2004 Archived King County news releases

December

Dec. 30, 2004
Largest-ever cash gift to King County Parks honors Bothell man's love of outdoors
Brian Cook and his dog, Teddy, visited King County's Big Finn Hill Park nearly every day. After the Bothell resident and Boeing engineer passed away this September, his mother, Suzanne Cook of Muskegon, MI, decided to honor Brian's love of parks and open space through a $10,000 bequest, the largest cash donation ever to the King County Parks Division.

Dec. 30, 2004
HIV/AIDS Planning Council launches open process for prevention planning
Approximately $3 million in federal, state, and local funds will be entrusted to Seattle's HIV/AIDS Planning Council to fund HIV prevention interventions targeting high-risk residents of King County in 2006-2007. To determine how to prioritize these funds, the Planning Council's Prevention Prioritization Subcommittee will hold a series of public meetings before drafting a prioritization plan for review and approval by the full council.

Dec. 30, 2004
Preliminary list of registered voters not finalized
Yesterday, in response to several public records requests, King County Elections produced a preliminary list of registered voters who participated in the Nov. 2, 2004 General Election. The data file has been provided to several parties and individuals who had requested it.

Dec. 29, 2004
Food Worker Card training and testing schedule for 2005 now available
Today, Public Health - Seattle & King County announced the 2005 schedule for training and testing sessions for food handlers needing a Food Worker Card.

Dec. 29, 2004
DUI patrols last through the New Year
Most of the law enforcement agencies in King County will continue staffing extra police patrols to find and remove intoxicated drivers on New Year’s Eve and through the holiday weekend.

Dec. 28, 2004
You can know if a tsunami is heading your way
In light of the recent Asia earthquake and tsunami, we are reminded of how important it is to be warned of impending disaster no matter where you are: at home, work, during your commute, or even on vacation.

Dec. 23, 2004
Certified manual recount results
Of the 735 previously uncounted ballots 566 were added to the total today, Thursday, Dec. 23, 2004.

Dec. 22, 2004
Unofficial manual recount results
King County Elections today posted unofficial results of its manual recount of the 2004 governor's race. These results will not be certified until elections officials verify signatures and count up to 735 previously uncounted ballots which were set aside pending a ruling by the Washington State Supreme Court.

Dec. 22, 2004
Frequently asked questions about the manual recount
Q: Is this King County's final tally? No. Today’s results are unofficial and do not include a group of approximately 735 ballots that were misfiled by staff and not included in the previous election returns...

Dec. 22, 2004
Executive Ron Sims’ statement regarding the release of the preliminary hand recount in King County
I want to thank the King County Elections Division for operating an open, fair and transparent process for counting ballots. We are fortunate that our state law lays out a path to get to a final determination in a close race such as this one. For us, this hand recount hasn’t been about partisan politics; this has been about having a process that assures every eligible vote is counted.

Dec. 22, 2004
Supreme Court rules King County can keep counting
In a unanimous decision the Washington State Supreme Court today ruled that state law gives county canvassing boards the discretion to correct discrepancies in election returns.

Dec. 22, 2004
County earns superior financial ratings - again
Consistent, long-term fiscal discipline at King County has garnered a pair of superlative financial ratings, King County Executive Ron Sims announced today. The two bond ratings will help save millions of dollars in financing construction of a new office building project.

Dec. 21, 2004
Manual recount results scheduled for release Wednesday, Dec. 22
King County Elections expects to release unofficial results from the manual recount of votes cast for Governor tomorrow, Dec. 22 by 3:30 p.m.

Dec. 20, 2004
What do you get for the person who has everything?
It may not be on your loved-ones' holiday gift list, but consider giving a gift that could be a life-saver for your family. A Tone Alert All-Hazard radio costs less than a pair of new shoes and would fill an important gap in most people's emergency prepared efforts.

Dec. 20, 2004
New Wastemobile contract could save $300,000 annually
King County's Solid Waste Division has signed a contract with Clean Harbors Environmental Services to operate the county’s Wastemobile service and related programs that help people properly dispose of hazardous household waste.

Dec. 17, 2004
Public Health expands flu shot eligibility for King County residents
Public Health - Seattle & King County is expanding the list of at-risk people who should receive a flu shot this year to include, among others, anybody at least 50 years of age and people living with those in high-risk groups. Public Health is also revoking the health order from October that restricts who may receive a flu shot.

Dec. 17, 2004
"The Struggle Continues" - King County's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Celebration
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Nobel Prize celebrated the accomplishments of the men and women striving for civil rights but it also acknowledged that their struggle for human rights was ongoing. King County and its employees invite the public to help them honor the memory of Dr. King by joining them on Thursday, Jan. 13, at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theater to celebrate the triumphs and to focus on the continuing struggle for civil rights.

Dec. 17, 2004
Some building permit fees to be rebated and rolled back to 2003 levels
King County is rolling back some building permit fees and rebating $2 million dollars to more than 6,000 customers as a result of unexpected high permit volume in 2004. People who bought permits for projects ranging from a simple remodel to a large commercial development will get refund checks early next year. Some fees will be rolled back to 2003 levels.

Dec. 17, 2004
Officials to retrieve additional ballots
County elections officials late last night confirmed the initial list of misfiled, uncounted ballots was incomplete and missing last names beginning with the letters A, B and a few C names. After further investigation, staff estimates an additional 162 ballots were misfiled and not previously counted.

Dec. 16, 2004
Sims, builders to make announcement regarding building permit fees
Media advisory: King County Executive Ron Sims will be joined by Sam Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties and others on Friday, Dec. 17, 2004 for a major announcement regarding building permit fees.

Dec. 16, 2004
Subway restaurant is newest addition to Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center
A new Subway franchise began serving sandwiches at the center on Wednesday, Dec. 15.

Dec. 15, 2004
Need last-minute gifts? King County’s Waste Free Holidays can help
Feeling overwhelmed by the holiday gift-giving countdown? Looking to save a few bucks while celebrating the season? Give King County’s Waste Free Holidays program a try. Aimed at encouraging county residents to consider giving experiences as gifts, instead of more stuff, the program offers discounts of 15 percent to 50 percent on tickets, gift certificates and memberships for concerts, plays, sporting events, museum visits, restaurant meals and even massages.

Dec. 15, 2004
King County planning follow-up sediment cleanup in lower Duwamish River
King County in early 2005 plans to use an environmental cleanup method called enhanced natural recovery to reduce the impact of contaminated sediment washed into the Duwamish River during dredging a year ago. This follow-up action, to take place by March 1, 2005, will help protect fish, the environment and public health.

Dec. 15, 2004
$11.6 million awarded for affordable housing
Providing additional safe and affordable housing to families and individuals is the purpose behind $11.6 million in funding awards announced this week by King County Executive Ron Sims. The funds will be dedicated to 15 regional housing projects that will create, preserve or rehabilitate a total of 784 affordable housing units in the county.

Dec. 15, 2004
Preservation of services, growth management, mental health and transportation highlight King County's Legislative Agenda
County calls on state lawmakers to provide revenue flexibility, assist with King County Executive Ron Sims and the Metropolitan King County Council adopted the county's state and federal legislative priorities, laying out the agenda for the county in Olympia and Washington, D.C. for 2005.

Dec. 14, 2004
King County food waste composting program helps Crown Hill restaurant continue recycling bent
Recycling is hardly a new concept at Connie Stone’s Wild Mountain Café in Seattle’s Crown Hill neighborhood. Through the King County Food Waste Composting for Business and Schools Program, the North Seattle restaurant has also maintained a BioStack outdoor worm bin since July 2003, composting 837 pounds of food scraps in its first year in operation.

Dec. 14, 2004
Supreme Court unanimously upholds State Election laws
Read the text of the ruling.

Dec. 13, 2004
Comcast franchise extension provides 18 public channels and extra data bandwidth in anticipation of all-digital cable
The Metropolitan King County Council today approved a five-year extension to its existing 10-year cable television franchise agreement between Comcast Cable and King County, currently covering about 80,000 customers in unincorporated King County.

Dec. 13, 2004
Homeless deaths examined in new study
King County Executive Ron Sims and Public Health – Seattle & King County issued a study reviewing the causes of death among homeless people in 2003. The information will help the County meet its goal to end homelessness in ten years.

Dec. 13, 2004
City of Seattle, REI join Puget Sound Health Partnership
The City of Seattle and Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) have joined Starbucks, Washington Mutual, King County, Group Health and the State of Washington as partners in the Puget Sound Health Partnership. This partnership, recommended by the King County Health Advisory Task Force, is committed to system-wide health care changes aimed at improving the quality of care and getting more control over escalating costs in the region.

Dec. 13, 2004
Executive Ron Sims' statement on hybrid buses
"Last summer, King County Metro began taking delivery of the first of 213 hybrid buses in order to protect and improve the environment and the air we breathe. The decision to purchase these clean-air buses was a good decision then and is proving to be a good decision now, as we prepare to accept delivery of the remaining buses." ...more

Dec. 13, 2004
City property chosen for site of Carnation wastewater treatment plant
King County Executive Ron Sims announced today that the county will follow the City of Carnation's recommendation for the location of a wastewater treatment plant to protect public health and water quality. The plant will be on a 10-acre city-owned site west of the city business district at the end of Entwistle Street.

Dec. 13, 2004
King County receives support for environment and transportation
King County's air quality, salmon recovery and traffic solutions will be getting a boost under the federal appropriations bill passed by Congress and detailed this week by Executive Ron Sims and County Council members.

