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. 

Partners within the Regional Housing Council (RHC) will begin a year-long Scattered Site Management Pilot Project which takes an innovative approach to addressing issues related to unsheltered residents.

OLYMPIA – Thurston County Public Works will temporarily close approximately 1.5 miles of the Chehalis Western Trail (CWT) in East Thurston County July 14 - September 15. The closure, between 89th Ave. SE and 103rd Ave. SE, affects all through traffic. Public Works must close the section of trail to complete a new 88-foot trail bridge and overlook above Spurgeon Creek.