2011 News archive

This news archive is provided for historical purposes only. Information and links may be outdated or inaccurate.

• Dec. 29: King County opens Flood Warning Center as Green River rises from dam re...
  The King County Flood Warning Center has issued a Phase II flood alert level for the Green River, where controlled water releases from a dam could result in very minor flooding along portions of the river without levees upstream of Auburn. The Flood Warning Center opened at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 29, to closely monitor conditions.

• Dec. 29: King County closes Flood Warning Center as Snoqualmie River flows reced...
  King County closed its Flood Warning Center at 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, following almost 24 hours of closely monitoring the Snoqualmie River, which was on the rise because of heavy rainfall in the area.

• Dec. 28: King County opens Flood Warning Center as Snoqualmie River rises from h...
  The King County Flood Warning Center opened at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 28 to monitor rising flows on the Snoqualmie River from heavy rainfall in the area.

• Dec. 28: King County offers grant funds for urban reforestation, habitat restora...
  Restoring habitat in urban areas is what King County’s “Wild Places in City Spaces” grant program is all about.

• Dec. 27: Inquest ordered into fatal police shooting of man who reportedly fired ...
  King County Executive Dow Constantine today ordered an inquest into the shooting death of Ronald Williams Ficker by Issaquah police officers on September 24, 2011.

• Dec. 27: King County offers helpful tips for Christmas tree recycling
  Let the King County Solid Waste Division help you solve the post-Christmas dilemma of what to do with your Christmas tree. Recycled Christmas trees are turned into woodchips that can be used as a landscaping material, or combined with other organic material to become a compost soil amendment for gardens.

• Dec. 27: Reminder: New King County solid waste fees start Jan. 1 to help upgrade...
  The Solid Waste Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks reminds residents that an increase in the solid waste disposal fees goes into effect Jan. 1 to help cover rising costs while modernizing a half-century-old solid waste handling system.

• Dec. 23: Burke-Gilman Trail from Log Boom Park to Ballinger Way opens at noon to...
  The major redevelopment of a 2.2-mile-long stretch of King County's Burke-Gilman Trail through Lake Forest Park reaches a milestone today when the easternmost portion of the trail project is completed and opens for public use.

• Dec. 23: For whom does the bridge toll? Not bus riders!
  Tolling begins on the State Route 520 Bridge next Thursday, Dec. 29, but many commuters will be saving money and avoiding the tolls by riding the bus, vanpooling, or telecommuting - all of which are exempt from the new tolls.

• Dec. 21: Seattle, King County receive more than $21.8 million in federal homeles...
  Federal homeless assistance funds totaling more than $21.8 million have been awarded to the City of Seattle and King County for 2012-2013

• Dec. 20: King County GIS Center marks a decade of information, education, revenu...

  On Jan. 8, 2002, the newly formed King County Geographic Information System (KCGIS) Center welcomed its first 13 students to a certified GIS training class. This month, just shy of its 10th birthday, KCGIS Center hosted its 145th class – the latest opportunity for King County employees, and staff from numerous other counties, cities, utilities, state agencies, Indian tribes and others, to get cost-effective training from leaders in the field of GIS.

• King County has fewest homicides in ten years
  In 2010, King County saw the lowest number of deaths due to homicide in the past ten years. The number of suicides also declined, dropping nearly 10 percent from 2009, according to the King County Medical Examiner's (KCME) report released today.

• Dec. 19: Partnerships and reforms help build record of accomplishment in King Co...
  The precise midpoint for the current four-year term of King County Executive Dow Constantine is Wednesday, December 21 - and with the County back on sound financial footing, the Executive took stock of the achievements of his first two years in office.

• Dec. 16: Elections certifies recount results for four races
  King County Elections this morning certified the results of four mandatory recounts. The recounts did not change the outcomes of any of the contests.

• Dec. 16: Some Metro bus routes have reduced service during the next two weeks
  King County Metro Transit reminds bus riders that it will be operating a reduced schedule on several holidays now through January – including a full week of reduced service Dec. 26-30. There are also schedule changes starting Monday, Dec. 19 for several University District routes, because the University of Washington is not in session

• Dec. 15: King County warns of apparent email scam

  King County is warning of an apparent email scam. The county has received calls from people and businesses within and outside of King County, including individuals from other states and countries, who have reported receiving false confirmation of an online property tax payment made through the King County e-commerce system. These emails were not sent by King County, and the county's e-commerce system has not been compromised.

• Dec. 15: Pitch for a greener holiday season
  Decking the halls doesn’t have to add up to more waste this holiday season. This year, King County is teaming with the Seattle Mariners to educate residents about how to create less waste and more memories by pitching….fruitcake.

• Dec. 14: Metro, Sound Transit team up to give riders more reasons to take transi...
  With tolling on the State Route 520 Bridge set to begin Dec. 29, King County Metro Transit and Sound Transit are reminding commuters that there has never been a better time to leave the car at home and save money.

• Dec. 14: King County announces recipients of ‘Green Grants’ funding
  King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division, in partnership with Seattle Public Utilities and WRIA 9, recently awarded six “Green Grants” to small-scale environmental projects that help combined sewer overflow control efforts and support cleanup goals for the Lower Duwamish.

• Dec. 12: Got ‘cow power?’ Groundbreaking kicks off green energy project near Enu...
  King County Executive Dow Constantine today joined local dairy farmers in Enumclaw to celebrate the beginning of construction on a digester project that will transform cow manure into green energy and other valuable resources.

• Dec. 7: County Executive congratulates Machinists and Boeing on new labor pact
  King County Executive Dow Constantine tonight praised ratification by the Aerospace Machinists of a four-year contract extension.

• Dec. 7: Moody’s restores King County's “stable” bond outlook, reaffirms high cre...
  Moody's Investor's Service today reaffirmed the county's high bond ratings and restored the outlook for King County bonds to "stable." The decision by the credit rating agency would effectively shield the county from the effect of a possible Moody's downgrade to the federal government's credit rating.

• Dec. 6: Visit King County Parks’ online store for great gift ideas that also sup...
  Holiday gift shopping has never been easier when you take advantage of King County Parks’ online store to create custom holiday cards, purchase parks-themed stamps or donate to the King County Parks Legacy Fund.

• Dec. 5: Brightwater tunneling contractors take top international industry honors
  The successful completion of two exceptionally complex Brightwater conveyance tunnels has earned prestigious international honors for the contractor and King County’s project management team.

• Dec. 5: Pump station glass art tower illuminates Brightwater’s environmental pur...
  Workers today completed the installation of a 65-foot-tall glass tower art sculpture at the Brightwater Influent Pump Station in Bothell. Its dual purpose: to attractively ensconce the pump station’s 80-foot-tall odor control stack while educating people about the environmental mission of King County’s clean-water utility.

• Dec. 5: King County leases Metro's Lake Union property to The Center for Wooden ...
  King County today leased a small, but choice, piece of waterfront property on Lake Union to The Center for Wooden Boats (CWB) that could one day expand the educational and recreational opportunities there.

• Dec. 2: King County awards $10.6 million to affordable housing development count...
  Funding creates over 600 units of housing and more than 450 construction jobs

• Dec. 1: Proposed Metro investments would boost bus service where it's most neede...
  In the first service change since major transit reforms were enacted earlier this year, King County Metro is proposing service adjustments for June 2012 that would ease bus overcrowding, improve the performance of buses that are chronically late, and reduce inefficient bus service.

• Spread cheer—not influenza—this holiday season
  It is not too late to get your flu vaccine, if you have not gotten one already. Flu activity is currently low in King County, which means there is still time to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Flu season usually peaks in February or later and can last as late as May.

• Nov. 30: Executive congratulates Machinists and Boeing on bringing the 737 MAX t...
  King County Executive Dow Constantine today congratulated The Boeing Company and the Machinists on their ability to work together to reach an agreement that ensures jobs and prosperity:

• Nov. 30: Grant deadline extended to help dry cleaners switch from harmful perchl...
  The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program is offering up to three separate $20,000 grants to dry cleaners in King County using perchloroethylene (PERC) to help businesses update aging machines and transition to more environmentally friendly equipment and solvents. A business can qualify for only one grant.

• Nov. 29: 2011 General Election Results Certified
  King County Elections this morning certified the results of the 2011 General Election. Voters returned more than 580,000 ballots for a final turnout of 53.7 percent, slightly exceeding the initial projection. Final results are posted on the department’s website.

• Nov. 29: Ride regular Metro bus service to upcoming Seahawks weeknight games
  With the Seattle Seahawks hosting back-to-back weeknight games on Thursday, Dec. 1 and Monday, Dec. 12, King County Metro Transit is reminding fans that it has plenty of regular service to CenturyLink Field.

• Nov. 22: Help protect your pipes – and save money - by recycling used cooking oi...
  Wondering what to do with the leftover fryer oil and kitchen grease after the big holiday feast? Don’t pour it down the drain – grease sticks to the inside of sewer pipes and can build up to such a point that it blocks the entire pipe, leading to expensive and unpleasant clean-ups.

• Nov. 22: Inquest ordered into fatal police shooting of a homicide suspect in Sea...
  King County Executive Dow Constantine today ordered an inquest into the shooting death of Eric Blaine Evans by a Seattle Police homicide detective on October 23, 2011.

• Nov. 22: Metro has schedule changes this week for Thanksgiving holiday; plus shu...
  This week, King County Metro Transit will be operating a Sunday schedule on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, and then a reduced weekday schedule for Friday, Nov. 25. Both days will have less bus service than on a regular weekday

• Nov. 21: King County workforce development program wins Governor’s Best Practice...
  For the second year in a row, an innovative King County education and employment program has been awarded a Workforce and Economic Development Best Practice award by Governor Gregoire - for success in providing education, training and internships for disadvantaged youth and young adults.

• Nov. 18: King County delivers early Thanksgiving with grants to youth sports pro...
  Matching fund grants totaling $685,185 that will help build new sports complexes, playgrounds, an equestrian center and a rowing facility were announced today by King County Executive Dow Constantine.

• Food safety is a key ingredient for a happy Thanksgiving
  Thanksgiving memories should be of good times with friends and family, not of a foodborne illness caused by inattention to food safety. Properly handle, prepare, cook and store food to minimize the growth of E. coli, Salmonella, and other causes of foodborne illness. The majority of food borne illness stems from inadequate handwashing, cross contamination, and improper cooking, heating and cooling.

• Nov. 17: Executive and Council praise Congressional approval of $37.5 million fo...
  King County Executive Dow Constantine and members of the Metropolitan King County Council today expressed their appreciation to Congress for appropriating $37.5 million for two more Metro Transit RapidRide lines. The measure passed in both the House and Senate today and now goes to President Obama for his signature.

• Burien joins five local communities with tobacco- or smoke-free parks

• Nov. 17: King County research of river conditions to help public safety, habitat...
  King County begins work this week to create an action plan to guide future work on the Tolt River. King County staff and contractors will be out along six miles of the lower Tolt River – from the confluence with the Snoqualmie River upstream to the end of Tolt River Road – to collect fresh data that will be used to develop the action plan.

• Nov. 16: Crews quickly stop overflow of highly treated wastewater near Woodinvil...
  A damaged pipe carrying highly treated and disinfected effluent from King County's Brightwater Treatment Plant to the York Pump Station in Redmond overflowed into a parking area near railroad tracks in Woodinville on Wednesday afternoon.

• Nov. 16: Falling temperatures have King County road crews on weather watch; publ...
  Because winter can come early in the higher hills, County road crews have topped off stockpiles of salt and sand and are ready to respond when roads get icy and the first flakes fall. That could be any day now, according to the latest forecast.

• Nov. 16: How a banana peel gets recycled
  The average single-family household in King County throws away a whopping 45 pounds of food scraps every month. King County Solid Waste Division (SWD) wants you to know that food scrap recycling can reduce the amount of waste going into Cedar Hills Regional Landfill by more than 20 percent.

• Nov. 15: Make sure your vote counts: Contact King County Elections to resolve si...
  King County Elections has processed about 450,000 ballots as of this morning for the Nov. 8 General Election, with approximately 100,000 remaining to be processed. As in all elections, staff cannot open some ballots because of voter signature issues.

• Nov. 15: Executive congratulates David Frockt on his appointment to the Washingt...
  "David is passionate voice for equity and justice. In the House he advocated for issues critical to King County, including support for Metro Transit and human services."

• Nov. 15: Executive lauds appointment of Judge Steven González to Washington Supr...
  "Judge Steven González is a distinguished jurist who is deeply knowledgeable, open-minded, and fair."

• Nov. 15: World’s largest big top returns to King County as Marymoor Park hosts C...
  With nearly four dozen horses and more than three dozen acrobats, dancers and musicians, "Cavalia" – developed by the creator of Cirque du Soleil – is coming to King County’s Marymoor Park for an exclusive western Washington engagement, Jan. 24-Feb. 5.

• Nov. 15: National medical journal documents success of King County employees in ...
  Employee wellness programs can play an important role in the nation's health, according to a new study published in a national medical journal that documents sustained weight loss by King County employees - results that King County Executive Dow Constantine says can provide a model for controlling the spiraling costs of health care.