Dec. 13, 2004
King County identifies previously uncounted ballots
King County Elections Director Dean Logan will ask the Canvass Board on Wednesday to amend the certified results of the November 2, 2004 General Election to include a series of absentee ballots wrongly rejected during the original canvas.

Dec. 10, 2004
Rain, melting snow trigger flood alerts for Snoqualmie and Tolt rivers
Heavy rain and melting snow associated with a strong warm front, or "pineapple expess," moving through Western Washington has river levels rising and has prompted a Phase Two flood alert for the Tolt and Snoqualmie rivers this morning.

Dec. 9, 2004
Sims announces new "Health Matters Team" to help employees live well
King County Executive Ron Sims today announced the creation of the "Health Matters Team" as part of his Health Reform Initiative. The four member team will help employees, retirees and their family members become active participants in their health and health care choices.

Dec. 8, 2004
State legislators to meet with community on mental health/chemical dependency issues
Media advisory: King County Executive Ron Sims will provide the opening remarks at the 7th Annual Community Legislative Forum, bringing together the mental health and substance abuse communities and the King County members of the Washington State Legislature to discuss issues and priorities for the upcoming session.

Dec. 8, 2004
Hit and run driver(s) kill pedestrian
A woman was hit by two cars in Skyway last night (Dec. 7), and almost hit by a third. None of the drivers stopped, and the pedestrian died at the scene. She was 66 years old, and lived in the neighborhood.

Dec. 7, 2004
Sims proposes plan to rehab Meadowbrook Bridge
King County Executive Ron Sims has proposed an agreement between the county and the City of Snoqualmie to rehabilitate the historic Meadowbrook Bridge. Construction could start as early as next spring. The agreement is currently before the King County Council for approval.

Dec. 6, 2004
County election officials discuss recount plans
Election officials from Washington's three largest counties, King, Snohomish and Pierce have plans in place to begin manually recounting ballots this Wednesday. Collectively, the three counties are responsible for counting more than 1.5 million ballots, nearly half of all ballots statewide.

Dec. 6, 2004
"Government grant" scam hits King County
A phony scam promising unsuspecting victims a “government grant” has apparently hit King County in the last few weeks. At least four people have contacted the Sheriff's Office to report someone tried to scam them out of their bank account information recently. Additional victims are very likely.

Dec. 3, 2004
Public comment period under way for CAO implementation
King County is taking public comment on draft public rules that will guide the implementation of sections of the three newly approved ordinances commonly referred to as the Critical Areas Ordinances or the CAO.

Dec. 2, 2004
King County, business and conservation partners celebrate Snoqualmie Forest preservation
King County Executive Ron Sims and his fellow participants had a lot to celebrate at the Mountains to Sound Greenway annual dinner held this week in Seattle.

Dec. 2, 2004
Metro Online honored as one of top four transit websites in nation
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has recognized the King County Department of Transportation’s Metro Online website as one of the “Top Transit Traveler Information Websites” in the nation. Only four winners were chosen for this prestigious award in 2004.

Nov. 30, 2004
Executive Sims' communications director to move to Executive-led Health Reform Initiative
King County Executive Ron Sims announced today that Elaine Kraft, his long-time communications director has accepted a new position in his administration as the communications director for his new Health Reform Initiative.

Nov. 24, 2004
Free habitat restoration forum offers tools and techniques for reforesting urban greenbelts
Learn about tools and techniques for reforesting urban greenbelts and creating native plantings in parks and trail ways at a free Habitat Restoration Forum co-sponsored by King County. Participants at the Dec. 4 Seattle event can also get tips for generating the resources needed to sustain community-based action for habitat restoration projects.

Nov. 24, 2004
Citizen committee sets aggressive schedule to meet Jan. 15 deadline for redistricting
The independent citizen Districting Committee charged with redrawing the boundaries of the county's Council districts and reducing their number from 13 to nine today adopted a resolution that expresses its commitment to an open public process and the setting of an aggressive schedule to meet its January 15 deadline.

Nov. 24, 2004
King County recount results posted
Results of King County's five-day machine recount in the 2004 Governor's race are available online at www.metrokc.gov/elections.

Nov. 23, 2004
Holiday food safety guidelines from Public Health
As we join together with friends and family to enjoy holiday meals and celebrations, the last thing on our minds is food borne illness. Yet each year, thousands of King County residents do get food borne illnesses, the holidays being no exception.

Nov. 23, 2004
We're fishing for your comments on the Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish Watershed Draft Chinook Salmon Conservation Plan
Your input is necessary to ensure we leave future generations the legacy of clean water and healthy salmon.

Nov. 23, 2004
Repair work will partially close Sammamish River Trail in Woodinville Nov. 29 and 30
Several sections of the Sammamish River Trail in Woodinville will be at least partially closed intermittently Nov. 29 and 30 as Puget Sound Energy and Verizon work crews replace a number of utility vault lids on the trail.

Nov. 23, 2004
Mt. Si Bridge meeting will preview design plans
The King County Road Services Division will host a drop-in community meeting on Thursday, Dec. 2 to solicit public feedback on the conceptual design for a new Mt. Si Bridge across the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River.

Nov. 22, 2004
Sims applauds adoption of 'stable' budget; Commends County Council for responsible actions
King County Executive Ron Sims today thanked the County Council for adoption of his proposed 2005 $3.4 billion budget, and said that together, they have crafted a stable budget for all county operations that provides essential services to the 1.8 million residents of the county.

Nov. 22, 2004
Council unanimously adopts 2005 budget that finds savings and efficiencies
The Metropolitan King County Council gave its unanimous approval today to a $3.4 billion 2005 King County Budget that tightens oversight and controls on spending and seeks out savings and efficiencies so that the county can continue to offer essential services with no new general taxes.

Nov. 22, 2004
Give an experience instead of stuff! Waste Free Holidays is bigger than ever for 2004
Through King County's popular Waste Free Holidays program, county residents can get discounts of 15 percent to 50 percent on tickets, gift certificates and memberships for concerts, plays, sporting events, museum visits, restaurant meals and even massages. The program now includes 135 partner organizations. That's 40 more partners than last year's program.

Nov. 22, 2004
King County conducts recount faster than expected
King County election officials reassure voters they will continue to conduct vote counting proceedings professionally and in accordance with state election law in the final days of the recount of the Governor's race.

Nov. 20, 2004
Republican Party attempts to limit King County recount process
The Republican Party this evening announced plans to try and stop King County from recounting some ballots.

Nov. 17, 2004
King County finds opportunity to reduce mercury pollution by working with region's vehicle fleets
A pilot program managed by King County Solid Waste Division and the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program is helping public and private vehicle fleet managers and technicians safely remove and recover mercury-containing "tilt switches" in many vehicles.

Nov. 18, 2004
Election officials prepare for machine recount
King County Elections is putting procedures in place to begin a machine recount of the Governor's race on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 8 a.m.

Nov. 18, 2004
King County will continue to provide world-class paramedic service in south King County
King County Executive Ron Sims announced that the paramedic service in south King County will continue to be provided by King County rather than by fire departments in the area. This decision was based on a recently completed study that examined the feasibility of transitioning paramedic service to Kent Fire Department and the Federal Way Fire Department.

Nov. 17, 2004
Statement regarding referendum filing
The Critical Areas Ordinance had more than two and half years of public outreach, following which the Executive made changes that reflect that input, prior to transmittal. The King County Council then had seven additional months of review and public testimony, before adopting these environmental protections.

Dec. 6, 2004
"Government grant" scam hits King County
A phony scam promising unsuspecting victims a “government grant” has apparently hit King County in the last few weeks. At least four people have contacted the Sheriff's Office to report someone tried to scam them out of their bank account information recently. Additional victims are very likely.

Dec. 3, 2004
Public comment period under way for CAO implementation
King County is taking public comment on draft public rules that will guide the implementation of sections of the three newly approved ordinances commonly referred to as the Critical Areas Ordinances or the CAO.

Dec. 2, 2004
King County, business and conservation partners celebrate Snoqualmie Forest preservation
King County Executive Ron Sims and his fellow participants had a lot to celebrate at the Mountains to Sound Greenway annual dinner held this week in Seattle.

Dec. 2, 2004
Metro Online honored as one of top four transit websites in nation
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has recognized the King County Department of Transportation’s Metro Online website as one of the “Top Transit Traveler Information Websites” in the nation. Only four winners were chosen for this prestigious award in 2004.

November

Nov. 30, 2004
Executive Sims' communications director to move to Executive-led Health Reform Initiative
King County Executive Ron Sims announced today that Elaine Kraft, his long-time communications director has accepted a new position in his administration as the communications director for his new Health Reform Initiative.

Nov. 24, 2004
Free habitat restoration forum offers tools and techniques for reforesting urban greenbelts
Learn about tools and techniques for reforesting urban greenbelts and creating native plantings in parks and trail ways at a free Habitat Restoration Forum co-sponsored by King County. Participants at the Dec. 4 Seattle event can also get tips for generating the resources needed to sustain community-based action for habitat restoration projects.

Nov. 24, 2004
Citizen committee sets aggressive schedule to meet Jan. 15 deadline for redistricting
The independent citizen Districting Committee charged with redrawing the boundaries of the county's Council districts and reducing their number from 13 to nine today adopted a resolution that expresses its commitment to an open public process and the setting of an aggressive schedule to meet its January 15 deadline.

Nov. 24, 2004
King County recount results posted
Results of King County's five-day machine recount in the 2004 Governor's race are available online at www.metrokc.gov/elections.

Nov. 23, 2004
Holiday food safety guidelines from Public Health
As we join together with friends and family to enjoy holiday meals and celebrations, the last thing on our minds is food borne illness. Yet each year, thousands of King County residents do get food borne illnesses, the holidays being no exception.

