High levels of the biotoxin which produces diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) were detected in shellfish prompting closure of recreational shellfish harvesting for all species in Dana Passage, Pickering Passage, and Peale Passage. Budd Inlet continues to be closed due to DSP.

UPDATED Wednesday, December 22, 2023: The shellfish harvest biotoxin closure has expanded to Henderson Inlet due to high levels of DSP in the most recent samples. Please always check the shellfish safety map before harvesting shellfish for the latest information.

This season, residents can take advantage of various free tree collection and drop-off opportunities available throughout the county. To prepare your natural tree for recycling, please remove all ornaments, lights, stands, nails, and tinsel before drop-off. Flocked trees are accepted. Search “Christmas tree” in the online directory at WhereDoITakeMy.org for program details.

Thurston County Commissioner Wayne Fournier (District 4) announces the addition of Tenino High School alumnus, Matthew Rounsley, as his executive aide. Rounsley will be responsible for management of the commissioner’s schedule, legislative analysis to brief the commissioner, and organizing constituent engagement opportunities.

  

Thurston County Commissioners-Elect Wayne Fournier of District 4, and Emily Clouse of District 5, were sworn in on Tuesday, November 28, increasing the board from three to five commissioners.

The National Weather Service has issued a forecast for below-freezing nighttime weather patterns in the Puget Sound from November 24 to November 29, 2023. In response, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services is issuing a “Hazardous Weather Advisory” to increase shelter-in-place efforts and offer extended nightly shelter beds starting on Friday, November 24, nightly from 8:00 p.m. through 8:00 a.m.

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to accept public comment on the 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).