• Nov. 14: Executive applauds Bellevue action on East Link light rail
  King County Executive Dow Constantine commented on tonight’s ratification by the Bellevue City Council of an agreement with Sound Transit for East Link routing, financing and mitigation.

• Nov. 14: Executive Constantine urges swift action to approve marriage equality f...

  King County Executive Dow Constantine today applauded the kickoff of the Washington United for Marriage effort--a coordinated effort to secure full marriage rights for all Washington residents:

  "Now is the time to take action, to finally recognize the equality and protect the rights of all the people of Washington.

  "I will work in whatever capacity I can to see this legislation passed in Olympia, or if necessary at the ballot box, and look forward to the day I can sign marriage certificates for all adult couples in King County."

• Nov. 10: Grants available to help dry cleaners switch from harmful perchloroethy...
  The Local Hazardous Waste Management Program is offering up to three separate $20,000 grants to dry cleaners in King County using perchloroethylene (PERC) to help businesses update aging machines and transition to more environmentally friendly equipment and solvents.

• Nov. 9: Murray CSO project open house to focus on visible facility design concep...
  People seeking to comment on the preliminary design of visible facilities King County will build as part of the Murray Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Project are invited to a community open house.

• Nov. 9: Thousands of ballots still to be counted
  King County Elections released the first set of General Election results at 8:15 p.m. last night with a tabulation report on 279,744 ballots.

• Nov. 9: Executive congratulates Council for unprecedented adoption of new King C...
  King County Executive Dow Constantine today praised the working collaboration with the Metropolitan King County Council that led to adoption of the 2012 King County Budget one-and-a-half weeks ahead of schedule.

• Nov. 8: King County Executive on rejection of I-1125
  "I-1125 was a stealth effort to stop light rail on I-90 and delay replacement of the 520 bridge. I am grateful that so many voters saw through it and rejected it, and by an overwhelming margin in King County. Our voters, once again, said no to Tim Eyman."

• Nov. 8: All registered King County voters have opportunity to vote
  King County voters who registered to vote or updated their address information with the Washington State Department of Licensing and failed to receive a ballot may still participate in the November General Election.

• Nov. 7: King County officially opens Redmond stretch of East Lake Sammamish Trai...
  Offering a preview of what the rest of the 11-mile-long trail will look like in a few years, King County today formally opened a 1.2-mile-long stretch of the East Lake Sammamish Trail (ELST) through Redmond, with smooth blacktop, improved drainage and convenient trailside parking.

• Nov. 7: “This is only a test”: Emergency Alert System gets a national checkup No...
  On Wednesday, November 9 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will test the Emergency Alert System across the entire country. The test should last 30 seconds.

• Nov. 7: Metro Transit prepping for winter travel – are you?
  In anticipation of colder, wetter weather from yet another La Nina winter, King County Metro Transit is busy prepping for snow and ice.

• Nov. 6: Executive Constantine reflects on the legacy of State Sen. Scott White
  Today we gathered to mourn the untimely death of State Senator Scott White, and to celebrate his many contributions. A young man of just 41 years, he leaves behind a wife and two young children. My condolences and continuing thoughts are with Scott’s wife Alison, his family, and his many friends.

• Nov. 4: Island Center Forest tree-thinning work to improve overall landscape’s h...
  Selective thinning of young Douglas fir trees and harvesting a stand of mature red alder in Vashon Island’s Island Center Forest (ICF) will help improve overall forest health and also provide income for additional land-management activities on the 363-acre forest.

• Nov. 4: Cedar River management plans shared with public at Nov. 15 open house in...
  King County and the Cedar River Council have scheduled a Nov. 15 open house in Maple Valley to meet with area residents, recreationists and others who are interested in the future of the Cedar River.

• Nov. 4: Metro reminds bus riders of upcoming weekdays with reduced service
  King County Metro Transit reminds bus riders that it will be operating a reduced weekday schedule on several holidays now through January – including a full week of reduced service at the end of December.

• Nov. 3: Brightwater partnership with IslandWood to broaden environmental educati...
  King County’s Brightwater Center and IslandWood, the Bainbridge Island-based outdoor education center, have signed a formal agreement that will lead to new and enhanced educational programs for area students, teachers, and community members.

• Nov. 3: County hosts informational meeting on its combined sewer overflow contro...
  People are invited to a public meeting to learn about King County’s recommended plan to control its remaining 14 combined sewer overflow (CSOs) locations by building nine proposed projects in Seattle.

• Nov. 2: General Election underway, watch live and online
  King County Elections now offers three web cams with live streaming video of November General Election ballot processing activities.

• Nov. 2: One year after funding, construction of the new South Park Bridge become...
  After months of work in the Duwamish River on the foundation for a new South Park Bridge, a new phase is beginning that will be much more visible to passers-by -- construction of the two bridge approaches, bridge supports, girders, and the new bridge deck and rails.

• Oct. 31: By bus, rail & boat, Puget Sound commuters kept the region moving durin...
  The recent closure of the Alaskan Way Viaduct was forecast to be the worst traffic nightmare for the region since the Nisqually Earthquake. But, thanks to the efforts of local commuters who tried alternate travel modes and methods, “viadoom” was tamed into something less than “carmageddon.”

• Oct. 28: Ballot mailing delay for some Eastside voters
  The Elections Department has identified about 11,000 Eastside voters whose ballots were not sent out among the 1.1 million General Election ballots mailed on Oct. 19. Ballots are being mailed to these voters tomorrow and they should receive them in the mail early next week. All voters have until Nov. 8 to vote and get ballots postmarked or returned to a ballot drop box.

• Oct. 28: Metro buses return to viaduct routing Sunday morning
  With the Alaskan Way Viaduct planned to re-open this weekend, King County Metro Transit is preparing to move its 11 viaduct bus routes back to State Route 99 at the start of service Sunday morning, Oct. 30.

• Oct. 27: Executive proposes market-based tool that better protects wetlands whil...
  Builders would have the option to offset the impacts of their developments to streams and wetlands by paying a fee instead of doing individual mitigation projects, using a market-based approach proposed by King County Executive Dow Constantine that is the first of its kind in the state.

• Don't let Halloween turn into a nightmare
  Extra law enforcement will be out in King and Pierce counties this Halloween weekend looking for impaired drivers. Halloween weekend has historically been a dangerous time on local roads due to the high number people driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs

• Oct. 27: Metro seeking feedback on next year’s bus service changes designed to m...
  King County Metro Transit is inviting the public to discuss proposals to make bus service more efficient in several communities next year, including parts of Seattle. Many of the changes are being proposed to support the launch of the Rapid Ride C and D lines next September.

• Oct. 26: King County honors employees with ‘Excellence in Building Green’ awards
  King County employees were honored today by Executive Dow Constantine with “Excellence in Building Green” awards for their work that helps maintain the County’s position as a national leader in cost-effective and sustainable building practices.

• Oct. 26: November General Election underway, 52% turnout projected
  King County Elections has sent about 1.1 million November General Election ballots to all registered voters and ballots are already being voted and returned.

• Oct. 26: New voters can still register for General Election through October 31
  Halloween marks a key registration deadline for the November General Election. King County residents not currently registered to vote in Washington can register in person at the King County Elections office or the Voter Registration Annex through 4:30 p.m. on Monday, October 31.

• Oct. 24: Executive praises council for funding King County Aerospace Alliance wo...
  Quick action moves forward competitiveness study to strengthen local aerospace industry and position county for assembly of the Boeing 737 MAX

• Oct. 24: Agencies reaffirm King County’s high credit ratings ahead of bond sale
  Two national credit ratings agencies have reaffirmed King County's high marks ahead of a planned $21 million bond sale expected to go to market on November 7.

• Oct. 24: “Spook-tacular” pets looking for homes this Halloween
  Staff has lowered adoption fees for cats and kittens through Halloween, and they have helpful advice to current pet owners to keep pets safe during this coming spooky holiday.

• Oct. 20: Community partners promote a healthier King County through maps and sto...

  Mapping Our Voices for Equality (MOVE), a new online map and digital storytelling website, launches today. MOVE features on-going changes that improve healthy eating and physical activity and create tobacco-free environments in King County. The website showcases over seventy-five multi-lingual digital stories produced by community members and a local map that illustrates policies changes that are improving health.

• Oct. 21: King County Executive shocked and saddened by sudden death of State Sen...
  King County Executive Dow Constantine tonight remembered his colleague and friend, State Senator Scott White:
  "I am stunned to learn the awful news of Scott's unexpected death."
  "Scott was a colleague and a friend, a rising star in the Legislature, and a champion for his district and for King County.

• Oct. 21: Redmond segment of East Lake Sammamish Trail to open ahead of schedule,...
  One month early and well under budget, a freshly redeveloped 1.2-mile-long stretch of the East Lake Sammamish Trail through Redmond is almost ready to reopen.

• Oct. 21: Executive praises partnership of King County and federal law enforcemen...
  King County Executive Dow Constantine today praised the partnership of King County and federal law enforcement that led to dozens of arrests and seizures of guns and drugs at two alleged hubs of criminal activity in White Center:

• Oct. 21: Changes at First & Columbia will improve bus travel
  King County Metro Transit and the Seattle Department of Transportation are working on traffic flow changes at a busy downtown intersection to keep buses moving.

• Oct. 20: Free flu vaccine clinic – Oct. 22, 2011
  Keep your family healthy this winter. Get your free flu vaccine! Join us for a free flu vaccine clinic on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Tukwila Community Center. Flu vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from flu.

• Oct. 20: King County hosts design workshop for West Seattle sewer improvement pr...
  Community members are invited to a workshop to help shape the design of a new facility being built to control combined sewer overflows (CSOs) near Lowman Beach Park in West Seattle.

• Oct. 20: Food Day locally expands healthy options, curbs consumption of junk foo...
  Food Day in King County is bringing together people from all walks of life -- parents, teachers, and students; health professionals, community organizers, and local officials; chefs, school lunch providers, and people who enjoy good food -- to push for healthy, affordable and sustainable foods.

• Oct. 20: Crews stop treated wastewater overflow near Woodinville Pump Station
  A damaged pipe carrying treated, disinfected Class A reclaimed water from the Brightwater Treatment Plant to the York Pump Station in Redmond overflowed into the Sammamish River on Wednesday afternoon.

• Oct. 19: Second half of 2011 property taxes now due
  King County property owners have until Monday, October 31 to pay the second half of their 2011 property taxes. After October 31, interest charges and penalties will be added to the tax bill. To make the process easier, King County provides several ways for property owners to pay their taxes quickly and conveniently.

• Oct. 19: Executive launches King County Aerospace Alliance to promote regional e...
  King County Executive Dow Constantine today joined with leaders in business, labor, education, and local government to launch a new regional effort to strengthen the local aerospace industry and position King County as the premier location to build the re-engined Boeing 737 MAX.

• Oct. 18: King County Ballots in the Mail Oct. 19
  Nearly 1.1 million ballots will be mailed to voters via the U.S. Postal Service tomorrow and will be arriving soon in mailboxes throughout King County. More than 12,000 ballots were already sent to voters living overseas or out of state and those serving in the military to allow extra transit time for delivery.

• Oct. 17: King County and Sound Transit land $14.4 million in federal grants for ...
  The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today awarded King County $6 million in grants that will enable Metro to improve facilities and enhance its ability to monitor and track the efficiency of its transit assets.

• Oct. 17: Public comment invited on recommendations to control combined sewer ove...
  King County’s clean-water utility is seeking public review and input on newly issued recommendations for controlling its remaining combined sewer overflows (CSOs) at 14 locations in Seattle. CSOs occur in older parts of the city during heavy rains, degrading water quality and putting human health at risk.

• Oct. 17: Community meeting offers updates on South Magnolia CSO project, Oct. 20
  People interested in learning about King County’s South Magnolia Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) project are invited to a community meeting to meet technical staff and get their questions answered.

• Oct. 14: King County offers free workshop Nov. 5 to help rural residents become ...
  A free workshop, scheduled for Nov. 5 in North Bend, will give rural King County residents the information they need to help keep their homes and property safe from wildfire.

• Oct. 13: Remarks to jobs rally at Westlake Park
  "A commitment for jobs, a passion for equal opportunity", Westlake Park, October 13, 2011

• Oct. 13: Learn about design, activity schedule at Murray CSO project meeting, Oc...
  King County is hosting a public meeting to update interested community members on upcoming activities related to the Murray Avenue Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control Project.

• Oct. 12: King County Elections learns of new language translation requirements

  King County Elections, in accordance with Federal law, currently produces instructional election information and voting materials in Chinese. This is to comply with the Federal Voting Rights Act that requires language assistance during elections for groups who meet a minimum population threshold determined by U.S. Census Bureau statistics and who are unable to speak or understand English adequately enough to participate in the electoral process.

• Oct. 12: King County Executive presents first-ever countywide Small Business Awa...
  King County Executive Dow Constantine celebrated the importance and the accomplishments of small businesses throughout the county by presenting the first annual King County Executive's Small Business Awards at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue today.

• Oct. 12: King County Agriculture Commission to focus on equestrians at Oct. 20 E...
  The King County Agriculture Commission is coming to the Enumclaw Plateau Oct. 20 for a meeting that will include a session on the equestrian industry, and provide an opportunity for those in the equestrian community to educate commissioners on the economics and issues facing local horse owners.