Nov. 23, 2004
We're fishing for your comments on the Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish Watershed Draft Chinook Salmon Conservation Plan
Your input is necessary to ensure we leave future generations the legacy of clean water and healthy salmon.

Nov. 23, 2004
Repair work will partially close Sammamish River Trail in Woodinville Nov. 29 and 30
Several sections of the Sammamish River Trail in Woodinville will be at least partially closed intermittently Nov. 29 and 30 as Puget Sound Energy and Verizon work crews replace a number of utility vault lids on the trail.

Nov. 23, 2004
Mt. Si Bridge meeting will preview design plans
The King County Road Services Division will host a drop-in community meeting on Thursday, Dec. 2 to solicit public feedback on the conceptual design for a new Mt. Si Bridge across the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River.

Nov. 22, 2004
Sims applauds adoption of 'stable' budget; Commends County Council for responsible actions
King County Executive Ron Sims today thanked the County Council for adoption of his proposed 2005 $3.4 billion budget, and said that together, they have crafted a stable budget for all county operations that provides essential services to the 1.8 million residents of the county.

Nov. 22, 2004
Council unanimously adopts 2005 budget that finds savings and efficiencies
The Metropolitan King County Council gave its unanimous approval today to a $3.4 billion 2005 King County Budget that tightens oversight and controls on spending and seeks out savings and efficiencies so that the county can continue to offer essential services with no new general taxes.

Nov. 22, 2004
Give an experience instead of stuff! Waste Free Holidays is bigger than ever for 2004
Through King County's popular Waste Free Holidays program, county residents can get discounts of 15 percent to 50 percent on tickets, gift certificates and memberships for concerts, plays, sporting events, museum visits, restaurant meals and even massages. The program now includes 135 partner organizations. That's 40 more partners than last year's program.

Nov. 22, 2004
King County conducts recount faster than expected
King County election officials reassure voters they will continue to conduct vote counting proceedings professionally and in accordance with state election law in the final days of the recount of the Governor's race.

Nov. 20, 2004
Republican Party attempts to limit King County recount process
The Republican Party this evening announced plans to try and stop King County from recounting some ballots.

Nov. 17, 2004
King County finds opportunity to reduce mercury pollution by working with region's vehicle fleets
A pilot program managed by King County Solid Waste Division and the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program is helping public and private vehicle fleet managers and technicians safely remove and recover mercury-containing "tilt switches" in many vehicles.

Nov. 18, 2004
Election officials prepare for machine recount
King County Elections is putting procedures in place to begin a machine recount of the Governor's race on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 8 a.m.

Nov. 18, 2004
King County will continue to provide world-class paramedic service in south King County
King County Executive Ron Sims announced that the paramedic service in south King County will continue to be provided by King County rather than by fire departments in the area. This decision was based on a recently completed study that examined the feasibility of transitioning paramedic service to Kent Fire Department and the Federal Way Fire Department.

Nov. 17, 2004
Statement regarding referendum filing
The Critical Areas Ordinance had more than two and half years of public outreach, following which the Executive made changes that reflect that input, prior to transmittal. The King County Council then had seven additional months of review and public testimony, before adopting these environmental protections.

Nov. 16, 2004
Courthouse Seismic Project wins award for distinguished project of the year
King County Executive Ron Sims announced that the Courthouse Seismic Project has received two awards from the Northwest Construction Consumer Council (NWCCC) and one award from NW Construction Magazine.

Nov. 16, 2004
Daily ballot count rescheduled for 6 p.m. today
King County Elections will post results for today's ballot count at 6 p.m. The later posting gives elections officials more time to prepare remaining ballots for counting and to back-up the results database after tabulation and before the update is released.

Nov. 15, 2004
Construction starts on Metro's newest park-and-ride garage at Issaquah Highlands
Construction has begun on a five-story King County Metro Transit park-and-ride garage that will primarily serve bus riders who live north of Interstate 90 in the heavily populated Issaquah and Sammamish Plateau areas.

Nov. 12, 2004
King County Elections responds to Superior Court decision
King County Superior Court Judge Dean Lum today instructed King County Elections to provide the political parties with information about voters who cast a provisional ballot at the polls and whose signature is in question. King County will comply and have lists available for requesting parties by 5 p.m.

Nov. 12, 2004
Executive Sims' statement on provisional ballot counts
"I am confident that as verification and processing are completed and the election is certified, it will be shown beyond a shadow of a doubt that King County's voters' ballots will all have been counted accurately." ...more

Nov. 12, 2004
King County Elections' statement regarding Democratic Party lawsuit over provisional ballots
"We are working closely with the Prosecuting Attorney's Office to ensure we uphold the letter of the law and want to reassure voters that King County Elections will continue to conduct the canvassing of the Nov. 2 General Election with integrity and transparency – and in accordance with the laws and rules that govern the elections process." ...more

Nov. 10, 2004
King County road crews ready to push snow and chase water
The King County Roads Services Division is prepped and primed to deal with whatever this winter may dish out in the way of rain, snow, ice and wind.

Nov. 10, 2004
Metro Transit ready to roll with the snow and ice
King County Metro Transit is putting the final touches on its extensive winter plan to keep people moving when the snow begins to fall or roads ice up.

Nov. 10, 2004
King County's Flood Warning Center poised for duty as winter weather arrives
When winter storms pour in and rivers threaten to overtop their banks, King County's Flood Warning Center kicks into action to provide citizens and property owners the information they need to deal with river flooding and its consequences.

Nov. 10, 2004
StormReady designation rewards King County's nationally-acclaimed work serving flood-prone areas
King County's efforts to protect people and property in flood-prone areas have already earned the highest Community Rating System (CRS) rating of any county in the United States. Today, King County's CRS rating will get an additional lift, which is more good news for the county's flood insurance policyholders.

Nov. 10, 2004
County residents take advantage of on-line payment system
Purchasing your pet license or paying your King County property tax bill no longer requires a stamp or a trip in your car. King County is now implementing an on-line program that allows you to make those payments via the County’s new eCommerce payment service.

Nov. 9, 2004
King County to preview eCommerce services
Media advisory: King County Executive Ron Sims, and King County Councilmembers Dow Constantine and Jane Hague tomorrow will preview eCommerce services allowing residents to pay for services online.

Nov. 9, 2004
Executive sends five-year Housing and Community Development Plan to County Council
How will $21 million per year in federal, state and local funds be invested to address affordable housing, homelessness and community development needs in King County’s communities over the next five years? The King County Consortium's "Consolidated Housing and Community Development Plan 2005-2009", recently transmitted by King County Executive Ron Sims to the Metropolitan King County Council lays out a comprehensive, strategic plan for those investments.

Nov. 9, 2003
Luminary bag lighting to draw attention to the plight of homeless pets and Shelter Appreciation Week
In recognition of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, King County Animal Services and Friends of King County Animal Control will hold a luminary bag lighting ceremony at the King County Kent Animal Shelter on Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 5 p.m. Each of the bags is colorfully decorated with the names and images of honored pets.

Nov. 8, 2004
Election officials to tally record number of provisional ballots
King County Election officials estimate a record 31,700 people voted provisional ballots at the polls last Tuesday. Those ballots are being validated and canvassed this week. The number of provisional ballots includes ballots to be mailed to other counties and states but does not include the number of provisional ballots expected to be received by King County from other counties in the next nine days. Valid provisional ballots will be added to the ballot counts beginning later this week with final, certified results scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 17.

Nov. 5, 2004
Stewardship U: Free public workshop offers the skills to start an environmental project, organize your community
Interested in starting a restoration, watershed protection, or water quality education project in your neighborhood? Does your group wish to be more effective in protecting local streams, wetlands and wild areas?

Nov. 5, 2004
13 citizens to advise on redevelopment of Burke-Gilman Trail in Lake Forest Park
Thirteen citizens have been appointed to a Citizen Advisory Group to advise King County on a Burke-Gilman Trail Redevelopment Study for the section that runs through the City of Lake Forest Park. The section of the Burke-Gilman Trail in Lake Forest Park is the oldest section of the trail.

Nov. 5, 2004
Friday absentee ballot count
King County Elections today counted 59,337 absentee ballots, bringing the total number of absentee ballots counted to 471,960 (412,623). Election officials estimate some 70,000 absentee ballots remain to be counted as well as provisional ballots.

Nov. 5, 2004
King County seeks volunteers to help salvage native plants near Redmond and give them new life
Join other volunteers from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in a fun-filled morning of digging up native trees and shrubs in King County. Quadrant Homes has provided the salvage site.

Nov. 5, 2004
King County helping Snohomish County Fire District 7 conduct firefighter training
The King County Wastewater Treatment Division is collaborating with Snohomish County Fire District 7 in November to provide training opportunities for firefighters at the Brightwater treatment plant site. Fire District 7 serves Mill Creek and the Clearview, Fernwood, Bear Creek, Maltby, Lost Lake, Gold Creek and other unincorporated areas of south Snohomish County.

Nov. 5, 2004
New wastewater pump station coming for Pacific, Algona residents
King County is starting construction of a new wastewater pump station in the city of Pacific. The current pump station is more than 30 years old and at the end of its useful life. King County's Wastewater Treatment Division is upgrading the station to ensure safe and reliable operation while protecting public health and water quality.

Nov. 5, 2004
Cedar River Naturalists offer one last chance to see salmon and learn about their natural history
Your last opportunity of the season to view salmon while learning more about this Pacific Northwest wonder from volunteer Cedar River Naturalists occurs this Saturday. November 6 is the final day of the Cedar River Salmon Journey program for 2004.

