance of beating the flu by getting vaccinated now, if you have not already done so. The numbers of people who get sick from seasonal influenza usually increase in December, peak in February, and new infections continue into spring.
Dec. 8
Locally grown Christmas trees available from Puget Sound Fresh farmers
Purchasing a Christmas tree from a farmer participating in the Puget Sound Fresh program this year not only means choosing from the best selection of the freshest trees available, but it also helps support agriculture here in King County.
Dec. 4
Transit tunnel ads help boost Metro’s bottom line
Beginning this month, bus riders will notice something new in King County Metro Transit’s Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel – the introduction of paid advertising that will generate much-needed income to help offset revenue losses resulting from the faltering economy.
Dec. 1
Community partnership agreement benefits Four Creeks community, King County
Improvements would soon come to a community park and a wetland that also helps control stormwater in the Four Creeks area of unincorporated King County under a new agreement announced by Executive Ron Sims.
Nov. 25
King County proposes raising speed limit on
232nd Avenue Northeast near Woodinville
The King County Road Services Division will hold a public hearing on Dec. 10 to gather public comments about a proposal to raise the speed limit on a stretch of 232nd Avenue Northeast in the Woodinville area.
Dec. 1
Special candidate filing held for Elections Director
A special three-day candidate filing for the county’s chief election official is planned for Wednesday, Dec.10 through Friday, Dec.12, 2008. Candidates interested in this non-partisan position will need to file in person or by mail at election headquarters in Renton from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Nov. 25
Let King County help you save green, go green with Waste Free Holiday gift ideas for 2008
Whether you’re into saving more money or helping to save the planet, King County’s Waste Free Holiday program is the perfect choice this holiday season.
Nov. 24
King County certifies historic General Election
King County Elections certified the 2008 presidential election today, counting more than 930,000 ballots. Turnout in the historic November election exceeded the turnout of any other election in recent memory with 84 percent of voters participating. Certified results are now available online.
Nov. 20
$700,000 in King County grant funding going to youth recreation facilities projects
Existing sports fields and gyms will be renovated and new athletic amenities will be coming to several communities, thanks to new funding from the King County Parks Youth Sports Facility Grant (YSFG) program.
Nov. 25
Waste-to-energy partnership protects both planet and plumbing
Holiday chefs can protect water quality, keep their plumbing clog-free, and create a sustainable energy resource this Thanksgiving courtesy of a public-private partnership that offers an easy way to dispose of cooking fats, oils and grease.
Nov. 24
King County budget embraces Executive strategy
King County Executive Ron Sims is set to review and approve the budget voted on today by the Metropolitan King County Council. The council’s budget incorporates nearly all of the recommendations in the balanced budget proposed by the Executive just over a month ago, which filled the nearly $93.4 million budget gap with permanent reductions, efficiencies and revenue increases, salary and overhead savings and limited use of reserves.
Nov. 20
Don’t let this call go to voicemail
King County Elections is making one last attempt to contact voters whose signatures on their absentee ballots either do not match their voter registration or whose ballot envelopes were not signed. These voters have already received one phone call, a letter and postage paid envelope from King County asking them to respond quickly.
Nov. 20
Next phase of habitat restoration work starts soon at Snoqualmie River’s Chinook Bend
The next stage of habitat restoration work is about to begin at the Chinook Bend Natural Area on the Snoqualmie River.
Nov. 20
Metro will operate with different
holiday schedules on Nov. 27 & 28
Bus riders should be aware that King County Metro Transit will have reduced service for the Thanksgiving holiday on both Thursday, Nov. 27 and Friday, Nov. 28 – and the schedules will be different for each day.
Nov. 18
Brightwater tunnel boring machine sees the light, marking major project milestone
King County's Brightwater project reached a major milestone late last week as workers completed the first tunnel of the new wastewater treatment system's 13-mile conveyance system.
Nov. 18
Ready relief: Local health care system benefits from new emergency medical capacity
In one of the first exercises of its kind in the nation, Public Health - Seattle & King County, the King County Health Care Coalition, the City of Seattle and partners from throughout the region today are demonstrating their ability to mobilize and operate an emergency Health Care Center, also known as an Alternate Care Facility (ACF). The purpose of the emergency Health Care Center is to relieve pressure on the local health care system by adding extra medical capacity during a disaster.
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