• Oct. 12: Puget Sound transit agencies, UW keep 'One Bus Away' running
  Puget Sound area transit agencies have reached an agreement with the University of Washington to keep the popular transit scheduling software application One Bus Away up and running now that the original developer – a UW graduate student – has moved on to the private sector.

• Oct. 11: King County’s clean-water utility hosts Brightwater Center open house, ...
  People are invited to an open house at the Brightwater Center on Saturday to learn about the features of this new clean-water learning space through treatment plant tours and education exhibits.

• Oct. 11: Cedar Hills Landfill neighbors invited to Oct. 25 meeting with King Cou...

  King County has been meeting with neighbors of the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill for more than 25 years in order to keep them apprised of landfill activities and to offer them an opportunity to provide feedback and share ideas for improving operations.
  The next community meeting is set for Oct. 25, from 7-9 p.m. at the King County Library Service Center, 960 Newport Way NW, Issaquah.

• Exciting, healthy changes underway for school meals
  Students across King County are eating healthier this year, thanks to the work of five local school districts to improve school nutrition. From making it easier for kids to eat fresh fruits and vegetables to improving nutrition education, the Auburn, Highline, Kent, Renton and Seattle school districts are working to make healthy choices easier for students, while fighting childhood obesity.

• Increased Latino HIV testing urged as part of new campaign and video

  Entre Hermanos is partnering with Public Health - Seattle & King County to launch a new campaign and video on National Latino AIDS Awareness Day called, All Together: The Latino HIV Testing Campaign, or Todos Juntos: Campaña Latina para la Prueba del VIH. Directed by local filmmaker Drew Emery, the video features a broad cross-section of Latino and Latina community members raising the importance of routine HIV testing as a healthy community norm.

• Oct. 10: Statement on the passing of former Washington Governor Albert D. Rosell...
  King County Executive Dow Constantine today expressed sadness at the passing of Washington State’s 15th governor.

• Oct. 10: King County public meeting for Lake Allen flooding remedy update set fo...
  King County has scheduled an Oct. 29 public meeting to update Lake Allen community residents on the Sammamish Plateau about plans to reduce persistent flooding in the area.

• Kent retailers found selling tobacco to kids
  Recent tobacco retailer inspections in Kent found eight out of 82 retailers selling tobacco to underage teens. This is a startling increase from inspections over the previous five years, when a total of 14 violations (out of 328 inspections) were found over the entire period. Overall, King County's high retailer compliance rate has dropped over the past two years from 96% in 2009 to 89% in 2011.

• Oct. 6: Flood-fighting pumps returning to Pacific as King County prepares for st...
  Two pumps are being installed on the landward side of the flood barriers in order to pump any local stormwater that accumulates, and additional pumps will be available on-call should they be necessary. Pumps were also in place during the 2010-11 flood season.

• Oct. 6: Following community feedback, King County OKs brief Island Center Forest...
  a plan created through a community dialogue and with public safety in mind, a 17-day-long deer hunting season in Island Center Forest on Vashon Island will be allowed this year, while all other recreational access to the King County-managed land will be restricted.

• Oct. 7: Regional Animal Services of King County cares for hoarded dogs, seeks do...
  Regional Animal Services of King County has taken custody of more than 60 dogs after an investigation Thursday night at a home in Issaquah. The Chihuahuas and Japanese Chins have been evaluated by a veterinarian, and are currently being cared for by animal services officers and volunteers.

• Oct. 7: King County & partners can help you get around during upcoming Alaskan W...
  King County and its transportation partners have several ways to help you get around during the upcoming nine-day closure of the Alaskan Way Viaduct that starts at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 21.

• Oct. 6: Get ready to vote in the November election: important registration deadl...
  Monday, October 10, is the deadline for citizens to register online or through the mail to vote in the November General Election, or to transfer or update their voter registration.

• Oct. 5: King County encourages plastic bag recycling through annual ‘bag your b...
  In an effort to cut this waste of a recyclable resource, the King County Solid Waste Division and local grocery retailers have kicked off the second-annual “Bag your Bags. Bring ‘em Back” plastic bag recycling campaign.

• Oct. 5: BURN BAN LIFTED:
  BURN BAN LIFTED: The King County Fire Marshal has lifted the Phase 1 burn ban effective at 0800 hours on Saturday, October 1, 2011. The burn ban lift has been issued in conjunction with King County Fire Chiefs' Association.

• Oct. 5: Cougar Mountain named to top trail-running destinations in the nation
  The editors at Active.com - a website for runners - have just named Cougar Mountain one of the 25 best places for trail running in the United States.

• Oct. 3: King County and partners dismayed by feds' decisionto not protect Sammam...
  King County and its partners working to save Lake Sammamish kokanee salmon from extinction expressed dismay at today's decision by policy makers with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in Washington, D.C., that denied a petition to list native Lake Sammamish kokanee salmon under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).

• Oct. 3: King County launches campaign to improve construction jobsite diversion,...
  To promote the proper separation of recyclable materials at construction and demolition jobsites by placing recyclables and garbage into separate bins, King County GreenTools program has launched "CleanBin," an annual program that recognizes local construction teams who are doing a bang-up job recycling on construction sites.

• Oct. 3: King County Executive opens Administration Building for interim SHARE Sa...

  King County Executive Dow Constantine has authorized the temporary use of a ground-floor room in the King County Administration Building for use as a homeless shelter during the month of October by SHARE Safe Haven, in response to a request received from the organization late last week. SHARE was recently displaced from its most recent location on Seattle's First Hill without having a new site for relocation. The temporary shelter will open tonight.

• Sept. 30: Flood Awareness Month gains urgency as potential exists for second La ...
  If early forecasts for a second straight La Nina weather pattern hold true this winter, King County may be in for another tumultuous flood season. That’s why King County Executive Dow Constantine and King County Flood District Chair Julia Patterson today, in recognizing October as Flood Awareness Month, urged valley residents to be extra vigilant in preparing for the possibility of significant flood waters.

• Sept. 30: Two King County organizations honored with first-ever Executive’s Awar...
  Two local organizations were recognized today by King County Executive Dow Constantine for their commitment to emergency preparedness and response.

• Sept. 30: REMINDER: Metro Transit rolls out big changes tomorrow, with more to c...
  King County Metro Transit’s fall service change begins tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 1 with significant changes in bus service – and there will be even more for Monday’s commute.

• Sept. 28: New voter registration annex to open
  King County Elections is opening a new, voter registration annex in downtown Seattle to provide customers with a second location for in person voter registration assistance

• Sept. 28: New partnership gives old bikes, bike parts second life through recycl...
  Unwanted bicycles and old bike parts that might normally end up in the scrap metal bin can now have a second life, thanks to a new partnership between King County, Bike Works and CleanScapes.

• Sept. 28: Eastside transit speeds into the future as Metro’s RapidRide B Line de...
  B Line buses have many features that make the ride more convenient and comfortable for passengers. The coaches are 60-foot articulated buses with three doors for faster boarding. They have

• Sept. 27: King County Executive reaches creative solution that moves forward Nor...
  King County Executive Dow Constantine was joined by developer Kevin Daniels, King County Councilmember Joe McDermott, Seattle City Councilmember Sally Clark, and former Seattle Mayor Charles Royer today to break ground on the long-awaited North Lot development next to CenturyLink Field - a project that is key to revitalization of Seattle's Pioneer Square neighborhood.

• Sept. 26: Constantine delivers budget with no cuts to general services, thanks t...
  Executive credits successful implementation of his reform agenda and partnership with employees for balanced budget proposal for 2012

• Sept. 23: Cat reunited with owners after three years on the loose
  A local family is celebrating a reunion, thanks to Regional Animal Services of King County. Sherrie Fox and her family lost their cat, Oscar, about three years ago when he ran away from their home in Auburn.

• Sept. 22: King County Executive reaches creative solution that moves forward Nor...
  The former Kingdome parking site is to be become the largest transit-oriented project on the West Coast. King County Executive Dow Constantine today announced an agreement that will allow for the long-held goal of constructing a mixed-use development with affordable housing to begin in Seattle's Pioneer Square, on the parking lot just north of the old Kingdome site.

• Auburn retailers found selling tobacco to kids
  KING COUNTY, WA -- Recent tobacco retailer inspections in Auburn found six out of 36 retailers selling tobacco to underage teens in 2011.

• Sept. 21: Learn about Quartermaster Harbor water quality study at Oct. 12 public...
  A four-year study to evaluate the role of nitrogen in observed late summer, low-level dissolved oxygen events in Quartermaster Harbor has passed the half-way point, and study participants want to share their updated findings with the public at an Oct. 12 workshop.

• South King County Latino Family Health & Safety Fair Set for September 24, 2011
  KING COUNTY, WA -- Families and individuals are invited to the 7th Annual South King County Latino Family Health & Safety Fair in Auburn on September 24.

• Sept. 21: Take some time this fall and see majestic returning salmon during ‘Sal...
  With summer on the wane and fall fast approaching, it’s time for native salmon to begin the final journey from the open ocean to their place of birth, where they will spawn and continue the lifecycle – the streams and rivers in King County and elsewhere along Puget Sound.

• Sept. 21: Task force proposed to evaluate siting of schools in rural areas of Ki...
  A task force to evaluate the siting of schools in the rural areas of King County has been proposed for consideration by the Growth Management Planning Council (GMPC), a countywide planning body that has been working to update the set of growth policies that governs jurisdictions in King County.

• Sept. 21: King County conducting public opinion survey to help improve river man...
  In an effort to improve river management and communication practices, King County is conducting a survey this month to gather resident opinions about rivers, how rivers are used and how they are managed.

• Sept. 19: Metro will test RapidRide B Line this week without passengers
  Metro will be doing pre-service testing of the B Line on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 22 and 23. This will include running the 12 RapidRide buses through all the stops and stations on the line for up to 20 hours each day.

• Sept. 20: Metro Transit’s fall service change rolls out Oct. 1 with Eastside Rap...
  Major restructuring of Metro Transit’s bus network begins Oct. 1.

• Sept. 20: King County Executive announces dramatic health care savings through r...
  Health care costs come in $23 million below budget for 2011 and $38 million below projections in 2012, enabling Executive to preserve services to the public

• Sept. 19: Metro will test RapidRide B Line this week without passengers
  Metro will be doing pre-service testing of the B Line on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 22 and 23. This will include running the 12 RapidRide buses through all the stops and stations on the line for up to 20 hours each day.

• Sept. 12: Deteriorating roads and declining revenues compel County to propose ne...

• Sept. 9: Public meeting Sept. 20 to discuss proposal for brief deer hunt at Isla...
  King County Parks has scheduled a public meeting for Sept. 20 on Vashon Island to discuss its proposal for a dramatically reduced deer-hunting season at Island Center Forest.

• Sept. 2: Final restoration work at Chinook Bend Natural Area requires closure st...

• Sept. 16: Regional disaster drill tests recovery capabilities
  First of its kind training exercise engages community leaders, private and public emergency professionals to restore communities following disaster

• Sept. 16: Regional disaster drill tests recovery capabilities
  First of its kind training exercise engages community leaders, private and public emergency professionals to restore communities following disaster

• Sept. 15: Soon-to-open Brightwater plant already receiving kudos for energy effi...
  Snohomish PUD presents $265,000 rebate check to King County for wastewater treatment technology that will save enough electricity to power 450 homes

• Sept. 15: Updated directory helps King County businesses safely manage hazardous...
  ‘Yellow Book’ puts comprehensive hazardous waste information at the fingertips

• Sept. 14: King County Parks picks cargo container eco-camping design: Economical...
  A new overnight camping structure to be built from winning design

• Sept. 14: Community work party, Sept. 15-18, to put finishing touches on 132nd S...
  Park to be transferred to City of Kirklank.

• Sept. 14: Public invited to celebrate Brightwater’s grand opening, Sept. 24
  The regional wastewater treatment system that saved Lake Washington 50 years ago is opening the doors of its newest clean-water facility, and the public is invited to celebrate.

• Two suspected cases of botulism from "black tar" heroin
  Heroin injectors warned of botulism danger.

• Sept. 12: New King County solid waste rate supports modernization of 1960’s-era ...
  County Council’s unanimous approval of 1-year increase from $95 to $109 per ton; King County solid waste disposal rates remain among the lowest in the region.

• Sept. 12: Green energy project to require temporary West Point beach and trail c...
  A project to convert biogas into heat and energy at King County’s West Point Treatment Plant will require a short-term closure of the beach and nearby trails in Seattle’s Discovery Park. Work is scheduled to begin at 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14, and may take up to three days to complete.

• King County Board of Health meeting on September 15, 2011
  The King County Board of Health will hold its next meeting on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 1:30 p.m

• Sept. 9: Last chance to help King County Parks shape the future of its parks and...
  As part of its commitment to improving its parks and trails, King County Parks is looking for feedback about what makes King County’s parks, trails, and natural areas great for County residents and what’s needed in the future to make them even better.

• Sept. 8: Executive: American Jobs Act will help put people of King County back t...
  King County Executive Dow Constantine tonight urged support for President Obama's job creation plan:

  "My top priority has been to build prosperity and get people back to work, and President Obama tonight laid out a bold proposal to make that happen.