Nov. 4, 2004
Daily absentee ballot count
King County Elections today counted 79,655 absentee ballots, bringing the total number of absentee ballots counted to 412,623. Election officials will continue to process and count absentee ballots as they come in through the mail.

Nov. 3, 2004
EPA inducts King County into WasteWise Hall of Fame
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has distinguished King County's outstanding recycling collection, waste prevention and "buying recycled" practices by making King County the first government agency inductee into the national WasteWise Hall of Fame.

Nov. 3, 2004
Call for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award Nominations
Dear King County employees: As preparations are underway for our annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday in January, the 2005 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Planning Committee and King County Executive Ron Sims again want to recognize the notable accomplishments of King County employees who have carried on the work of Dr. King, either through their individual efforts or through the efforts of their agencies or work groups. King County employees have shown great dedication to making Dr. King’s vision a reality in their workplace and in their communities. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award is an opportunity for all of us to honor these achievements.

Nov. 3, 2004
Absentee ballot count may tip scale on close races
After processing a record number of absentee ballots on Election Day yesterday, King County Elections today counted 99,714 additional absentee ballots, bringing the total number of absentee ballots counted to 332,968. Working longer hours to provide results more quickly, election officials estimate some 241,600 absentee ballots could still come through the mail through Friday.

Nov. 3, 2004
Sims to present 2004 employee recognition awards to Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention staff
Media advisory: King County Executive Ron Sims tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 4, 2004, will join the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) at the fifth annual Employee Recognition Awards Ceremony. This ceremony will recognize exceptional performance and outstanding contributions made by King County’s DAJD employees, volunteers, and others who work with or for the department.

Nov. 2, 2004
General election mid-day update
Activity thus far appears to support projections of a high voter turnout in today's election. Anecdotal evidence gathered through phone activity and talking with voters and poll workers alike indicates that most polling locations have experienced a consistent flow of voters since the polls opened at 7 a.m. this morning.

Nov. 2, 2004
King County issues first flood alerts of the season
The first heavy rainstorm of the season has prompted the King County Flood Warning Center to issue Phase Two flood alerts for both the Tolt and Snoqualmie rivers this morning. The Flood Warning Center was activated at 8 a.m. and is closely monitoring conditions. A Phase Two flood alert means minor flooding can be expected in low-lying areas along those rivers. Some roads in those areas may also need to be closed due to the flooding.

Nov. 1, 2004
General election update
We anticipate a very busy day at the polls on Tuesday and we are predicting a turnout of at least 82% in King County by the time the election is certified on Nov. 17.

October

Oct. 29, 2004
Sims to host joint annual forum for King County Unincorporated Area Councils
Media advisory: King County Executive Ron Sims will host a joint forum to meet with the six King County Unincorporated Area Councils (UACs). The public is encouraged to join Executive Sims, King County department directors, other elected officials and residents and members of the county’s unincorporated areas as they discuss various issues facing their communities.

Oct. 28, 2004
Officers "Surround the Sound" to prevent real-life frights during Halloween
Public Health – Seattle & King County and the King County Traffic Safety Coalition announced today that law enforcement officers in King County and nine other counties around Puget Sound will "Surround the Sound" this upcoming weekend. They will be conducting traffic safety emphasis patrols from Oct. 29 through Oct. 31, looking for dangerous and unsafe drivers.

Oct. 26, 2004
Sims thanks County Councilmembers for support of critical environmental protections
King County Executive Ron Sims today thanked County Councilmembers for adopting critical protections that will protect the region's most critical areas and will leave a legacy of environmental safeguards for future generations.

Oct. 26, 2004
Metro Transit pilot project may tip balancefor new statewide industry
King County Metro Transit's nationally recognized fleet of clean buses is about to become even cleaner, and will help bring to Washington the first in-state commercial-scale production of biodiesel fuel made from seed crops. The pilot program will also serve as an investment in Washington’s sustainable future.

Oct. 26, 2004
Election observer training slated for Saturday
King County Elections will hold a one-hour election observer training session Saturday, Oct. 30, 2004. The session is open to individuals or groups interested in observing polling, ballot processing, and/or election night activities during the Nov. 2 General Election.

Oct. 25, 2004
King County and City of Seattle to introduce state's newest and largest consumer of renewable biodiesel fuel
Media advisory: King County Executive Ron Sims will welcome Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, City Light Superintendent Jorge Carrasco and other partners in celebrating another major step toward energy independence tomorrow when he turns on the pump and begins fueling the first bus in Metro Transit's fleet with a cleaner biodiesel blend. A tanker truck will deliver 9,000 gallons of the fuel. Also, see a wrapped Metro bus take the shape of a bottle of veggie oil symbolizing the farm crops that will help fuel transit fleets of the future.

Oct. 25, 2004
Sewer workers quickly stop overflow caused by power outage
King County's sewer utility staff worked quickly Sunday morning, Oct. 24, after a Seattle City Light power outage caused the small Barton Street Pump Station to overflow into Puget Sound near the Fauntleroy ferry dock. After getting a warning of the outage, workers hauled a portable generator to the station and had it pumping wastewater again less than 15 minutes after the overflow began.

Oct. 22, 2004
King County Parks seeking entrepreneurial proposals
If you've got ideas for innovative concepts that can enhance services and generate revenue for parks and pools -- and, of course, your business -- King County wants to hear from you. For the third straight year, King County Parks is distributing nationwide a formal Request for Ideas and Proposals (RFI&P). Any for-profit, non-profit, group or individual is eligible to submit a venture proposal.

Oct. 22, 2004
Sims supports Carnation sewer plan; Fosters well-planned growth
King County Executive Ron Sims today approved the City of Carnation's comprehensive sewer plan, which calls for the city to contract with the county to build, operate, and maintain a sewage treatment plant for Carnation's current 2,100 residents, 700 homes, and businesses that employ 600 people.

Oct. 22, 2004
Temporary lane closure required on Elliott Avenue West to make sewer connection
Daytime work on Elliott Avenue West between Mercer Place and Harrison Street in Seattle will require temporary closure of one southbound lane beginning Oct. 26. The work is needed to connect a combined sewer overflow facility under construction at 545 Elliott Ave. W. to the city sewer system.

Oct. 20, 2004
Big sockeye return expected to draw plenty of Cedar River Salmon Journey visitors
One of the largest sockeye salmon runs in a decade means Cedar River salmon watchers are in for a real treat this fall. It also means a big year for the Cedar River Salmon Journey, a free program that provides visitors terrific salmon-viewing sites and information about natural history of the bright red salmon.

Oct. 20, 2004
Sims unveils growth report; Progress made on 21st century vision for growth
King County Executive Ron Sims today released the 2004 Annual Growth Report and the 2004 Benchmark Economics Bulletin which together herald tremendous successes from the past decade of growth management, outline continued challenges for the region, and show signs that the county is recovering from the recession.

Oct. 19, 2004
Sims to release King County's 2004 Annual Growth Report and Benchmark Economic Bulletin
Media advisory: King County Executive Ron Sims will hold a press conference tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004 to release the 2004 Annual Growth Report and 2004 Benchmark Economic Bulletin. The report and bulletin provides an in-depth look at the region's growth and its impacts.

Oct. 18, 2004
Sound fiscal management reflected in BAN sale
In a reflection of continued strong fiscal stewardship, King County Executive Ron Sims today announced that $46.4 million in limited tax general obligation Bond Anticipation Notes (BANs) have been sold at competitive interest rates.

Oct. 17, 2004
Safeguards in place for voters who receive duplicate ballots
Late last week, election officials learned some voters received duplicate ballots. Due to the ongoing surge in voter registration activity and the legal deadline to mail absentee ballots, some 3,500 King County voters may have received duplicate ballots at the same address. Those voters are advised to vote and return one ballot and discard the duplicates.

Oct. 16, 2004
King County Animal Shelters full
The time has never been better to adopt an adult cat or kitten from a King County Animal Services shelter. Through the end of October, the adoption price for kittens is only $40, and adult cats are just $20. King County Animal Shelters continue to be full of cats and kittens providing cat lovers with a great opportunity to add a new member to their family for a lot less than the regular $75 adoption fee.

Oct. 15, 2004
Sims and Constantine Express Concern Over Oiled Beaches on Maury and Vashon Islands
Returning Vashon and Maury Island beaches to their original condition before Thursday's oil spill is absolutely necessary said King County Executive Ron Sims after surveying beaches and listening to concerns of Island residents Friday.

Oct. 15, 2004
Metro Transit mechanics top international competition for second year in a row
Three mechanics from King County Metro Transit have once again taken first place in the International Transit Maintenance Roadeo – the second year in a row the same trio has won the event.

Oct. 15, 2004
Infant mortality in King County at new low, but concerning disparities remain
King County Executive Ron Sims joined with Public Health - Seattle & King County at this morning's King County Board of Health meeting to release updated report findings on infant mortality rates in King County.

Oct. 15, 2004
Sims, Constantine to view damage from oil spill
Media advisory: King County Executive Ron Sims and County Councilmember Dow Constantine today will view the damage from the recent oil spill in Puget Sound to King County's Marine Park on Vashon Island, where oil is about four feet up onto the beach.

Oct. 14, 2004
Avoid touching oil at contaminated beaches, Public Health advises
An oil spill of unknown origin and type was reported to the Washington State Department of Ecology on Oct. 14, 2004. The oil spill is generally in the area of Commencement Bay in Pierce County and in King County on Vashon/Maury Island. The oil slick may reach Federal Way and Des Moines. Public Health - Seattle & King County is working with the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks to post the nearshore and water areas of oiled beaches as closed on Vashon-Maury Island.

