OLYMPIA – Thurston County Public Health and Social Services is reporting a toxic algae bloom at Pattison Lake. Lab results received today show the algae bloom is producing unsafe levels of microcystin, which is a liver toxin and possible human carcinogen.

OLYMPIA – The National Weather Service has issued a forecast for temperatures over 100 degrees in the Puget Sound for the coming weekend. Because of the extreme weather forecast, Thurston County has declared a 4-day, 3-night hazardous weather event beginning Friday, June 25, and ending Tuesday, June 29.

OLYMPIA – In response to a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest made on county courthouse property in June of 2019, and state legislation passing the Keep Washington Working Act (SB5497), the Thurston County Board of Commissioners are requesting the public provide feedback on draft policies around protecting access to courts, regardless of immigration status. The board is expected to vote on enacting the policies at their regular meeting on Tuesday, August 10.

OLYMPIA – Thurston County Fire Agencies providing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Thurston County are experiencing patient transport delays related to ambulance availability and hospital capacity. The transport delays occurring during peak EMS 911 call times (10:00am to 8:00pm), are compounded by long emergency room wait times for EMS crews to transfer the patient to emergency room staff.

OLYMPIA – Plans to temporarily close approximately 1.5 miles of the Chehalis Western Trail (CWT) in East Thurston County have been postponed until later this month.

OLYMPIA – Yesterday, the Thurston County Board of Commissioners (BoCC) approved more than $600,000 in Treatment Sales Tax (TST) funds, over a two-year period beginning July 1, 2021, for five community organizations to provide services in Thurston County. These awards will benefit Thurston County residents with mental health or substance use issues.