• Sept. 7: Inquest ordered into fatal police shooting of man in Walmart parking lo...
  King County Executive Dow Constantine today ordered an inquest into the shooting death of Jedidiah Waters in a Walmart parking lot by a Federal Way Police Officer on July 21, 2011.

• Sept. 6: Help keep tabs on native salmon as a Salmon Watcher Program volunteer
  The salmon are headed home – and King County needs volunteers to count returning fish.

  September training sessions offered in Seattle, Renton, Bellevue, Woodinville.

• Sept. 6: Reported odors not related to Brightwater testing and startup
  Odors reported by Snohomish County residents are unrelated to Brightwater testing and startup, according to King County’s clean-water utility.

• Sept. 2: Final restoration work at Chinook Bend Natural Area requires closure st...
  Work to restore King County’s Chinook Bend Natural Area along the Snoqualmie River has occurred off and on for more than a dozen years – and it’s coming to a close later this summer – but not before one final public access closure.

• Sept. 1: King County proposes limited deer hunt season at Vashon’s Island Center...
  King County Parks is proposing to limit deer hunting at Island Center Forest on Vashon Island to a 17-day period in October, when all other access to the public open space would be prohibited.

• Sept. 1: Transit service for Labor Day
  On Labor Day – Monday, Sept. 5 – most Metro Transit service will operate on a Sunday schedule.

• Sept. 1: Transit service for Labor Day
  On Labor Day – Monday, Sept. 5 – most Metro Transit service will operate on a Sunday schedule.

• Sept. 1: Metro Transit kicks off football season this Saturday with Husky shuttl...
  King County Metro Transit is teaming up with the University of Washington Huskies and the Seattle Seahawks to provide special shuttle service to all the weekend home games this season.

• Aug. 31: Executive begins right-sizing of Metro Transit with move to more on-dem...
  King County is moving ahead with the "right-sizing" of Metro Transit bus service to more closely reflect actual ridership, in line with legislation recently approved by the Metropolitan King County Council to enact the Congestion Reduction Charge.

• Aug. 31: August 2011 primary election results certified
  King County Elections this morning certified the results of the August 2011 primary election. 349, 566 ballots were returned for a total voter turnout of 32% percent. Final results have been posted to the website.

• Aug. 31: Youth in crisis can seek out a King County Metro bus for help
  Tonight in King County, more than 1,000 young people may find themselves without a safe place to go. But starting today, help is just a bus away thanks to a new partnership between King County, local service agencies, and “Safe Place”, a national non-profit organization that builds community safety nets for young people in crisis.

• Aug. 30: County leaders unite around Executive’s proposal for gang violence inte...
  Patterson and Lambert urge use of Council criminal justice reserves to fund seven programs that address gang issues and can be implemented quickly

• Aug. 30: Learn about where your garbage goes: Tour King County’s Cedar Hills Reg...
  Sept. 10 guided tour highlights innovative and leading-edge management.

• Aug. 30: Nation’s first all-electric-vehicle commuting program kicks off in Seat...
  The nation’s first electric-vehicle vanpools quietly fired up their engines at Seattle Children’s Hospital today, as four Nissan LEAF cars were added to the commute options for Children’s employees as part of King County’s new “Metropool.”

• Aug. 30: King County and Sound Transit dedicate new 500-stall Burien Park-and-Ri...
  King County Metro Transit and Sound Transit were joined by partners and elected officials today, as King County Executive Dow Constantine led the dedication of a new parking garage at the Burien Park-and-Ride.

• Aug. 29: King County’s sale of Aukeen Courthouse to Kent will save city more tha...
  Taxpayers will save more than $1 million as a result of the sale of the County-owned Aukeen Courthouse to the City of Kent, a deal brokered by King County Executive Dow Constantine and approved unanimously today by the Metropolitan King County Council.

• Aug. 29: Finalists for Executive's Small Business Awards showcase depth of entre...
  King County Executive Dow Constantine – in partnership with award sponsors Microsoft Corporation, KeyBank, enterpriseSeattle, the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County and the Small Business Partners for Prosperity – today named 21 finalists in seven categories for the first annual King County Executive's Small Business Awards.

• Aug. 26: Local leaders break ground on 21st Century education hub in White Cente...
  Partnership between King County and Technology Access Foundation offers opportunities for education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics

• Aug. 25: New video offers health and safety tips for nail salon workers and clients
  Partnership with Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County produces video illustrating improved ventilation, other safe practices.

• Aug. 24: Tapping sewer lines for heat and energy in Seattle’s Interbay area proposed by Executive
  King County would be among the first in the nation to test a new technology that captures heat from sewer pipelines and redistributes the energy to nearby buildings, under a pilot project proposed today by King County Executive Dow Constantine.

• Ready for school? Immunize for a healthy and safe school year
  The start of school is just around the corner. For a healthy and safe 2011-2012 school year, every parent’s back-to-school checklist should include making sure children are up-to-date in their immunizations.

• Aug. 24: How a banana peel gets recycled
  King County helps Issaquah neighbors step up their food scrap recycling; Resulting compost donated to enrich local community food bank harvest

• Aug. 24: Wastemobile: Household hazardous waste collection comes to Bothell, Sept. 9-11
  All King County and city residents can safely dispose of old car batteries, oil, paint and other household hazardous waste when the Wastemobile continues its 22nd year of service with a stop in Bothell/Kenmore, Sept. 9-11.

• Aug. 24: Bus driver of the year lives to serve Metro and his country
  A U.S. Army veteran with a long history of service to his country and his county was chosen today as the King County Metro Transit Operator of the Year for 2010. Federico “Fred” Banzuela, 61, is the latest in a long blue-and-teal line of bus drivers who demonstrate safe driving skills, exceptional customer service, and an outstanding overall work record. It is a peer award, with the winner selected by other Metro drivers.

• Aug. 22: $70 million projected savings as County takes advantage of low interest rates
  Refinanced bonds create infrastructure investment, water quality protection, and local jobs

• Aug. 19: Concerts, movies, big forests, smooth trails: King County Parks summer activities abound
  King County’s Marymoor Park remains the epicenter for outdoor fun.

• Aug. 19: County’s smart growth agreement protects open space ‘emerald necklace’ around Sammamish
  Transfer of Development Rights agreement will protect 700-plus acres in the Patterson Creek watershed

• Aug. 19: King County’s ‘EcoCribz’ - part II tells story of healthy energy retrofit
  Two-part video follows Renton family through a remodel gone wrong, made right

• Aug. 18: Lower Duwamish ‘Green Grants’ promote community-based environmental stewardship
  To encourage efforts to clean up and protect the Lower Duwamish Waterway, King County is making grant funding available for small-scale, community-based water quality improvement projects.

• Aug. 17: No more daily grind — Brightwater tunnel mining now complete
  Mining completed a month ahead of schedule; tunnel to begin operating mid-2012

• Aug. 16: Voters renew levy to provide critical services to veterans and those in need
  County ready to hit the ground running to implement service plan

• Aug. 17: King County recognized by NACo for innovative county government project
  King County was recently recognized by the National Association of Counties (NACo) for implementing innovative county government programs to better serve area residents.

• Aug. 16: Only a few hours to return primary ballots
  It’s not too late to vote! There are a few more hours left to return primary election ballots. Ballots must be postmarked by today, or in a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. If you plan to return your ballot from a post office, make sure to check the schedule ahead of time, as some have recently changed their evening hours.

• Aug. 16: Say ‘No!’ to junk mail with new King County EcoConsumer online service
  King County residents can now make unwanted mail go away with just a few clicks on their computer.

• Aug. 15: Leadership by Executive and Council saves Metro bus service for next two years
  King County Executive Dow Constantine hailed tonight's County Council enactment of an amended package for a two-year, $20 Congestion Reduction Charge as a bipartisan action that demonstrates courageous leadership by all Councilmembers.

• Aug. 12: Regional Animal Services of King County marks first year in operation
  King County Executive Dow Constantine today congratulated Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) for a successful first year in operation. The highlights include a record low euthanasia rate, a growing volunteer and foster program, and increased regional collaboration. The executive also announced a new name for the RASKC facility in Kent: the King County Pet Adoption Center.

• Aug. 12: County ends procurement process on Alder Youth Services Center
  After a thorough review of proposals, King County is ending the current procurement process for replacement of all or portions of the Alder Youth Services Center. The process, known as a Request for Qualifications/Concepts (RFQ/C), allowed developers to submit general concepts for the project and demonstrate their qualifications.

• Aug. 12: Wastemobile: Household hazardous waste collection comes to Covington, Aug. 19-21
  

• Aug. 12: County Executive’s agreement provides supermajority needed to preserve Metro bus service
  King County Executive Dow Constantine has announced a supermajority of County Council support needed to enact a two-year $20 Congestion Reduction Charge and avert a 17 percent cut of Metro bus service starting in 2012.

• Aug. 11: Veterans and Human Services Levy report shows reductions in expensive criminal justice, emergency medical interventions
  Providing housing and supportive services to the most vulnerable of King County’s homeless population is not only saving lives, it’s saving hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars, according to a new report transmitted today to the Metropolitan King County Council by King County Executive Dow Constantine.

• Aug. 10: County leaders unite in support of new Veterans Treatment Court, with focus on services and support rather than incarceration
  Military veterans in King County would be connected to the treatment and support services they need to avoid the unnecessary criminalization of mental illness, under a proposal to establish a dedicated treatment court calendar for veterans being developed by King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson, King County Executive Dow Constantine, and King County District Court.

• Aug. 10: King County Parks seeks customer feedback
  As part of its commitment to improving visitor experience, King County Parks is looking for visitor opinions – what’s great about King County’s parks, trails, and natural areas and what’s needed in order to make them even better.

• Aug. 9: Don’t let summertime slip by without getting outside and enjoying King County Parks
  King County Parks offers outdoor movies under a canopy of stars, live music at one of the region’s best outdoor venues, plus hundreds of miles of regional and backcountry trails that will take you past beautiful scenery, including forested foothills and shimmering streams.

• Aug. 8: Utility crews responding to treated wastewater overflow in south Seattle
  Intersection of West Marginal Way S.W. and S.W. Front Street affected

• Aug. 8: Join panel, enter design, in King County Parks’ cargo container-to-camping shelter contest
  Expert judges panel in place, with room for one lucky Parks fan; Aug. 22 deadline approaches

• Aug. 5: Registration deadline on Monday
  Monday marks a key registration deadline for the August primary election. King County residents not currently registered to vote in Washington can register in person at the King County Elections office through Monday, August 8.

• Aug. 4: Improvements and repairs require closure of Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center
  Month-long upgrade effort helps prepare the facility for 2012 Olympic dive trials

• All King County shorelines closed to shellfish harvesting
  Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) levels pose health risk

• Aug. 3: Ride Metro shuttle to 2011 Seafair hydro races; watch for I-90 bridge closures & bus reroutes starting Thursday
  

• Aug. 2: King County sets open house for public update on Factoria transfer station replacement project
  Bellevue-area residents can learn more about King County’s plan to replace the aging Factoria Recycling and Transfer Station at a community meeting, Aug. 17.

• King County brings healthier options to hundreds of thousands of residents
  KING COUNTY, WA -- SeaTac International Market, a neighborhood corner store, re-opens with more fresh and healthy foods. The Recovery Centers of King County, serving low-income clients, become smoke-free and provide support for quitting tobacco. These and many other pioneering changes are underway to prevent tobacco- and obesity-related diseases, two leading causes of preventable death in King County.

• Aug. 1: King County Executive Dow Constantine statement on CSO control
  King County has been a leader in protecting regional water quality for nearly 50 years. Today, Executive Dow Constantine affirmed King County's support for the Clean Water Act, and asked local, federal and state agencies to look at how we can link different cleanup efforts to get the best outcome for Puget Sound:

• Aug. 1: Inquest ordered into shooting death of Anthony David Ourada by a King County Sheriff’s Deputy
  King County Executive Dow Constantine today ordered an inquest into the shooting death of Anthony David Ourada by a King County Sheriff's Deputy on April 17, 2011. The 25-year old Burien man was fatally shot in a confrontation with police at an apartment complex in the 2000 block of South 112th Street.

• Aug. 1: Metro & Bus Chick to share tips for family transit travel
  Seattle’s own Bus Chick, Carla Saulter, is teaming up with Metro Transit to host an event on how to make riding the bus a great travel option for families.

• July 29: Local leaders call on federal government to raise debt ceiling, avoid local impacts
  King County Executive Dow Constantine, State Treasurer James McIntire, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, Seattle City Councilmember Jean Godden, Seattle School Board member Steve Sundquist, and other local elected officials joined today to urge Congress to raise the debt ceiling and avert any threat of change to local government credit ratings that would make it more expensive to borrow money for public works projects.

• July 29: The height of summertime fun can be found at King County Parks – Your Big Backyard
  With a long-range forecast that promises a whole week's worth of decent weather and no rain, now is the time to make plans to get outside for a little fun in the sun. King County Parks — Your Big Backyard, has plenty of great outdoor activities and events to keep everybody happy.