Oct. 14, 2004
Open house Oct. 28 at new Brightwater Project Office
Neighbors of the future Brightwater wastewater treatment plant are invited to an open house Thursday, Oct. 28, at the new Brightwater Project Office north of Woodinville. The open house is scheduled to run from 3-7 p.m. in the building at 22509 State Route 9 S.E.

Oct. 13, 2004
King County leads nation in number of absentee ballots mailed
King County Elections mailed record numbers of absentee ballots to voters in King County today. With more than 570,000 mailed, absentee ballots will soon begin arriving in voters' mail boxes -- representing the most ever mailed for an election in King County. Second only to Los Angeles County, California, King County issues and processes more ballots through the mail than any other jurisdiction in the country.

Oct. 12, 2004
Community environmental projects get a boost from King County grant funding
Ten community projects aimed at protecting, restoring and educating about the local environment will receive nearly $230,000 in the latest round of Grant Exchange funding announced today by the King County.

Oct. 12, 2004
Public Health takes additional steps to make sure influenza vaccine is used appropriately
In response to the national influenza ("flu") vaccine shortage, Public Health - Seattle & King County today is invoking a health order to direct who may receive the vaccine to ensure continued high level of compliance with vaccination guidelines.

Oct. 11, 2004
2005 Budget Address
Read a transcript of Executive Sims' speech on the proposed 2005 budget.

Oct. 11, 2004
Mobile registration gives second chance to hopeful voters
With the deadline to register to vote in the upcoming General Election just days away, King County Elections and the League of Women Voters have partnered to bring in-person registration to neighborhoods throughout the county. King County Elections and the LWV have designated a 25-foot Recreational Vehicle as an official Elections satellite station through Monday, Oct. 18, the last day to register to vote in-person for the Nov. 2 General Election.

Oct. 11, 2004
2005 Executive Proposed Budget
Dear King County employees: The 2005 budget is balanced and strong and reflects all the hard work we have done over the last several years in stabilizing King County government. The $3.3 billion budget contains no drastic reductions, no consolidations and no large scale cuts to programs, services or staff.

Oct. 11, 2004
Sims proposes 2005 budget; King County now poised to 'tackle pressing regional issues'
King County Executive Ron Sims today submitted a balanced $3.3 billion 2005 budget to the County Council, calling it a blueprint for healthy people, a healthy economy and healthy communities that will continue to stabilize county government.

Oct. 8, 2004
Cedar River Salmon Journey combines terrific salmon-viewing opportunity with natural history lesson
As thousands of bright red sockeye salmon return to the Cedar River this fall, a free program titled Cedar River Salmon Journey offers a wonderful chance to watch these magnificent creatures and learn about their natural history.

Oct. 8, 2004
Final environmental impact statement to be issued for Carnation wastewater treatment facility
The final environmental impact statement for the Carnation Wastewater Treatment Facility will be available for public review after Oct. 15.

Oct. 8, 2004
Sims to deliver 2005 budget address
King County Executive Ron Sims will deliver his 2005 Executive Proposed Budget this Monday, Oct. 11. The 2005 budget address is scheduled to take place: at 1:30 p.m. in the King County Council Chambers.

Oct. 5, 2004
Public Health asks public and health care providers for help in getting flu vaccine to highest risk groups
In response to the announcement by Chiron, one of the two major flu (influenza) vaccine manufacturers for the United States, that it will not be supplying any flu vaccine nationally for the 2004-2005 influenza season, Public Health - Seattle & King County is asking for the help of the public and health care providers in getting available flu vaccine to those at highest risk for complications from the illness.

Oct. 5, 2004
Domestic violence awareness
King County is a national leader in its commitment to address and end domestic violence. However, domestic violence continues to ravage families in every neighborhood of every community. What can YOU do to end domestic violence here in King County? We invite you to attend a Domestic Violence Rally from noon - 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2004 at Westlake Center.

Oct. 4, 2004
Ten arrested in prostitution crackdown
Nine men and one woman were arrested as part of the Sheriff's Office Vice Unit continued crackdown on street level prostitution. The arrests occurred Friday night, Oct. 1, over a four-hour time period.

Oct. 4, 2004
Two arrested, guns & drugs found during Woodinville-area search warrant
Two people were arrested during a search warrant last Friday (Oct. 1). Drugs, cash, and several weapons were found in a house located just outside the City of Woodinville.

Oct. 4, 2004
Disability Awareness Month
During Disability Awareness Month in October, we celebrate the talents and contributions of our employees with disabilities, and we recognize all efforts to ensure opportunities and equal access through the enforcement of civil rights legislation.

Oct. 1, 2004
King County using seismic findings in design of Brightwater Treatment Plant
After about 1 1/2 days of early analysis at the far north end of the Brightwater wastewater treatment plant site, a seismologist with the U.S. Geological Survey says there is evidence part of a seismic fault runs through the area north of the planned treatment plant.

Oct. 1, 2004
'Always At Your Service' King County's Web site wins national recognition
King County Executive Ron Sims today announced that the county’s public service Web site, www.metrokc.gov, has received the Center for Digital Government’s prestigious “Best of the Web” award. Placing fourth in this year’s city/county portal competition, this marks the second year in a row that King County has placed in the top five.

Oct. 1, 2004
Natural Resources and Parks Month
Executive Sims recognizes October 2004 as Natural Resources and Parks Month.

September

Sept. 30, 2004
With flood season on the way, Sims encourages residents to keep families safe
Recognizing October as "Flood Awareness Month," King County Executive Ron Sims today urged residents living in flood-prone areas to prepare for the possibility of rising rivers and streams with a personal flood-preparedness plan.

Sept. 29, 2004
Deadline for new voters Saturday, Oct. 2
New voters who wish to vote in the upcoming November 2 General Election must have their voter registration applications postmarked by Oct. 2, 2004. King County Elections will open its office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, October 2, 2004 to accept new voter registration applications. Voters who miss the 30-day deadline, and wish to vote in the General Election, may register in-person at the King County Elections Office through 6 p.m. Oct. 18, 2004.

Sept. 29, 2004
Slambox finds permanent home at King County's White Center Park
For years, the increasingly popular sport of Slambox has roamed the region temporarily installing in clubs and parks where avid players could participate. Now, thanks to a revenue sharing agreement between King County Parks and Slambox, the sport has found a permanent home at White Center Park.

Sept. 29, 2004
Snoqualmie community, agencies celebrate expected relief from destructive floodwaters
Flood season is approaching but the Snoqualmie community is resting a little easier now that work is essentially complete on a multi-million dollar river-widening project to reduce the threat of devastating floodwaters.

Sept. 29, 2004
King County directory provides educators a valuable resource
Lesson plans, ideas for educational field trips and award-winning instructional videos are among the resources King County has put at teachers' fingertips with its annual King County Programs for Educators Directory. The directory is a comprehensive resource made available to teachers each year that describes the many county-produced materials, funding sources and organizations that can help educators shape a curriculum that is rich in information about our natural environment.

Sept. 29, 2004
Elementary school kids learn about nutrition at local farm tomorrow
Media Advisory: Please join students from Salmon Creek Elementary who will visit a picturesque Fall City farm the morning of September 30 to learn things like which vegetables help fight disease, promote healthy skin, and why buying vegetables locally helps family farms. Thursday, September 30, anytime from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fall City Farms 3636 Neal Road SE, Fall City 98024

Sept. 29, 2004
Open house in Covington on proposed wastewater facilities to serve planned growth in south King County
Plans for new wastewater facilities in south King County will be explained at a community open house on Wednesday, Oct. 13, in Covington. In a 2002 agreement with the Soos Creek Water and Sewer District, King County committed to build and operate three regional pump stations and 10 miles of sewer line.

Sept. 29, 2004
Case of teen with meningococcal disease not a risk to public
Public Health - Seattle & King County has conducted an investigation into the case of a teenager at Riverside High School in Auburn with meningococcal disease. Though this person is seriously ill, this case does not pose a risk to the general public. Public Health has recommended preventive antibiotics for close contacts, including family members and nine members of the school community.

Sept. 28, 2004
New King County Web site tells people how to get rid of it
An average person owns a lot of unwanted stuff--typically four gallons of paint, two pounds of pesticides and a couple of old televisions are sitting in the garage collecting dust. King County's Solid Waste Division has redesigned its Web site to make it easier to find out what to do with all of those unwanted things.

Sept. 28, 2004
Sims thanks County Council for adopting county planning policies
King County Executive Ron Sims today thanked the members of the County Council for adopting the comprehensive planning policies he proposed earlier this year as an outstanding blueprint for the county's future.

Sept. 27, 2004
Public Health issues annual report on Medic One and Emergency Medical Services
Public Health - Seattle & King County has issued the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division’s 2004 Annual Report that reviews emergency medical services projects, programs and initiatives, many of which involve broad partnerships that have improved efficiencies in paramedic responses.

Sept. 27, 2004
County vehicle, equipment auction set for this Saturday, Oct. 2
King County's semi-annual equipment auction featuring dozens of cars, trucks, vans and heavy equipment — plus a few buses, small trailers, and park playground items — will be held Saturday, Oct. 2 at 9 a.m. in Renton.

Sept. 24, 2004
Local farmers gearing up for King County Harvest Celebration Farm Tour
Twenty-three farm families around King County are readying for Oct. 2, when thousands of King County residents will visit their farms on the Harvest Celebration Farm Tour.

