Unincorporated Area Community News

Welcome to Community News, King County government's monthly newsletter for unincorporated area residents. You can find the newsletter online with links to program details, at www.kingcounty.gov/UnincorporatedAreaNews. To see previous versions of the Unincorporated Area Community Newsletter visit the archives.

Engage with King County

Community meeting on landfill gas-to-energy facility

King County Solid Waste Division is hosting a community meeting in collaboration with Bio Energy Washington, the owner and operator of the landfill gas-to-energy facility, focusing on operation of the landfill gas facility. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 16, from 7 - 9 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Mt. Park Boulevard SW in Issaquah. For more information, or to request accommodations, call 206-296-4490, TTY Relay: 711 or visit the website.

News

County's rural responsibility is emphasized in addition to Charter

Voters have overwhelmingly approved an amendment to the King County Charter that clearly emphasizes the county's responsibility for services to the rural areas, and clarifies the county's concern for the economy as well as the environment.

'Round the Clock Information from King County Elections

Visit King County Elections online to view election results and keep up with elections news, register to vote, or update your registration. You can also follow Elections on Facebook.

Sign up for King County Flood Alerts and be prepared for a wet fall, winter

The fall flood season is under way in King County, and with forecasts calling for wetter-than-normal weather, there's no time to waste before taking steps to make sure you and your family will be safe. One new tool that can be a real lifesaver — literally — is King County Flood Alerts. This free, automated system allows subscribers to receive customized alerts of potential flooding for any or all of King County's six major river systems.

Sign up for Transit Alerts and know before you go with Metro this winter

As it prepares for snow and ice, Metro Transit is asking bus riders to make their own preparations for winter travel. Start by signing up for Transit Alerts for the bus routes you use most often. If any of those routes begin operating on snow routing — which means some streets and bus stops may be missed — Metro will send an alert to route subscribers.

Are you ready for winter driving?

This season, the King County Road Services Division will have about 13,000 cubic yards of sand, 600 cubic yards of salt and 45,000 gallons of anti-icing material stockpiled at 10 field offices throughout the county. You can prepare by finding the major arterials and heavily traveled roadways that will be plowed first to help you know the best routes to travel when a snow storm strikes.

Have you lost your job because of a company downsize or plant closure?

If your employer has gone out of business or has been forced to cut the workforce and you need a new career direction, the King County Dislocated Worker Program may be able to help. We offer career counseling, individualized employment plans, job placement assistance and training scholarships. Call 206-205-3500 or visit the website.

Health dangers of soda

Did you know a 32-oz. soda contains 26 packs of sugar? Drinking sugar-loaded beverages contributes to more adults and children being overweight or obese and at serious risk for major health problems, such as Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

'Death cap' mushrooms

Be careful when you forage for wild mushrooms. "Death cap" mushrooms appear similar to some edible types of mushrooms and grow locally in the wild, in parks, and even in yards. Some people in King County have been poisoned by eating death cap mushrooms.

Community news

Enumclaw

Ag Commission headed to Enumclaw Plateau to explore future of King County farming

More than a year ago, a group of Enumclaw Plateau farmers met with King County agriculture officials to share their views on the future of farming. The Agriculture Commission is returning to the Plateau on Nov. 9 to share with farmers and the broader community what they have learned — and to discuss challenges facing farmers, plus new opportunities. The meeting is set for 7 p.m. at Enumclaw High School. For more information Contact Claire Dyckman, 206-296-1926, or visit the website.

Four Creeks/May Valley

Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council meeting

Nov. 17, 7 p.m., at the May Valley Alliance Church, 16431 SE Renton-Issaquah Rd. in Renton

Greater Maple Valley

Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council

(This item submitted by the GMVUAC)
The GMVUAC's 13th-annual operating model train show was a great success with more than 500 community members enjoying exhibits, train layouts and prizes.

The GMVAC submitted letters to the King County Council's Budget and Fiscal Management Committee and to the King County Flood Control District Board expressing concern about a proposed $32 increase in surface water management fees for single-family residential properties and a proposed Flood District $30 million contribution toward the seawall in downtown Seattle. For more information about these topics, please visit visit the GMVUAC website.

Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council meeting

Dec. 6, 7 p.m., at the Sheriff's Precinct 3, 22300 SE 231st in Maple Valley

North Highline

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting

Dec. 2, 7 p.m., North Highline Fire District Office, 1243 SW 112th St. in Seattle

Vashon

Vashon-Maury Island Community Council meetings

Nov. 15 & Dec. 6, 7 p.m. at McMurray Middle School, Multi-purpose room, 9329 Southwest Cemetery Road, Vashon.

West Hill

West Hill Community Council Board meetings

Nov. 10 & Dec. 8, 7 p.m., Fire District #20, 12424 76th Ave S. in Seattle

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If you have comments or suggestions about future content, please contact Lauren Smith at 206-263-7146 or lauren.smith@kingcounty.gov.