• July 28: King County Budget Director: “This is entirely a reflection on the federal government, not King County”
  Dwight Dively responds to Moody’s statement of review in event federal government defaults on debt payments

• Crow about dead birds, help track West Nile virus
  Help track potential cases of West Nile virus in King County by reporting dead birds.

• July 27: Statement from Executive Constantine on the passing of Mariners’ ‘Peanut Man’ Rick Kaminski
  Executive Dow Constantine joined sports fans across King County and Washington state today in mourning the death of Rick Kaminski,

• July 27: Executive Constantine congratulates former King County Executive Gary Locke on confirmation as ambassador to China
  King County Executive Dow Constantine praises unanimous U.S. Senate decision confirming Gary Locke as the new China envoy:

• July 28: Metro prepped to get the crowds to and from Saturday’s Torchlight Parade
  The annual Seafair Torchlight Parade begins at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 30. Riding Metro Transit to the festivities can eliminate some of the hassles of driving and parking, especially with so many people in attendance and so many street closures.

• July 26: Watch for primary election ballots in the mail
  Primary election ballots will be mailed on Wednesday, July 27 to all King County Voters. Voters’ pamphlets will also be mailed this week, and will arrive separately from your ballot. The Election Day deadline to return ballots is August 16.

• Bacteria detected by air monitor in east King County: no human health effects
  KING COUNTY, WA -- A federal air monitoring system designed to monitor threats to human health in the Puget Sound region recently identified bacteria that can cause tularemia, an infectious disease, in a daily air sample taken from a monitoring station in east King County. Bacteria levels were low, close to the detection limit, and a subsequent test found no bacteria present. Since the air monitoring system was established nationally in 2003, similar positive test results due to naturally-occurring bacteria have been common in other areas of the country.

• July 22: Potential bus stop closure on Columbia Street near Second Avenue
  King County Metro Transit and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) are evaluating options to improve traffic flow and transit operations on Columbia Street near the Alaskan Viaduct on-ramp. One suggestion is to close the bus stop located on Columbia just east of Second Avenue.

• July 22: Evergreen Point Bridge Park-and-Ride relocates Monday, July 25
  Beginning Monday, July 25, Metro Transit’s Evergreen Point Bridge Park-and-Ride on State Route 520 will be moved to a temporary location and the number of parking spaces will be reduced.

• July 20: Metro Transit continues to post strong ridership gains
  5.8% increase in June weekday boardings contributes to strong quarter

• July 13: Movies, music, trail runs, so much more await in King County Parks – Your Big Backyard
  Offering outdoor movies, live music, exciting races and relaxing hikes, King County Parks – Your Big Backyard, is sure to have just the right line-up of activities for your family this summer.

• July 14: Power outage leads to overflow at Kirkland Pump Station
  A power failure shortly before 9:30 a.m. led to a wastewater overflow at Kirkland Pump Station in downtown Kirkland. King County wastewater utility employees responded immediately and are working to engage an emergency back-up power source to stop the overflow.

• July 13: Important voter registration deadline on Monday
  The 2011 primary election is around the corner. Monday, July 18, is the deadline to register to vote online or by mail, or to update registration information. Ballots will be mailed at the end of July, and the deadline to return ballots is Election Day, August 16.

• July 13: Report on Veterans and Human Services Levy highlights successful delivery of services to 30,000 veterans, families and others in need
  More than 30,000 veterans and others in need across King County were helped in 2010 with housing, health care, counseling and job training to assist them toward healthier and more stable lives, according to an annual report on the Veterans and Human Services Levy transmitted by King County Executive Dow Constantine and briefed today before the King County Council's Regional Policy. Committee.

• July 11: Executive thanks Council for clearing the way for expanded P&R, housing in SR-520 corridor
  King County Executive Dow Constantine today commented on the King County Council's endorsement of a set of principles that clears the way for development of a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) at Metro's South Kirkland Park-and-Ride.

• July 11: Metro Transit to outline potential impact of service reductions on transit and traffic at hearing in Seattle
  Staff from King County Metro Transit will outline possible cutbacks to bus service across the county – some of which could begin as soon as February – at Tuesday’s public hearing on a proposed plan to help fund Metro Transit.

• July 11: Executive praises Council for unanimously adopting Metro Transit service reforms
  New Transit Strategic Plan will enable Metro to carry more riders for each hour of service, and help support region’s job growth and economic recovery

• July 8: Help King County promote recycling and waste reduction, and see Marymoor concerts – free!
  King County Parks is once again seeking volunteers for its “Marymoor Recycling/Composting Volunteer Crew” at this summer’s Concerts at Marymoor series. As in past years, volunteers receive free entry and parking to the shows at which they volunteer.

• July 8: YWCA supportive housing project creates homes and stability for single parents leaving the corrections system and their children
  YWCA supportive housing project creates homes and stability for single parents leaving the corrections system and their children

• July 7: Work begins July 11 on new bridge on SE 416th Street
  Work begins Monday, July 11 on a project to replace the Newaukum Creek Bridge near Enumclaw. The 16-foot concrete bridge carries Southeast 416th Street over Newaukum Creek, and is located about two-tenths of a mile west of 278th Way Southeast.

• July 1: Protect your pet this Independence Day weekend
  The Fourth of July is almost here, and Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) is urging residents to think about their pets this holiday weekend. Every year around Independence Day, area animal shelters are packed with pets that ran away after being scared by fireworks. Fortunately, there are steps every owner can take to reduce the risk of their pet running away, and increase the likelihood of being reunited if their pet does get lost.

• July 1: King County announces 2011 Best Workplaces for Recycling and Waste Reduction
  King County’s Solid Waste Division (SWD) has named 89 local companies to its fifth annual “Best Workplaces for Recycling and Waste Reduction” list, and introduced a new business honor roll for companies that have made the list for five years in a row.

• June 30: Access limited during restoration work at King County’s Chinook Bend Natural Area
  A summertime project to improve habitat conditions for fish and wildlife along the Snoqualmie River, while maintaining flood protection for nearby landowners, will require temporary public access restrictions at King County’s Chinook Bend Natural Area.

• June 30: Follow the yellow brick road to popular Movies@Marymoor series opener, July 13
  Seventh-annual season includes ‘Wizard of Oz,’ ‘True Grit,’ ‘E.T.’

• June 30: Watch for transit & traffic impacts next week as Lions Club roars into Seattle
  

• June 29: Programs offer access to farmers markets, healthy food, to more King County residents
  Ten farmers markets in King County now accepting EBT/WIC benefits

• June 29: Executive promoting eGovernment initiatives
  King County Executive Dow Constantine today transmitted his plan to council for improving the County's website to increase accessibility of County services.

• Tooth decay persists for many King County children
  2010 Smile Survey gives local update on kids' oral health

• June 9: Executive welcomes support of business community for interim two-year transit funding
  King County Executive Dow Constantine today praised the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce for its support for the Congestion Reduction Charge, authorized for King County last month by state lawmakers to prevent major transit service reductions:

• June 23: King County Executive praises local cooperation leading to arrests in terror plot
  King County Executive Dow Constantine was briefed this afternoon on the arrest of two men charged with planning a terror attack on the Military Entrance Processing Station in South Seattle, and made this statement:

• June 27: Executive restores funding for Skyway police storefront
  King County Executive Dow Constantine and King County Sheriff Sue Rahr today announced the Executive's action to restore funding for an important police presence at the Skyway community police storefront.

• June 28: Demand for Metro Transit service up 5 percent in May over the same period a year ago
  New numbers show that demand for King County Metro Transit service jumped 5.1 percent in May compared to the same period a year ago - lending support to calls for the Metropolitan King County Council to enact a Congestion Reduction Charge authorized by the state Legislature to prevent a 17 percent cut to King County bus service.

• June 28: Transit service on Monday, July 4
  Metro Transit bus routes will be operating on a Sunday schedule on Monday, July 4 for Independence Day. The King County Water Taxi between downtown Seattle and West Seattle will operate with a Sunday schedule on July 4. There will be no service on the Vashon route on Monday.

• June 27: Metro and community partners launch five ‘In Motion’ programs
  King County Metro Transit is bringing its popular “In Motion” program to five Seattle-area neighborhoods this summer to help residents increase their use of travel options such as walking, cycling, riding the bus or water taxi, and sharing rides.

• June 24: State funding secured for recreation improvement projects in King County
  Improved public access to recreational areas and habitat preservation are two key benefits of conservation work that will move forward in King County, thanks to efforts this week by the Washington Recreation and Wildlife Coalition (WWRC) to secure state funding for numerous projects here and elsewhere.

• June 20: Executive calls on King County Council to enact interim Metro funding or face cutting 17 percent of bus service over the next two years
  The recession-driven decline in the sales-tax revenues that support public transit leaves the Metropolitan King County Council with two choices - ensure interim funding to continue service at current levels, or face the reality of cutting 17 percent of bus service.

• June 15: Inquest ordered into fatal police shooting of Auburn man armed with a knife
  member of law enforcement while in performance of duties

• June 15: Regional Transit Committee unanimously adopts Executive’s Metro Transit service reforms
  New Transit Strategic Plan would enable Metro to carry more riders for each hour of service, and will help support region’s job growth and economic recovery

• June 15: USA Diving Team begins 1-year countdown to Olympic Trials at King County Aquatic Center
  Some of the world’s top divers will make a splash at the Weyerhauser-King County Aquatic Center (WKCAC) this Friday to celebrate the one-year countdown to the 2012 US Olympic Team Dive Trials, set June 17-24, 2012, at King County Parks’ world-class swimming and diving facility in Federal Way.

• June 15: Wastemobile: Household hazardous waste collection comes to Kirkland, June 24-26
  All King County and city residents can safely dispose of old car batteries, oil, paint and other household hazardous waste when the Wastemobile continues its 22nd year of service with a stop in Kirkland, June 24-26. The Wastemobile will be in the parking lot of Fred Meyer, 12221 120th Ave. NE, and will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

• June 14: King County Board of Health Meeting on June 16, 2011
  The King County Board of Health will hold its next meeting on Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 1:30 p.m.

• June 14: Transit Agencies Urge Drivers to Dump The Pump on June 16
  In the Puget Sound region, eight public transportation agencies carry more than 600,000 passengers every weekday and 200 million riders a year. That means fewer automobiles clogging the region’s roadways and a lot more money in the pockets of commuters.

• June 14: King County, Cascade Bicycle Club urge safety during Burke-Gilman Trail closure and detour
  King County joined with the Cascade Bicycle Club today to urge bicyclists to exercise caution and avoid short-cuts during an extended closure of the Burke-Gilman Trail while the County makes critical safety improvements to the trail’s oldest and narrowest segment.

• June 14: King County Elections is returning to Renton on June 20
  King County Elections is moving and will open at 919 Southwest Grady Way, Renton on June 20. The Renton location will now be Elections' mailing address and physical address, and the location for the public to visit for assistance or to observe elections in progress.

• June 13: Roll up for the sewer tour truck at Fremont Fair, June 18 & 19
  Get a real insider’s tour of the sewers at the Fremont Fair this weekend. Employees from King County’s clean-water utility will offer virtual sewer pipe tours from its closed circuit television (CCTV) inspection truck while offering tips about good sewer stewardship and how it helps protect the environment.

• June 13: King County Green Schools Program honors 11 Issaquah School District schools
  This spring, the King County Green Schools Program is honoring 11 schools in the Issaquah School District for their successful conservation practices.

• June 13: King County Green Schools Program honors 77 schools for conservation
  Seventy-seven schools in 12 school districts across King County earned recognition this spring from the County’s Green Schools Program for their successful conservation efforts.

• June 10: Candidate filing closes with more than 500 filing for office
  Candidate filing week has ended, with 503 candidates filing for office. At the close of filing, candidates had filed for 304 of the 311 offices up for election this year. The majority of candidates, 465, chose to file online. A lot draw was conducted to determine the order candidates will appear on the ballot.

• June 9: Fly fishing-themed weeding event set at Cavanaugh Pond Natural Area June 11
  The non-profit group, Friends of the Cedar River Watershed, will play host to its second annual fly-fishing-themed habitat restoration event at King County’s Cavanaugh Pond Natural Area on Saturday, June 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• June 9: Historic preservation stars to be honored at 11th annual John D. Spellman Awards
  King County Executive Dow Constantine will recognize recipients of the 2011 John D. Spellman Awards for Exemplary Achievement in Historic Preservation on June 17 at the historic Delta Masonic Hall, 13034 41st Ave. S. in Tukwila.

• June 8: King County Green Schools Program honors Bellevue School District and its 26 schools
  The Bellevue School District and its 26 schools have been recognized by King County and the City of Bellevue for their successful conservation efforts. The district received a King County Level Two Green School certificate, and each school received recognition for completing either Level Two or Level Three of the County’s Green Schools Program. The awards were presented at the district’s June 7 school board meeting.

• June 8: Wastemobile: Household hazardous waste collection comes to Renton, June 17-19
  All King County and city residents can safely dispose of old car batteries, oil, paint and other household hazardous waste when the Wastemobile continues its 22nd year of service with a stop in Renton, June 17-19. The Wastemobile will be at the Fred Meyer at 365 Renton Center Way, and will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

• June 7: Solid waste rate proposal supports long-term effort to modernize 1960’s-era transfer stations
  A one-year disposal rate proposal for 2012 would support King County's program to modernize its 50-year-old solid waste handling system, while giving cities and the County time to consider an extension of their long-term agreements in order to save ratepayers money on the cost of financing those improvements.