Sept. 24, 2004
New Metro bus routes, service changes begin Sept. 25
King County Metro Transit is gearing up for a major service change starting Saturday, Sept. 25. This particular service change features bus stop relocations for many who travel to or from downtown Seattle, plus some major service revisions – including new bus routes – for the Burien-White Center and Rainier Valley-Tukwila travel corridors.

Sept. 23, 2004
Three-Day Wastemobile Event comes to Federal Way
King County residents can bring their household wastes to the three-day Wastemobile event on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 1-3, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Wastemobile will be located at the Sears, SeaTac Mall, 1701 S. 320th St. at the southwest corner of the parking lot on Pacific Highway South and South 324th St.

Sept. 23, 2004
Special Wastemobile Event comes to Redmond
King County residents can bring their household wastes to the Special Wastemobile Event on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 8-10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Wastemobile will be located at the Bear Creek Park & Ride, 7760 178th Pl NE, close to the intersection of NE Union Hill Rd and 178th Place NE.

Sept. 22, 2004
New marine nearshore study affirms salmon reliance on entire ecosystem
Newly released research provides insight into how juvenile salmon use Central Puget Sound nearshore marine areas and provides evidence that it is the entire nearshore ecosystem, and not individual habitats or small areas within it, that supports salmon.

Sept. 22, 2004
Olympic Phenoms Michael Phelps, Ian Crocker and Lenny Krayzelburg Coming To Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center For Disney's Swim with the Stars
King County is proud to host Disney's Swim with the Stars, a first-ever interactive swim tour featuring the world's greatest swimmers. The Tour will showcase the unparalleled accomplishments of each swimmer in a unique, exciting and intimate atmosphere. Each Show will be filled with special insight into the stars' preparation, races and strokes; including demonstrations, rematches from Athens, and a chance to swim a relay with the Stars and special guests.

Sept. 22, 2004
Hearing examiner approves shoreline permit for Brightwater tunnel portal, Puget Sound outfall
A Snohomish County hearing examiner has approved a key permit for building the Brightwater Treatment Plant outfall off Point Wells and for part of the tunnel leading to it. The hearing examiner found that King County properly met all Snohomish County requirements for building a portal to stage construction of three miles of the deep tunnel under the city of Shoreline and the planned 1-mile-long underwater pipeline in Puget Sound.

Sept. 22, 2004
King County learns it can keep $6.6 million in federal grants for wastewater projects
King County's regional wastewater treatment utility got some good news Tuesday: It doesn't have to return more than $6.6 million in federal funds that it received between 1976 and 1994. The funds had been awarded to the county utility's predecessor, the Municipality of Metropolitan Seattle, or Metro.

Sept. 20, 2004
Capital bond sale reflects superior investment rating for King County
King County Executive Ron Sims today announced the sale of $82.4 million in Limited Tax General Obligation bonds which attracted a low interest rate based on the county's consistent success in conservative fiscal management.

Sept. 20, 2004
With river work complete, Snoqualmie community, agencies to celebrate expected flood relief
Flood season is almost here and yet the Snoqualmie community can rest a little easier this fall now that work is essentially complete on a multi-million dollar river-widening project to reduce the threat of devastating floodwaters.

Sept. 17, 2004
Kids to visit farm for lesson in nutrition as King County Harvest Celebration kicks off on Sept. 30
Media advisory: Please join students from Salmon Creek Elementary who will visit a picturesque Fall City farm the morning of September 30 to learn things like which vegetables help fight disease, promote healthy skin, and why buying vegetables locally helps family farms.

Sept. 17, 2004
County surplus land to go to farmers' market
King County Executive Ron Sims today announced a proposal to allow the surplus and sale of three parcels of land totaling about 20 acres to the Friends of the Woodinville Farmers' Market. The land will be used for a permanent location for the market as well as for agricultural use.

Sept. 16, 2004
Constantine proposes more flexibility for regulations protecting critical areas in King County
After six months of extensive public comment and careful study, the Chair of the King County Council's Growth Management and Unincorporated Areas Committee today offered amendments to proposed rural land-use regulations designed to protect critical areas. The Chair's proposals would moderate forest clearing limits on small- and mid-sized parcels, eliminate a strict "ten percent" water runoff rule in favor of best management practices, and offer site-specific flexibility in the width of wetland buffers.

Sept. 15, 2004
King County to auction off last Kingdome goal post on eBay
The last official goal post from the Kingdome – home of the Seattle Seahawks from 1976 to 1999 – is now up for bid on the Internet. The goal post has been buried among other King County surplus items for several years. Staff from the King County Department of Transportation's Fleet Administration Division, which manages the county's surplus equipment, have recently been cleaning house and unearthed the regulation-size goal post.

Sept. 15, 2004
Leaders throughout the county create action agenda for obesity prevention
The King County Board of Health, the University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine, and Public Health - Seattle & King County brought together approximately 200 participants from around the county to address one of the most serious health problems facing the local community: overweight and obesity.

Sept. 14, 2005
Back-to-School Month Recognition
Executive Sims recognizes September 2004 as Back-To-School Month.

Sept. 14, 2004
Lengthy ballot, new Primary system make for slower ballot processing
The complexity and length of the new primary ballot mean election results in King County will come in slower tonight than in a typical elections.

Sept. 14, 2004
Suspect shot after two people stabbed
Two veteran King County Sheriff deputies were involved in a shooting last night (Sept. 13), after pursuing a stabbing suspect from the Skyway neighborhood into the City of Seattle. The suspect later died from his wounds.

Sept. 13, 2004
Public Health releases 2003 Medical Examiner's annual report on deaths in King County
Public Health - Seattle & King County's Medical Examiner's Office released its annual report documenting investigated deaths and death trends for calendar year 2003. Of the 1,815 deaths investigated by the Medical Examiner, there were 93 homicides, 179 fatal traffic crashes, 482 other kinds of fatal accidents (injuries), 217 suicides and 220 drug/poison deaths.

Sept. 10, 2004
Dine out Sept. 16 and support restaurants that support local family farms
Enticing people to "Dine Out for Family Farmers," many of the Puget Sound's finest restaurants will offer price-fixed meals that feature fresh, delicious, locally grown farm products on the evening of September 16.

Sept. 10, 2004
Public comment sought on pet garden at King County's Marymoor Park
King County and non-profit groups Serve our Dog Area (SODA), Friends of Marymoor Park and the Marymoor Community Gardeners Association are seeking public comment on a proposed pet garden at Marymoor Park. A workshop will be held to share information on the proposed location and design and to hear opinions from the public on the idea.

Sept. 10, 2004
Parking improvements for visitors to Cougar Mountain
New parking for 40 cars and 8 horse trailers will soon be available to visitors of Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park.

Sept. 10, 2004
Three public meetings in September on reducing impacts of Brightwater wastewater pipeline
Public meetings are scheduled Sept. 21, 22 and 28 in Shoreline, Bothell and Kenmore on plans for building and operating a wastewater conveyance pipeline for the future Brightwater Treatment Plant. Project planners are seeking more ideas to make sure Brightwater is a good neighbor.

Sept. 10, 2004
King County Board of Health meeting on Sept. 17, 2004
The King County Board of Health will hold its next meeting on Friday, Sept. 17, 2004, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 9, 2004
Choosing fresh at the supermarket means helping Puget Sound family farmers
Shopping for local farm products at the supermarket means enjoying the best flavor, all the health benefits of fresh produce, and ensuring that our local family farms have a market for their products for many years to come.

Sept. 9, 2004
Nighttime lane closures on Valley Street between Terry and Westlake avenues in Seattle
Nighttime work on Valley Street between Terry and Westlake avenues north in Seattle will require the temporary closure of two westbound lanes beginning Sept. 13. The work involves replacing about 200 feet of a damaged 24-inch City of Seattle water line.

Sept. 8, 2004
Government agencies ease permitting hurdles
Permit applicants for many large or highly sensitive construction projects will find the regulatory process easier to navigate, thanks to two agreements signed by King County, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington State Department of Ecology and the Army Corps of Engineers.

Sept. 8, 2004
Promoting HIV/AIDS awareness is aim of weekend soccer tournament for local African immigrant communities
Over Sept. 10 -12, members of the King County African immigrant community will come together to play and watch soccer and to learn about preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS in their local communities.

Sept. 7, 2004
Creating a younger, cleaner and more efficient fleet
In 1996, the average age of a King County Metro Transit bus was almost 12 years old. That year was the beginning of a youth movement in the Metro fleet, as the transit agency began taking delivery of 360 new 40-foot diesel coaches. By 1998 the average age of Metro coaches on the road had fallen to 8.7 years. Today, with the addition of 100 new low floor buses and the first installment of 213 hybrid electric buses, coaches have become even younger, with the average age in the Metro fleet roughly five years old.

Sept. 7, 2004
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month
"I, Ron Sims, King County Executive, do hereby recognize September 2004 as Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in King County. I encourage all residents and businesses to join me in raising awareness that substance-abuse treatment is effective and that recovery reclaims lives and futures."

Sept. 3, 2004
King County Alert! Road closures and conditions
King County has closed Novelty Hill Road and West Snoqualmie Valley Road due to trees in the powerlines caused by overnight rain and breezy conditions. Both roads are expected to be closed for several hours. Motorists are urged to use Woodinville - Duvall Road or NE Union Hill Road as alternates.

Sept. 3, 2004
New information available about plans for Brightwater treatment system
King County has issued a fourth addendum to the final environmental impact statement for the Brightwater wastewater treatment facilities.

