In This Issue....
New County Electronic Check-in System
Board of County Commissioners Amend Transportation Improvement Program
Thurston County Career Opportunities
But first....
On Tuesday, January 19, the Board of County Commissioners joined counties from across the country for a National COVID-19 Memorial Tribute. The tribute was live-streamed on the county's YouTube channel and included a moment of silence for each of the Thurston County residents who have lost their lives due to COVID-19. You can watch the tribute here.
1
COVID-19 Update
We are sad to share three Thurston County residents lost their lives due to COVID-19 over the last seven days. We join the community in mourning and send our condolences to their families and friends. Sixty-two county residents have lost their lives to COVID-19 since the pandemic began. Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) has confirmed 377 COVID-19 cases in the past seven days. A total of 5,973 county residents have been diagnosed with COVID-19 since the pandemic began. There have been a total of 326 people hospitalized (number is of accumulated hospitalizations, not all currently hospitalized), and 5,018 people recovered or recovering. The highest number of cases are in the 98513, 98501, and 98503 zip codes. (You can learn more in this week's COVID-19 update).

On Thursday, January 21, Thurston County Health Officer Dr. Dimyana Abdelmalek published a letter to Thurston Superintendents and Heads of Schools. In her letter, she recommends, "Schools use the Washington State Department of Health decision making framework and cautiously phase in in-person learning for K-5 and middle school students." She added that once Thurston County’s rates are below 200 cases per 100K, she recommends phasing in in-person learning for high school students. You can read her letter here.

Dr. Abdelmalek also published a Letter to the Community today (January 22), where she writes about the COVID-19 vaccine. You can read her letter here. For more resources related to COVID-19, including mental health resources, please visit the PHSS COVID-19 webpage.
2
New County Electronic Check-in System
On Tuesday, January 19, Thurston County implemented a new electronic check-in system for offices in Building 1 of the Courthouse Campus. The system is designed to reduce lines and people waiting in lobby areas of county buildings. This includes the Auditor’s, Treasurer’s, and Assessor’s Offices, along with the Building Development Center. You are not required to check-in for the Commissioner’s Office. The new system allows individuals to electronically get in line, and in some cases set an appointment, for services electronically.

You can get in line or set an appointment by signing up online, scanning a QR code before entering the building, or using the Kiosk system on the first floor of the building. Those who scan the QR code or use the website to get in line before entering the building can then wait in their vehicles and the system will notify them when it is their turn. To get in line electronically or sign up for available appointments, please visit thurstoncountywa.gov/qmatic. 
3
Commissioners Amend Project Description in
2021-2026 Transportation Improvement Program

On Tuesday, January 19, the Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution to amend the 2021-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to revise the project description of the 183rd Avenue Southwest (US 12 to Old Highway 99) project. The approval of the resolution followed a public hearing.

The project includes the long term corridor improvements of the 183rd Avenue Southwest corridor from US 12 to Old Highway 99 Southeast; it is identified in the TIP as priority number 45. Thurston County applied for funding, and is being considered for a grant, for a section of this corridor, extending on 183rd Avenue from US 12 on the west end to Sargent Road on the east end. You can watch this public hearing and more on the Thurston County YouTube channel.
4
Thurston County Career Opportunities
Thurston County has 34 job openings, including a position with Thurston County Superior Court as a Judicial Assistant. The Judicial Assistant implements and manages complex programs for case tracking systems, differential case management, and Unified Family Court cases. They are also responsible for coordinating and scheduling criminal, civil, family law, and juvenile cases after initial filing through trial to case completion.

Other career opportunities include positions with the Sheriff's Office, Information Technology, Public Health and Social Services, and more. You can learn about the Judicial Assistant position and other career opportunities at thurstoncountywa.gov.
5
K9 Arlo
A photo of K9 Arlo resting at home after surgery.
On Wednesday, January 13, K9 Arlo with the Thurston County Sheriff's Office was struck by gunfire while making contact with a driver after a vehicle pursuit. K9 Arlo and the suspect both suffered serious, but survivable injuries. Since the incident, K9 Arlo underwent surgery and his condition continues to improve every day.

He’s at home resting and getting lots of attention. The Thurston County Sheriff's Office continues to provide updates about K9 Arlo's condition on their Facebook page.
Before you go....
Thurston County has started a project called Community-Driven Review of Local Agriculture Policies and Programs as part of the Comprehensive Plan amendment docket, and your help is needed. You're invited to take part in a new online survey. You can complete the survey here.
The state-wide plastic bag ban, set to start at the beginning of 2021 is on hold. The state legislature is working with the Governor’s office and the Department of Ecology to implement the ban later this year. For details on the bag ban, and plans for implementing it later this year, visit the Department of Ecology's website.