• June 7: Help spot Spot
  Regional Animal Services and Missing Pet Partnership team up to train volunteers to reunite stray pets with their owners

• June 6: Cougar Mountain Trail Running Series continues with seven-mile run, June 11
  The second of five competitive runs through King County’s biggest park is set for Saturday, June 11, when the Cougar Mountain Trail Running Series continues with a seven-mile run. The ninth-annual Scott Cougar Mountain Trail Running Series began its 2011 season in May with a five-mile run, and races of 10, 13 and 31 miles (50 kilometers) are scheduled later this summer.

• June 6: Taking on climate change locally through King County-Cities Climate Collaboration
  King County and many of its cities are committing to working together in new ways on climate change solutions, and several cities are taking a leadership role in a new push to enhance sustainability work already under way.

• June 3: Logjam, fallen trees pose hazards on stretch of lower Tolt River
  King County has identified a series of river spanning logs and a logjam on the Tolt River which pose a hazard to river users. The hazard is located in the ½ mile stretch of the Tolt downstream of the SR 203 Bridge to the confluence with the mainstream Snoqualmie River. Standing trees fell into the river as the river bank eroded during the winter 2010-2011 floods.

• June 3: Metro Transit seasonal service changes begin June 11
  Starting Saturday, June 11, King County Metro Transit will revise some bus routing and schedules to update service.

• June 3: King County to rebuild bridge on SE 424th Street near Enumclaw
  King County is rebuilding a bridge north of Enumclaw on Southeast 424th Street west of 284th Avenue Southeast. The road and bridge will close Monday, June 20. The project is expected to be completed in November.

• June 2: Summer-long requirement proposed for wearing of life vests on rivers in unincorporated King County
  A heightened risk to public safety has prompted King County Executive Dow Constantine, with the backing of a wide range of public safety and health officials, to call for a summer-long requirement for the wearing of life vests this summer by anyone swimming, floating, or boating on major rivers running through unincorporated King County.

• June 2: Safety information on art materials available for glass artists
  Glass artists will learn how to manage risks from hazardous chemicals while creating their art at an art chemical hazards presentation that is part of the Glass Art Society’s 41st Annual Conference, June 4 in Seattle.

• June 2: Fay Road near Duvall to close for three weeks for slope stabilization
  A section of Fay Road Northeast, southeast of Duvall, will close for three weeks this summer while the King County Road Services Division stabilizes the hillside above the roadway.

• June 2: King County wants big ideas with little footprint for forest camping structures
  Winning design will get $4,500; public will get great overnight ‘green’ lodging

• June 2: Celebrate National Trails Day with King County Parks – Your Big Backyard
  June 4 is National Trails Day, and it’s the perfect opportunity to join King County Parks at one of several trail work parties that are designed to help keep the County’s 175 miles of regional trails and 180 miles of backcountry trails safe, clean and open.

• June 2: King County employees lend a hand to neighbors across the Pacific
  King County employees have once again demonstrated their giving spirit. During a recent campaign, 458 employees donated more than 8,100 hours of accrued leave to disaster victims in Japan and New Zealand. The leave was converted into a cash donation of $286,815 for the Red Cross. The money will be used for continuing earthquake and tsunami relief efforts.

• June 1: Habitat restoration project planned at Horse Creek in Bothell
  A project to restore native plants and improve aquatic habitat in a section of Horse Creek in Bothell could begin this summer following an environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).

• June 1: Candidate Filing Begins Monday
  Monday marks the beginning of candidate filing for the 2011 primary and general elections. This year there are more than 300 offices open, and hundreds of candidates are expected to file for office with King County Elections.

• May 31: King County’s popular Movies@Marymoor returns for another summer of outdoor fun
  From comedy to classic sci-fi, and musical to western, the Movies@Marymoor 2011 summer line-up features a diverse selection of movies that is sure to attract film buffs and families to King County’s Marymoor Park.

• May 31: Find a feline friend (or two!) at Regional Animal Services of King County
  Cats are America's number one companion animals. More than 80 million felines live in households across the country, but many more are still in shelters, waiting for their forever home. During the month of June, Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) is joining with the American Humane Association, Petfinder.com, and other animal organizations around the Puget Sound region and throughout the United States to promote Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month.

• May 27: Convenient alkaline battery disposal available at Wastemobile and other facilities
  Hanging on to those alkaline batteries because you don’t want to throw them in the garbage? Alkaline and several other types of batteries can now be safely and conveniently recycled at a household hazardous waste disposal facility in King County.

• May 27: Burke-Gilman Trail safety improvements require closure, detour for several months
  A two-mile-long stretch of the trail will be closed for construction beginning June 15, from Northeast 145th Street to Logboom Park in Kenmore. King County has established a 24-hour hotline – 206-462-6348 – to provide updated information and to answer any questions about the construction project.

• May 19: Death of inmate in custody at Maleng Regional Justice Center
  An inmate in the custody of the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention died early this morning, Thursday, May 19, 2011, at the Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) detention facility. The inmate was found unresponsive at 6:49 a.m. by staff during a routine security check.

• May 20: Inquest ordered into fatal police shooting of armed man at Kent Transit Center
  King County Executive Dow Constantine today ordered an inquest into the shooting death of Robert Raucci by a Kent Police officer on May 4, 2011. The 58-year old Kent man was fatally shot in a confrontation with police involving a shotgun at the Kent Transit Center in the 300 block of Railroad Avenue in downtown Kent.

• May 20: King County Executive launches Executive’s Small Business Awards to celebrate economic achievement in the region
  King County Executive Dow Constantine, in partnership with presenting sponsors Microsoft Corporation, KeyBank, enterpriseSeattle, the Workforce Development Council of Seattle - King County, and the Small Business Partners for Prosperity, today launched the first annual Executive's Small Business Awards to be held this October.

• May 24: Executive proposes new Sheriff’s East Precinct Command Center for greater efficiency and provision of public safety
  “Hot desking” would bring deputies closer to the areas they patrol; consolidation of precincts expected to save $8.6 million over 20 years

• May 26: Executive congratulates Metro for taking top honors at International Bus Roadeo
  King County Executive Dow Constantine today congratulated four highly-skilled Metro Transit employees who brought home the gold from the 36th Annual International Bus Roadeo.

• May 26: King County Executive praises Legislature for 4Culture and workforce housing funding
  King County Executive Dow Constantine today commented on adjournment of the 2011 State Legislature, and on ESSB 5834, the last bill to see action last night before the final gavel:

• May 25: King County and Renton partner to improve sidewalks, walkability on Renton Avenue South
  King County and the City of Renton are working together to make it easier and safer for pedestrians and bicyclists traveling along Renton Avenue South in the West Hill area.

• May 25: Metro Transit on holiday schedule for Memorial Day
  Metro Transit will be operating a Sunday schedule for Memorial Day on Monday, May 30.

• May 24: June 7 workshop offers tips to horse owners for creating efficient property layouts
  Learn how to site and organize your horse property to help you complete your chores in the most efficient way possible at a free workshop, June 7, in Fall City.

• May 23: New clean, green hybrid buses hit the streets today
  The first of 170 new 40-foot hybrid-electric buses operated by King County Metro Transit are hitting the streets this week. The introduction of the Orion buses, manufactured by Daimler Buses of North America, brings Metro to the half-way point in converting its bus fleet to two of the cleanest forms of power available - hybrid technology and non-polluting electricity.

• May 19: King County hosts semi-annual auto auction this weekend
  King County will host its semi-annual auction of surplus vehicles and equipment this Saturday, May 21 in Renton. The bidding starts at 9 a.m.

• May 17: Inquest ordered into March shooting death of Ravensdale man by King County Sheriff’s deputies
  King County Executive Dow Constantine today ordered an inquest into the shooting death of Eric Sampson by King County Sheriff’s deputies on March 19, 2011. The 19-year old Ravensdale man was fatally shot in a confrontation involving a machete and three officers on a rural road in the 28500 block of Retreat-Kanaskat Road.

• May 16: King County credit ratings reaffirmed
  King County has again received high marks from the Big Three global credit rating agencies. Fitch Ratings, Moody's, and Standard & Poor's all reaffirmed top credit ratings for the county despite the lingering effects of the Great Recession. The agencies noted King County's proactive financial management, diverse economic base, and moderate debt levels as factors in the ratings.

• May 16: King County Board of Health Meeting on May 19th, 2011
  The King County Board of Health will hold its next meeting on Thursday, May 19, 2011, 1:30 pm

• May 16: King County offers everyday ‘green’ tips at annual Green Festival, May 21-22, in Seattle
  From helping people make affordable and resource-saving home improvements, to offering planet-saving consumer advice, King County government is recognized nationally as a leader of sustainability and “green” living.
  Come see some of the County’s top sustainability and green experts at the annual Green Festival, at Qwest Field on Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m.–7 p.m. and on Sunday, May 22 from 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

• May 13: May 15 dedication of artwork honoring King County Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Cox
  Join North Highline Unincorporated Area Council (NHUAC) this Sunday, May 15, for the unveiling of memorial artwork that honors the life of King County Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Cox, a beloved community leader who was killed in the line of duty in 2006.

• May 11: Employee suggestions lead to requirement for reduced paper use in King County
  Acting upon one of the most frequent suggestions from employees for improving government efficiency, new measures developed by King County Executive Dow Constantine and adopted by the Metropolitan King County Council call for reducing the County's consumption of paper by 20 percent within two years, saving up to $100,000 a year in the cost of buying paper.

• May 10: King County water taxi crew rescues diver in distress
  King County employees participated in the rescue of a distressed scuba diver Tuesday morning as the Rachel Marie water taxi pulled away from the Seacrest Dock for their regularly scheduled 11 a.m. sailing. Several passengers witnessed the rescue operation.

• May 10: May 18 open house to discuss Marymoor Park tree inventory, planting, replacement plan
  The Friends of Marymoor Park is hosting an open house May 18 to share with the public the final draft of a tree inventory and tree planting and replacement plan that was recently developed as a long-term tree and forest preservation, enhancement and maintenance program for the King County park.

• May 6: King County’s ‘Recycle More Spring Cleaning Week’ helps residents clear out the clutter
  It’s spring again and the annual urge to clean out, clear out and de-clutter has returned. King County’s Recycle More Spring Cleaning Week, May 9-13, has also arrived to show residents how to recycle or dispose of all the items they no longer want or need, and to offer tips on how to reduce clutter in the first place, through better recycling and waste prevention practices.

• May 6: King County collaboration to end homelessness named one of Top 25 “Innovations in American Government” by Kennedy School of Government
  A unique collaboration of key funders of homelessness housing and supportive services that sets regional priorities and coordinates support has been named one of the Top 25 "Innovations in American Government" by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard's prestigious Kennedy School of Government.

• May 5: Executive Constantine, Flood Control District praise signing of legislation protecting flood funds
  King County Executive Dow Constantine and King County Flood Control District Chair Julia Patterson today joined city mayors in thanking the state legislature and Gov. Christine Gregoire for passage of EHB 1969, which protects critical funding for flood risk reduction efforts. The bill was signed today in Olympia in a ceremony with Governor Gregoire.

• May 5: Breaking of giant piñata marks start of construction for new South Park Bridge
  A decade-long journey arrived at an important milestone today as King County Executive Dow Constantine welcomed Governor Chris Gregoire, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, Seattle City Council President Richard Conlin, Port of Seattle Commissioner Gael Tarleton, and other funders and community members to celebrate the long-awaited start of construction for a new South Park Bridge.

• May 5: Metro Transit preps for lane closures on SR 99 in SODO; urges motorists to try transit, vanpools & water taxi
  State Route 99 will be reduced to two lanes in each direction between the West Seattle Bridge and Seattle’s sports stadiums in the SODO area beginning May 16. And, King County Metro Transit hopes motorists will help reduce the number of vehicles in the construction zone by sharing the ride on a bus, vanpool, or water taxi.

• May 2: King County opens filing period for Personnel Board candidates
  King County Elections will hold a candidate filing period for the elected representative position on the King County Personnel Board. The candidate filing period will be held Monday, May 9, through Friday, May 13 in the King County Elections office, 9010 East Marginal Way S., Tukwila. There is a $5 filing fee.

• April 29: King County recognizes Wildfire Awareness Week, May 1-7
  Wildfire Awareness Week is May 1-7, and King County’s Forestry Program is working with area fire districts and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources to raise awareness and help communities take steps to keep their homes and families safe in the event of fire.

• April 29: Trail running series returns to King County’s Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park
  One of the most popular trail-running events in the Pacific Northwest returns to King County's Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park this month. The ninth-annual Scott Cougar Mountain Trail Running Series begins its 2011 season May 14 with a five-mile run – the first of five races on a portion of Cougar Mountain’s scenic trail network.

• April 28: Proposed combined sewer overflow projects pose no significant environmental impacts
  King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) today issued an environmental review of two proposed projects to control combined sewer overflows (CSOs) in Puget Sound near West Seattle and North Beach. The reviews were conducted in accordance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).