Sept. 2, 2004
More police hit the road this weekend
This Labor Day weekend 33 million people in the United States will travel for one last summer trip. In our region, joining them on this journey will be extra police patrols.

Sept. 2, 2004
Sims signs extraordinary Snoqualmie Forest preservation agreement of national merit
King County Executive Ron Sims today signed one of the nation's largest forest preservation agreements for land in a major urban area with the $22 million purchase of development rights to the Snoqualmie Forest from Hancock Timber Resource Group.

Sept. 1, 2004
Media Advisory: Nationally important environmental protection agreement to be made
A major environmental protection agreement of national significance will be finalized tomorrow, at 11:30 a.m, Thursday, Sept. 2, Columbia Tower Club, 75th floor, Bank of America Tower. 701 Fifth Avenue, Seattle. Environmental leaders will join King County Council Chair Larry Phillips and Executive Sims during the contract signing.

August

Aug. 31, 2004
Executive Sims statement regarding Anderson v. Sims appeal
This afternoon, The King County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney filed its appeal of Andersen v Sims, the so-called same-sex marriage case, to the State Supreme Court. This action follows the ruling earlier this month by King County Superior Court Judge William Downing finding the state’s Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional.

Aug. 31, 2004
Nine-day closure for south end of West Snoqualmie Valley Road
The King County Road Services Division will close West Snoqualmie Valley Road west of Carnation for nine days beginning Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 7 a.m.

Aug. 31, 2004
King Street Center grabs the gold
King Street Center is the first building in the Pacific Northwest and one of only a handful nationwide to receive a Gold level rating from the U.S. Green Building Council for features in existing buildings that help conserve natural resources and protect the environment.

Aug. 30, 2004
Boys and Girls Club leader is new King County Parks Director
King County Executive Ron Sims today announced that King County’s new Parks and Recreation Director is Suzanne Little, a former Alaska State Senator, who has spent nine years managing Boys and Girls Clubs in Washington and Alaska.

Aug. 30, 2004
Sixth annual Harvest Celebration Farm Tour announced
Washington State Universty King County Extension's sixth annual Harvest Celebration Farm Tour will be Saturday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The free self-guided tour is an opportunity for King County residents to introduce themselves to farms within an easy drive from their homes.

Aug. 30, 2004
Healthy bond rating attracts low bids
King County Executive Ron Sims today announced the sale of $57 million in Limited Tax General Obligation bonds to retire existing debt on more favorable terms. The winning bid from ABN-AMRO Financial Services generated a true interest cost of 3.59 percent and will produce a debt savings for the county of approximately $400,000 per year over the remaining 12-year term of the original bonds.

Aug. 30, 2004
King County assures voters 37-cent stamp will cover absentee ballots
King County residents returning their absentee ballot for the September 14th primary are advised to mail their ballots with a single, 37-cent stamp. Any additional costs will be paid by King County from state funding appropriated to cover additional costs of Washington’s new primary.

Aug. 30, 2004
Deputies shoot man holding rifle
A man holding a rifle and threatening deputies was shot this morning (August 28, 2004) about 8:20 AM in the City of SeaTac. He was taken to Harborview Medical Center in serious to critical condition.

Aug. 26, 2004
King County earns national 'Seal of Approval' for its biosolids recycling program
King County's Wastewater Treatment Division today became one of the first public wastewater utilities in the United States to receive a prestigious national "Seal of Approval" for its biosolids program.

Aug. 26, 2004
Task Force on Regional Human Services releases final report, recommendations
The Task Force on Regional Human Services, appointed by King County Executive Ron Sims, today transmitted to the Executive their final report and recommendations for addressing the stability of the region’s health and human service system.

Aug. 26, 2004
Sims names Ken Ray as new jail director
King County Executive Ron Sims today announced the appointment of Kenneth Ray as Director of the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention. Ray, who is currently serving as the Yakima County Department of Corrections and Security Director, was selected after a national search.

Aug. 25, 2004
Concerned about flooding issues? King County schedules workshops to gather public input on flood plan update
King County will present a series of workshops in September to gather public input on the issues to be addressed when updating the 1993 Flood Hazard Reduction Plan, the county’s blueprint for providing public health and safety services before, during, and after a flood.

Aug. 26, 2004
Community open house Sept. 9 on decision process, factors for Carnation wastewater treatment facility
Representatives of King County and the City of Carnation will hold a community open house Thursday, Sept. 9, on the decision process for the Carnation wastewater treatment plant and its conveyance pipe and discharge. They'll also be explaining factors to be considered in choosing facility sites.

Aug. 24, 2004
Late summer storms causing winter-like problems in King County
The calendar may say August, but King County road maintenance crews are keeping busy today responding to the type of road problems normally seen during the fall and winter storm season.

Aug. 23, 2004
King County ready for historic new primary; first ballots in the mail Wednesday
It's three weeks until the September 14 primary and King County Elections is poised to respond to the challenges of a new elections process that replaces the blanket primary that had been used in Washington for nearly 70 years.

Aug. 23, 2004
Harborview bond sale attracts low rate; reflects continued high bond rating for County
King County Executive Ron Sims today announced the sale of $54 million in bonds to support seismic improvements at Haborview Medical Center. King County also continued its record of positive financial ratings issued in conjunction with bond sales.

Aug. 20, 2004
Toddler goes for a walk: saved from sure-death by Metro bus driver
A 2 1/2 year-old little boy decided to go out for an unaccompanied stroll on Wednesday night, Aug. 18. Unfortunately, his walk took him across busy Aurora Avenue North, and right into the path of Metro coach, headed southbound on Aurora, about the 14900 block.

Aug. 20, 2004
Special Food Worker Training/Testing offered in North Bend on Aug. 27, 2004
Public Health - Seattle & King County will be conducting training and testing of food workers on Friday, August 27, 2004 at 3:00 p.m. at the Mount Si Senior Center in North Bend. Those successfully completing the training and passing the required test will receive a Food Worker Card.

Aug. 18, 2004
King County to receive prestigious national certification of its biosolids recycling program
King County's Wastewater Treatment Division on Thursday, Aug. 26, will be one of the first public wastewater utilities in the United States to receive a prestigious national certification award for its biosolids program. Biosolids are the nutrient-rich organic byproduct of wastewater treatment that the county recycles as a soil amendment.

Aug. 18, 2004
Touch a bat? Get it tested for rabies, advises Public Health
Although bats usually don’t pose a threat to humans, they are the primary carrier of the rabies virus in western Washington. So far this summer, 40 King County residents have reported exposure to a rabid or possibly rabid bat.

Aug. 18, 2004
Demolition of the old Norman Bridge to start soon
The King County Road Services Division will begin dismantling the old Norman Bridge on the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River northeast of North Bend during the week of Aug. 23. The project is expected to last up to two months.

Aug. 12, 2004
Marymoor the third King County park to offer RV camping
Trails, ball fields, the Sammamish River and the U.S. Bank outdoor concerts at Marymoor Park can now be literally right outside your door – if you are camping in a recreational vehicle. Marymoor Park joins Tolt MacDonald Park and the King County Fairgrounds in Enumclaw in offering RV camping.

Aug. 12, 2004
King County Parks has an appetite for Subway
Hungry athletes can soon find convenient, healthy food without leaving King County parks and recreation facilities thanks to an agreement with Subway that will bring the food outlet to the King County Aquatic Center and possibly several parks including Marymoor.

Aug. 13, 2004
Courthouse Seismic Project comes to a successful close
King County Executive Ron Sims today announces that the Courthouse Seismic Project has been completed. The $86 million seismic project on the 88 year old structure was completed in 22 months as scheduled and on budget. The Courthouse Seismic Project was part of a conglomeration of projects in the courthouse totaling $105 million.

Aug. 12, 2004
14 weeks after rescue, King County releases pair of juvenile Great Horned owls
Staff with the Great Horned owlTwo rescued juvenile Great Horned owls were released back into the wild last week at a pair of King County facilities on the Eastside. The owls, found as babies at King County’s Marymoor Park last April, were released at separate locations – one at the park and the other at a former King County landfill near Duvall.

Aug. 12, 2004
Status of Regional Homeland Security funding in King County
The Department of Homeland Security has been issuing grants to the states with direction to pass money down to the local level. The King County Office of Emergency Management (KCOEM), which has been serving as the administrative agent for a regional process that includes cities, tribes, hospitals and special purpose districts, announced that over 100 contracts are being issued to organizations for projects that support the Washington State and Seattle-King County Urban Area Homeland Security Strategic Plans.

Aug. 12, 2004
County helps obtain $2.8 million no-interest loan for Vashon wastewater treatment facilities
King County Executive Ron Sims announced today that the county's work with the Vashon Sewer District to secure funds to finance wastewater facilities on the island has led to a no-interest 20-year loan for $2,832,852.

Aug. 11, 2004
Taylor Mountain Public Use Plan available for review
A draft plan exploring appropriate low-impact recreational opportunities in the greater Taylor Mountain Area is now available for public review.

Aug. 11, 2004
King County taking steps to reduce potential West Nile virus impact
Dr. Alonzo Plough, Public Health - Seattle & King County Director, and Pam Bissonnette, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks director, today outlined the current status of West Nile virus in the region and detailed the county's mosquito control efforts to minimize the impact of West Nile virus when it arrives in King County.

Aug. 10, 2004
Six-Day Wastemobile Event comes to Kent
King County residents can bring their household wastes to the Six-day Wastemobile event on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 20-22 and 27-29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Aug. 9, 2004
King County to harvest alder stand on Taylor Mountain Forest
The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks will begin a 66-acre timber harvest on Taylor Mount Forest in mid-August that will leave conifer trees intact and remove a stand of mature red alder trees that are dying.