• April 22: King County Executive Dow Constantine statement on transit funding bill passage
  Executive Dow Constantine, along with county council members Phillips and Gossett, today praised the Washington State Legislature for passing a bill that could prevent deep Metro Transit service cuts.

• April 21: Executive Constantine proposes next wave of King County actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and respond to climate change
  Motion addresses near-term actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for local impacts such as sea level rise and flooding

• April 18: Executive proposes reforms for expanded outreach and engagement with residents of unincorporated areas
  All residents of the unincorporated areas of King County would have a single point of contact for County services, with teams of existing staff assigned to work with community groups, under a reform of the public engagement process for the unincorporated areas proposed today by County Executive Dow Constantine.

• April 18: Release of Lake Sammamish kokanee marks another year of group’s work to restore stock
  Juvenile kokanee salmon – delicate, wriggling slivers of silver – were carefully tipped from buckets into Laughing Jacobs Creek in Issaquah today. The release marked the beginning of their journey to adulthood in the wild and the end of the second season of emergency hatchery supplementation for a critically weak salmon stock that King County and its Lake Sammamish Kokanee Work Group partners hope to rebuild.

• April 18 - Children urged to "Live outside the box"
  Kids across King County will have extra hours to "Live Outside the Box" this week when they turn off the television for National Screen Free Week, April 18-24. Watching television, including movies and video games, takes time away from the physical activity that children need every day to be healthy and happy.

• April 15: King County EcoConsumer encourages six-step Earth Day Detox for homes
  Program to help residents ‘cleanse’ their home of toxic chemicals

• April 14: Executive and Mayor reach long-term agreement for housing of City inmates at the King County Jail
  Leadership of both councils pledge support for County as primary provider of bed space for City inmates through 2030

• April 15: Property Taxes Due For First Half of 2011
  King County property owners have until Monday, May 2 to pay the first half of their 2011 property taxes. The statutory due date for first-half property taxes is normally April 30, but since this date falls on a Saturday this year, the actual due date has been moved to the next business day.

• April 15: Traffic changes on Howell Street designed to speed up buses and ease congestion
  King County Metro Transit is working with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) to improve overall traffic flow along the Howell Street corridor approaching the Yale Avenue/Interstate 5 southbound on-ramp in downtown Seattle.

• April 14: Think first before giving Easter pets
  An Easter basket full of goodies is a time-honored tradition for many people, but Regional Animal Services of King County is asking residents to think first before putting a bunny, chick, or duckling in that basket.

• April 13: Special Election registration deadline on Monday
  Monday marks a key registration deadline in the April 26 Special Election. King County residents not currently registered in Washington can register to vote in person at the King County Elections office through Monday, April 18.

• April 12: Engage in Parks: King County Parks invites everyone to get involved this spring
  With the promise of better weather just around the corner and a wealth of fun events, activities and amenities awaiting, King County Parks encourages everyone to “Engage in Parks” this April. There are several ways to get active and support King County Parks – Your Big Backyard. For more information and links to, visit the “Engage in Parks” website, at http://www.kingcounty.gov/recreation/parks/engage.aspx.

• April 12: Get your hands dirty for a good cause: Duwamish Alive! clean-up events, April 16
  Get warmed up for Earth Day this year by doing something right for the environment in Seattle’s backyard – the Duwamish River – by participating in one of the several Duwamish Alive! clean-up events, scheduled for April 16.

• April 12: Transit lanes planned for Battery and Wall streets in Seattle
  King County Metro Transit is working with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) on changes to Battery and Wall streets to keep some of Metro’s busiest buses moving and improve the schedule reliability on routes such as 5, 26, 28 and 358.

• April 8: “Passport Day in the U.S.A.” cancelled due to possible federal government shutdown
  The U.S. Department of State has cancelled Saturday's planned "Passport Day in the U.S.A" due to the possibility of a federal government shutdown. As a result, King County will not open two customer service centers for the event as was planned. King County can still accept passport applications during normal business hours, but they will not be processed until the U.S. State Department reopens.

• April 8: Meeting to offer details on upcoming sewer improvement work in downtown Bellevue
  People invited to meet project staff, ask questions

• April 8: New Metro policy to allow resumption of bus ads from non-profit organizations
  King County Metro today implemented a new transit advertising policy that allows for the resumption of ads from non-profit organizations, while defining the political and public issue advertising that will continue to be prohibited as a matter of department policy.

• April 7: Calling all heroes: King County honors Emergency Medical Dispatchers
  Four local residents are being honored as King County Emergency Medical Dispatchers of the Year for their outstanding contributions to the public's health and safety. As part of King County's world-class Emergency Medical Services/Medic One system, emergency medical dispatchers protect the public's health and safety everyday with critical medical advice to callers and by making quick decisions about the best emergency medical care.

• April 7: April 28 meeting in Vashon to discuss new flood maps, coastal shoreline study
  Results of a new coastal flood hazard study, draft flood maps of King County’s marine shorelines and new proposed coastal flood regulations are the subject of a public meeting, set for April 28 at 6 p.m. in the Vashon High School Commons.

• April 7: Executive proposes frequent RapidRide service for the Eastside and related route efficiencies as part of fall service change
  King County Executive Dow Constantine today proposed more and faster transit service for the Eastside through the launch of the much-praised RapidRide bus rapid transit. He is also calling for more convenient, efficient and cost-effective bus service to support it in his fall service change ordinance transmitted today to the the Metropolitan King County Council.

• April 6: April Special Election ballots are in the mail!
  Voters in the April Special Election for Tahoma and Snoqualmie Valley School Districts will begin receiving their Special Election ballots and voters’ pamphlets this week. Only voters in districts with measures up for election will receive ballots.

• April 5: One mile of Puget Sound shoreline preserved with deal between Camp Fire USA and King County
  Collaboration protects shoreline and open space from future development and focuses growth in urban areas

• April 1: Bellevue bus stops begin getting RapidRide makeover
  King County Metro Transit will soon be renovating many bus stops and shelters in Bellevue as work begins on the RapidRide B Line. Current bus routes will continue to serve those stops – or nearby temporary stops – during construction.

• March 31: Coalition makes case to replace Alaskan Way Viaduct without delay
  See video of Governor, Executive, and presidents of the Port of Seattle Commission and Seattle City Council speak at news conference

• March 31: Need a passport? No appointment necessary on “Passport Day in the U.S.A.”
  King County opens two sites for annual event on Saturday, April 9

• March 30: Controlled releases from dam expected to push Green River to Phase II flood alert level
  The King County Flood Warning Center, which has been monitoring rain-swollen rivers since early Wednesday morning, has issued a Phase II flood alert level for the Green River. Only minor flooding is expected as a result of controlled increased flows on the Green River, and only in the primarily rural areas without river levees upstream of Auburn.

• March 30: King County honoring its Earth Heroes
  Students, parents, teachers and staff members – all with a commitment to hands-on environmental stewardship – will be honored by King County Executive Dow Constantine at the County’s annual Earth Heroes at School ceremony next month.

• March 30: Tolt River rises to Phase III flood alert level; King County monitoring rain-swollen rivers
  Pushed higher by heavy rainfall in the Cascade Range, the Tolt River has risen to a Phase III flood alert level, according to the King County Flood Warning Center, which has been monitoring flood conditions since early Wednesday morning

• March 30: Snoqualmie River up to Phase III flood alert; as rain continues in portions of King County
  The Snoqualmie River, swollen by heavy rainfall, has reached a Phase III flood alert level with flooding expected across much of the Snoqualmie Valley, according to the King County Flood Warning Center, which has been monitoring flood conditions since early Wednesday morning.

• March 30: King County responds to community concerns of high water along Lake Sammamish
  Removing invasive aquatic plants and increasing regular vegetation management are two of the steps that King County is taking as part of a comprehensive strategy to address seasonal high water levels that affect Lake Sammamish shoreline residents.

• March 30: Making it easier to do business with King County through procurement reform
  Reforming King County's procurement process is a key goal for King County Executive Dow Constantine. The Executive highlighted his administration's success in changing the way King County does business today at the ninth annual Regional Contracting Forum in Seattle, where more than 1,500 attendees at the Washington State Convention Center learned how to participate in the county's procurement process.

• March 29: Public invited to hear initial findings of study on replacement of King County Metro trolley buses
  The initial findings of an evaluation of options for replacing King County Metro Transit's aging trolley bus fleet suggest that when all factors are considered - including available funding - new electric trolley buses would be the most cost-effective replacement with the least environmental impacts, according to King County Executive Dow Constantine.

• March 28: Help keep King County clean and green: Come to Soos Creek Park clean-up event, April 2
  Join the Sierra Club South King County group and Friends of Soos Creek Park, in coordination with King County Parks, for the 16th semiannual restoration event at Soos Creek Park on Saturday, April 2.

• March 28: Public invited to learn about upcoming side sewer repair work in Skyway
  Public meetings hosted by King County and the Skyway Water and Sewer District will provide community members with information about an upcoming sewer improvement project in the Lakeridge neighborhood.

• March 28: King County water quality monitors record effects of tsunami from Japanese earthquake
  The effects of the catastrophic earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck Japan March 11 have been felt around the world in many ways - even in Vashon Island’s Quartermaster Harbor, where King County maintains an automated water quality data collection system that recorded a rise in water depth.

• March 28: King County to host meeting on green stormwater infrastructure proposal, April 6
  People seeking details about King County’s proposal to control combined sewer overflows in West Seattle’s Barton basin using green stormwater infrastructure methods are invited to an upcoming community meeting.

• March 25: King County hosts Regional Contracting Forum on March 30
  Annual event connects contractors to government agencies

• March 25: Your first move when the earth shakes: “Drop, Cover, and Hold”
  With images of Japan’s devastating earthquake fresh on our minds, so is another round of Internet misinformation about what should be your first move during an earthquake.

• March 24: Important voter registration deadline on Monday
  Monday, March 28, is the deadline for voters in the April Special Election for Tahoma and Snoqualmie Valley School Districts to register online or through the mail, or to transfer or update voter registration.

• March 24: Local TB challenges mark World TB Day
  Wider spread of more potent strain cause for concern; 116 active TB cases reported in King County in 2010

• March 24: Wastemobile: Household hazardous waste collection comes to Redmond, April 8-10
  Popular program in 22nd year of service; Year-round Auburn location continues

• March 18: Sharp rise in syphilis cases among local gay/bi men
  Increased condom use and testing urged

• March 17: Executive calls for strategic investments in 10 economic development programs to help stimulate job creation
  Measures would dissolve obsolete public corporation and invest remaining assets to aid regional job creation and development of unincorporated communities

• March 17: King County looking for ‘Best Workplaces for Recycling and Waste Reduction’ candidates
  Deadline May 27 for businesses seeking recognition for waste cutting programs

• March 17: King County continues ongoing communication with landfill neighbors at April 6 meeting
  King County has been meeting with the neighbors of its Cedar Hills Regional Landfill since the mid 1980s in order to keep them up to date with landfill activities, provide citizens with an opportunity to provide feedback and share ideas for improving operations.

• March 15: King County employees offer help to neighbors across the Pacific
  Executive order allows workers to donate leave toward earthquake relief efforts

• March 25: King County hosts Regional Contracting Forum on March 30
  Annual event connects contractors to government agencies

• March 25: Your first move when the earth shakes: 'Drop, Cover, and Hold'
  With images of Japan's devastating earthquake fresh on our minds, so is another round of Internet misinformation about what should be your first move during an earthquake. 

• March 24: Important voter registration deadline on Monday
  Monday, March 28, is the deadline for voters in the April Special Election for Tahoma and Snoqualmie Valley School Districts to register online or through the mail, or to transfer or update voter registration.

• March 24: Local TB challenges mark World TB Day
  Wider spread of more potent strain cause for concern; 116 active TB cases reported in King County in 2010

• March 24: Wastemobile: Household hazardous waste collection comes to Redmond, April 8-10
  Popular program in 22nd year of service; Year-round Auburn location continues

• March 18: Sharp rise in syphilis cases among local gay/bi men
  Increased condom use and testing urged

• March 17: Executive calls for strategic investments in 10 economic development programs to help stimulate job creation
  Measures would dissolve obsolete public corporation and invest remaining assets to aid regional job creation and development of unincorporated communities

• March 17: King County looking for 'Best Workplaces for Recycling and Waste Reduction' candidates
  Deadline May 27 for businesses seeking recognition for waste cutting programs

• March 17: King County continues ongoing communication with landfill neighbors at April 6 meeting
  King County has been meeting with the neighbors of its Cedar Hills Regional Landfill since the mid 1980s in order to keep them up to date with landfill activities, provide citizens with an opportunity to provide feedback and share ideas for improving operations.

• March 15: King County employees offer help to neighbors across the Pacific
  Executive order allows workers to donate leave toward earthquake relief efforts

• March 11: Construction begins in a few weeks on Novelty Hill Road project
  The King County Road Services Division's two-year construction project to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion on Northeast Novelty Hill Road east of Redmond could begin as early as late March.

• March 8: Kiewit-Massman named apparent low bidder to construct South Park Bridge
  King County has announced that the apparent low bidder to construct a new South Park Bridge is Kiewit-Massman.

• March 10: King County Executive Dow Constantine condemns Wisconsin attack on workers' rights
  Executive Dow Constantine today praised King County employees for the innovation and collaboration that has enabled the County to avoid the turmoil now rocking the state of Wisconsin:

• March 8: Fun on the run: King County Parks' Big Backyard 5K supports parks, trails and open space
  Second-annual event set for May 22 at Marymoor Park, sponsored by Group Health

• King County puts Public Health permit renewals for restaurants and other regulated facilities online
  Temporary food service and farmers market permits, and plumbing and gas piping permits also now available over the Internet

• Mar. 2: King County launches annual Roadside Weed Control Program
  

• Feb. 28: Executive urges completion of major regional infrastructure to help position the region for economic recovery
  Sustainable prosperity and continued reforms highlight agenda detailed in his 2011 'State of the County' address

• Feb. 28: Executive unveils new ten-year vision to guide Metro Transit
  

• Feb. 27: King County remembers Nisqually earthquake
  10 years later, residents are reminded they can never be too prepared

• Feb. 25: Metro buses back to regular routing for Friday
  All King County Metro Transit buses are back to regular routing as of Friday morning. There may be a few temporary minor or localized exceptions.

• Feb. 24: King County Executive congratulates Boeing on $35 billion dollar tanker contract award
  King County Executive Dow Constantine today congratulated Boeing on the award of a federal contract that will help the region's economy take flight.

• Feb. 24: West Seattle Water Taxi set to offer more daily trips
  Beginning Monday, Feb. 28, King County's West Seattle Water Taxi will offer an expanded sailing schedule that will give riders more travel options across Elliott Bay.

• Feb. 24: Metro continues snow routing for many buses through Thursday evening, and maybe into Friday
  As of Thursday afternoon, all King County Metro Transit bus routes in the East, Southeast and Southwest service areas will continue on snow routing.

• Feb. 24: King County experiences strong population growth according to 2010 census results
  King County is growing and has a diverse multitude of residents, based on data revealed yesterday by the U.S. Census Bureau. 

• Feb. 24: Many buses on snow routes, warming shelters open, some King County government agencies have delayed start
  Residents are urged to prepare for a slow commute, check ahead, and have patience as region wakes up to overnight snow fall. Although King County government as a whole is officially open, several departments affected by the weather conditions have announced delays for Thursday, February 24.

• Feb. 23: King County poised to be first in state to earn 'e-Steward' designation for responsible recycling of electronic waste
  King County would become the first County in the state - and only the second in the nation - to formally ensure that all County agencies recycle electronic waste like computer monitors, TVs, and cell phones in an environmentally responsible manner, under legislation proposed today by King County Executive Dow Constantine.

• Feb. 23: Metro Transit warns bus riders to expect crowded buses, snow routing, and delays during Wednesday evening commute
  King County Metro Transit is chaining up its buses and expects to be moving to snow routing during this evening's commute. Bus riders should plan for rapidly changing travel conditions later today and into tomorrow.

• Feb. 22: Make your yard come alive with soil expert tips from the NW Flower & Garden Show
  King County's clean-water utility is hosting a booth at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show, Feb. 23-27 at the Washington State Convention Center, to share information about the benefits of biosolids products for landscaping and vegetable gardens.

• Feb. 22: Metro Transit preps for Wednesday snow
  Weather forecasters are predicting cold temperatures and snow will increase during the day on Wednesday. King County Metro Transit advises bus riders to plan ahead for rapidly changing travel conditions on Wednesday, and into Thursday.

• Feb. 15: Metro Transit has reduced service Monday, Feb. 21; water taxi will not operate
  King County Metro Transit reminds bus riders that it will be operating a reduced-weekday schedule on Monday, Feb. 21 in observance of the Presidents Day holiday. The King County Water Taxi will not operate either.

• Feb. 15: King County seeks applicants for Rural Forest Commission positions
  Members provide valuable advice on policies and programs affecting rural forestry

• Feb. 14: New pavement for Burke Gilman Trail in Kenmore means brief inconvenience on trail
  Cyclists, others, must walk through short construction zone during 4-day job

• Feb. 11: Help available for farmers interested in building, repairing livestock-saving farm pads
  King County schedules Feb. 28 meeting in Preston to offer advice, technical help

• Feb. 7: Safety upgrades to Snoqualmie Valley Trail require long-term closure in Carnation
  Tolt River bridge approaches to be replaced; Nine-month closure starts Feb. 21

• Feb. 3: On eve of Super Bowl, King County Executive urges settlement in NFL labor dispute
  King County Executive Dow Constantine today urged National Football League owners and players to reach a labor agreement and avoid a prolonged work stoppage that could threaten the next NFL season

• Feb. 3: King County's RapidRide A Line tops expectations for ridership, customer satisfaction
  King County Metro Transit's RapidRide A Line has become so popular in its first few months of operation that ridership along the 11-mile route serving Pacific Highway South/International Boulevard in South King County has surpassed expectations. Not only has ridership increased by about 25 percent, overall satisfaction with service on the corridor is at an all-time high with 84 percent of riders giving the A Line a thumbs-up.

• Feb. 3: King County awards $21.3 million countywide to create affordable and supportive housing projects
  Creating housing opportunities for hundreds of local individuals and families in need, King County Executive Dow Constantine today announced $21.3 million in grants and loans to create nearly 500 units of affordable housing and fund permanent supportive housing development across the county.

• Feb. 2: Metro updating bus service starting Saturday
  Starting Saturday, Feb. 5, King County Metro Transit is updating its bus service. This includes routing and bus stop changes for approximately two dozen routes from various areas of the county that pass through downtown Seattle.

• Jan. 31: Sale of emissions credits from landfill gas will net an estimated $500,000 a year from pioneering King County effort
  When King County began collecting revenue last year from the sale of methane gas created from decomposing garbage buried in a landfill, it was only the start. Now it will sell the emissions credits associated with this renewable energy source to Puget Sound Energy (PSE), bringing King County an estimated $500,000 more per year.

• Jan. 31: Students photos 'mirroring life' to be installed in 80 bus shelters
  More than 80 King County Metro Transit bus shelters will be getting a makeover in the coming weeks both in structure and style, as photographs by local students are built into shelters being repaired and renovated.

• Jan. 27: New voters can still register for the Special Election
  King County residents still have time to register to vote for the February 8 Special Election. If you are not currently registered to vote in Washington , visit the King County Elections office by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 31.

• Jan. 26: 2011 Special Election tools & downloads online
  Get an insider look into the Special Election and show your voting pride with downloads and tools on the King County Elections website.

• Jan. 26: King County closes Flood Warning Center as last of the rain-swollen river flows subside
  King County closed its Flood Warning Center on Wednesday morning, Jan. 26, after 10 days of round-the-clock operations in response to high river flows.

• Jan. 21: Cedar River rises to Phase III flood alert
  Increased flows from Chester Morse Reservoir have brought the Cedar River to a Phase III flood alert level this evening according to the King County Flood Warning Center, which has been monitoring river flows 'round-the-clock since Jan. 16. Flood alerts are also in effect on two other King County rivers '“ the Green River at Phase III and the Tolt at Phase II.

• Jan. 21: More rain brings Tolt River to Phase II flood alert level; King County monitoring flows
  Additional rainfall has brought the Tolt River to a Phase II flood alert level according to the King County Flood Warning Center, which has been monitoring river flows 'round-the-clock since Jan. 16.
  
  The Green River is currently at a Phase II flood alert level, with flows of 8,530 CFS at the Auburn gage as of 1:30 p.m. Friday. However, flows on the Green are expected to rise later Friday to a Phase III flood alert level as water releases from Howard Hanson Dam in the upper Green River watershed will push the river higher.

• Jan. 20: King County projects turnout for February's Special Election
  King County Elections has projected a 38 percent turnout in the February 2011 Special Election. 

• Jan. 19: Changes for many of Metro's downtown Seattle bus routes are coming soon
  Big changes for bus service in downtown Seattle are only a few weeks away, and King County Metro Transit is urging bus riders to 'know before you go.'

• Jan. 18: King County ballots in the mail Jan. 19
  King County voters will begin receiving their Special Election ballots and voters' pamphlets this week.

• Jan. 18: King County Green Schools Program honors eight schools for resource conservation
  Honored schools include first to achieve Level Three status for water conservation

• Jan. 15: Flood Warning Center closes as river flows drop
  Flood Warning Center closes as river flows drop

• Jan. 16: Cedar River rises to Phase II flood alert
  Snoqualmie, Green rivers remain at Phase III flood alert levels

• Jan. 16: Controlled water releases from dam expected to send Green River to Phase II flood alert level
  King County Flood Warning Center open and monitoring minor flood flows

• Jan. 16: Pineapple Express delivering heavy rain; Snoqualmie River at Phase III flood alert level
  King County Flood Warning Center continues to monitor rising rivers

• Jan. 16: Tolt River up to Phase III flood alert level as heavy rain continues in King County
  King County Flood Warning monitoring rising rivers

• Jan. 17: Cedar River climbs to Phase IV flood alert
  

• Jan. 14: Controlled releases from dam expected to push Green River to Phase II flood alert level
  The King County Flood Warning Center, which has been monitoring rain-swollen rivers since midday on Jan. 13, has issued a Phase II flood alert level for the Green River

• Jan. 14: Snoqualmie River rises to Phase II flood alert level; wet weather continues in King County
  The Snoqualmie River has risen to a Phase II flood alert level following several hours of persistent rainfall across the region, according to the King County Flood Warning Center,

• Jan. 13: Community comes together to celebrate legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  Event video will be televised during holiday weekend for additional viewing opportunities

• Jan. 14: King County road crews on flood watch heading into the weekend
  With one wet weather system after the other projected to move through the area over the next few days, the King County Road Services Division is advising motorists to be on the lookout for a variety of road-related problems.

• Jan. 13: Reduced Metro Transit service; no King County Water Taxi on Monday, Jan. 17
  King County Metro Transit reminds bus riders that it will be operating a reduced weekday schedule on Monday, Jan. 17 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The King County Water Taxi will not operate either the Vashon or the West Seattle routes on Jan. 17.

• Jan. 13: Metro unveils plans for bus service changes next fall in Bellevue and Redmond
  King County Metro Transit is making changes next October to several bus routes currently serving Bellevue and Redmond.

• Jan. 12: King County Civil Rights Commission to honor student essay contest winners
  Three local 8th grade students will be presented awards for their winning submissions to the King County Civil Right Commission's annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Writing Contest. During a public ceremony this Thursday, the students will be honored as the winners who submitted the top student essays on Dr. King's work.

• Jan. 12: Deadline approaching for free King County Master Recycler Composter training program
  Applications due Feb. 3 for seven-week series on waste reduction

• Jan. 11: Nature calls: Help King County Parks plant vegetation, maintain backcountry trails
  It takes a lot of effort to maintain King County Parks' renowned parks, trails and natural areas, and citizens are invited to lend a hand this winter by participating in one of several upcoming volunteer work projects.

• Jan. 10: Metro on snow watch for Tuesday
  There is snow in the forecast for later in the day on Tuesday '“ and it's likely to begin falling during the afternoon commute. King County Metro Transit is warning that situation could create very different morning and afternoon travel conditions for bus riders.

• Jan. 10: Executive thanks Council for confirming Claudia Balducci as Director of King County corrections
  Experienced county manager will head Department Adult and Juvenile Detention

• Jan. 7: West Seattle Water Taxi Rachel Marie to resume service at Pier 50 Monday
  The West Seattle Water Taxi Rachel Marie is scheduled to resume service at 6:30 a.m. Monday Jan. 10 between West Seattle and Pier 50 along the waterfront in downtown Seattle. The vessel was removed from service on Sept. 26 after it struck the Washington Street Boat Landing on the downtown waterfront.

• Jan. 10: Metro website now features transit performance reporting
  King County Metro Transit now has performance data online that provides up-to-date information about bus ridership, vehicle breakdowns, accident rates, and even how often buses show up on time.

• Jan. 8: Statement by Executive Constantine on shooting of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords
  My thoughts are for the speedy recovery of Congresswoman Giffords and the others wounded in this unspeakable assault on one of our nation's elected leader

• Jan. 7: Inquest ordered into fatal shooting of man on Beacon Hill by Seattle police SWAT team
  King County Executive Dow Constantine today ordered an inquest into the fatal shooting of Vu Hoang Quach by three Seattle police SWAT officers on November 22, 2010.

• Jan. 7: Important voter registration deadline on Monday
  Monday marks a key registration deadline for King County residents who plan to vote in the February 8 Special Election.

• Jan. 7: King County seeks nominations for Earth Heroes at School awards
  Program recognize outstanding efforts to educate youth, protect environment

• Jan. 3: Several easy and affordable options for Christmas tree recycling in King County
  If your New Year's resolution was to do more for the environment in 2011, the King County Solid Waste Division can offer one helpful hint right off the bat: Recycle your Christmas tree, instead of throwing it away.

• Jan. 2: First pet adopted in the New Year
  Patty the cat became first pet to find a new home in 2011