Aug. 9, 2004
New grant expands oral health services
Public Health - Seattle & King County and the Washington Dental Service Foundation are announcing a new three-year matching grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation totaling $494,200 for the SeaTac Smiles Project of the King County Health Action Plan's Kids Get Care program.

Aug. 6, 2004
Human Services Month
Executive Sims recognizes August 2004 as 'Human Services Month.'

Aug. 5, 2004
Bennett Homes, new member of Construction Works, recognized for environmental leadership
Bennett Homes joins a select group of contractors as a new member of King County’s Construction Works program, which provides free assistance to builders to recycle, reduce waste and use recycled-content building materials.

Aug. 4, 2004
Beetles saving county's wetlands from purple alien invader
Purple loosestrife, that striking magenta wetland invader, was highly conspicuous in King County wetlands as recently as last year. But look again. Thanks to a voracious weed-eating beetle, along with the hard work and cooperation of state, federal and county agencies, purple loosestrife is slowly disappearing.

Aug. 4, 2004
Counties will recognize eight Puget Sound Fresh 'Partners' for supporting local agriculture on Thursday
Please join Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon, King County Executive Ron Sims and members of the local agricultural community in celebrating the local harvest and recognizing eight local retailers and restaurants who have committed their firms to support local agriculture by actively buying and offering locally grown products to their customers.

Aug. 4, 2004
Keep children safe and healthy by immunizing now for the 2004-5 school year
Public Health - Seattle & King County is urging families to prepare early for the new school year by making sure all children's immunizations are up to date. Local law requires children to have the proper immunizations before they return to school.

Aug. 4, 2004
Sims lauds marriage equality decision as a victory for civil rights
King County Executive Ron Sims today applauded the ruling of Superior Court Judge William Downing affirming the right of same-sex couples to marry. Sims invited a judicial review earlier this year when he prohibited county staff from issuing marriage licenses to several same-sex couples. Sims, who has strongly supported marriage equality, publicly welcomed a legal challenge by the couples. He said this is another step on the continuum of this country’s ongoing struggle for civil and human rights.

Aug. 3, 2004
Brightwater Final Environmental Impact Statement ruled adequate
A hearing examiner today upheld the adequacy of the Brightwater Final Environmental Impact Statement and denied the appeal of a citizen group on the condition that the county do further geological study on the site of the planned sewage treatment facility at Route 9 and Highway 522.

Aug. 3, 2004
Counties to celebrate Puget Sound Fresh 'Partners' for 2004 harvest seasonKing County Executive Ron Sims and Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon, along with members of the local agricultural community, will celebrate the local harvest on Thursday, Aug. 5, at 12:30 p.m. at the South 47 Farm, at the corner of NE 124th and the Woodinville-Redmond Road in Redmond.

July

July 30, 2004
Volunteer naturalists sought for Cedar River Salmon Journey
Interested in fish? Good with people? Sign up to be a volunteer naturalist on the Cedar River this fall. Naturalists will receive training from fish and watershed experts and, in return, spend three weekend days making riverside presentations to the public about the Cedar River and its sockeye salmon run.

July 30, 2004
Sunday closure scheduled for South Park Bridge
The King County Road Services Division will close the South Park Bridge over the Duwamish River on 14th/16th Avenue South this Sunday, Aug. 1 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for repairs. The bridge will be closed to both vehicle traffic over the river and large marine vessels on the water.

July 30, 2004
Work begins on Upper Tokul Bridge Aug. 3
The King County Road Services Division will begin work Tuesday, Aug. 3 to improve the seismic stability of the Upper Tokul Bridge, located on Tokul Road Southeast over Tokul Creek near Snoqualmie.

July 29, 2004
Community meeting Aug. 10 in Woodinville on design, mitigation for Brightwater treatment system
Current design plans and environmental impact mitigation for the Brightwater wastewater treatment system will be discussed at a community meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 10, in Woodinville.

July 29, 2004
Weekend closure for NE 124th Street near Duvall
The King County Road Services Division will close a section of Northeast 124th Street south of Duvall this weekend to install a new culvert.

July 29, 2004
Community members needed to advise county on Mt. Si Bridge
The King County Road Services Division is recruiting additional members for the Community Advisory Group (CAG) that will advise the county on design and construction issues associated with replacing the Mt. Si Bridge near North Bend.

July 28, 2004
Beach Naturalist season closing out with extra low tides
With tides at minus 3 or lower for both Saturday and Sunday, King County is expecting thousands to descend on the waterfront for marine life viewing and beachcombing during the Beach Naturalist Program's final weekend.

July 28, 2004
Three-Day Wastemobile Event comes to Issaquah
King County residents can bring their household wastes to the three-day Wastemobile event on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 6 - 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Wastemobile will be located at the Issaquah High School, 700 2nd Ave SE.

July 28, 2004
Highland Games to once again celebrate Scottish heritage at King County Fairgrounds
Caber tossing, Highland dancing, and bag piping return to the King County Fairgrounds in Enumclaw July 31-Aug. 1 as part of the 58th annual Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games & Clan Gathering.

July 28, 2004
Marriage equality issue before Superior Court; Sims says courts ‘appropriate venue’ for action
King County Executive Ron Sims applauded the fact that the constitutionality of Washington State’s Defense of Marriage Act will soon be decided. Arguments were heard yesterday in the Anderson v. Sims case before Superior Court Judge William Downing. A ruling on the case is expected in seven to 10 days.

July 26, 2004
Breastfeeding reduces chance of childhood diseases, obesity, common illnesses
For World Breastfeeding Week (Aug. 1-7), Public Health - Seattle & King County is stressing the overwhelming benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child, including the prevention of serious diseases.

July 22, 2004
'Free Music Saturday' to strike a chord at 142nd annual King County Fair
Want to karaoke to a live rock band?...listen to America's hottest disco hits by Seattle's favorite cover band?...enjoy an intimate performance from four hot Nashville recording artists? You can do all of that free with the price of admission Saturday, July 24, at the 142nd annual King County Fair.

July 23, 2004
Monday marks official start to candidate filings; Single, simple ballot unveiled
As many as 100 King County candidates are expected to officially file for office on Monday as the 2004 candidate filing period kicks off. Coinciding with the filing date, King County Elections is unveiling the single, simple ballot design voters will see in the upcoming September 14 primary election.

July 22, 2004
Your ears (and wallet) are going to love the King County Fair's 2004 headline entertainment
Music lovers who want to see and hear extraordinary outdoor summer concerts up close and personal, but don't want to break the bank, are in for a real treat at the 142nd annual King County Fair, July 21-25 in Enumclaw.

July 22, 2004
Family's old-time logging show celebrates 35th year at King County Fair
Around the time he was playing basketball for the Seattle Supersonics, Tom Black took up axe throwing for fun and ended up winning the event at the 1969 Enumclaw Logging Show.

July 22, 2004
Pelz requests Metro analysis of Seattle monorail project ridership
In a letter sent today to the King County Department of Transportation, Metropolitan King County Councilmember Dwight Pelz formally requested that Metro Transit do an analysis of the Seattle Monorail Project's (SMP) ridership numbers and the assumptions involved in reaching those projections.

July 22, 2004
Councilmembers Ferguson and Irons introduce amendment to Equal Benefits Ordinance
Working to balance the needs of King County with the organizations they contract with, Metropolitan King County Councilmembers Bob Ferguson and David Irons today introduced an amendment to the County’s Equal Benefits Ordinance (EBO) that will give religious organizations more flexibility in providing benefits to employees and their families.

July 22, 2004
Opening day King County Fair attendance shatters one-day record
Buoyed in part by a new Buck-a-roo Wednesday discount promotion -- during which admission, parking, carnival rides and a country western concert were all $1 -- the King County Fair nearly doubled its one-day turnstile attendance record, with 42,816 coming through the gate on the fair's opening day.

July 22, 2004
Metro 'Driver of the Year' popular with both peers and passengers
Earlier this year, a passenger wrote King County Metro Transit to suggest that a photo of Porter Mathis III be posted in every bus because of his great skills as a driver. Obviously other Metro drivers agree with that passenger, because they have selected Mathis as the Operator of the Year for 2003 – an honor that is marked with the recipient’s photo being placed inside almost every Metro bus.

July 22, 2004
King County receives national recognition for Park's Business Transition Plan and Partners’ Regional Emergency Response Plan
King County Executive Ron Sims announced that two King County plans have been recognized by the National Association of Counties (NACo) as 2004 Achievement Award winners.

July 22, 2004
Beach goers: Reduce your risk of swimmers' itch and other water illnesses
Hot summer weather brings crowds to King County's many beach parks for recreational swimming and wading. While the water quality is generally good, Public Health - Seattle & King County reminds beach goers to protect themselves against common recreational water illnesses including swimmer's itch and gastrointestinal illness.

July 21, 2004
Charlie the Huacaya Alpaca crowned Royal Critter for 142nd annual King County Fair
Charlie, a 3-year-old, rescued Huacaya Alpaca with a "sweet personality," was deemed by judges as the animal best exemplifying the spirit of the King County Fair Wednesday at the fair's grand opening ceremony in Enumclaw.

July 21, 2004
King County Executive applauds national lawsuit against largest U.S. global warming polluters; renews its own efforts
King County Executive Ron Sims applauds the actions of the states of California, Connecticut, Iowa, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin, as well as the Corporation Council for New York City, for their lawsuit against the five largest U.S. polluters of global warming emissions. King County has encouraged the State of Washington to consider participating in the lawsuit to protect