In This Issue....
Thurston County to Host Panel Discussion on Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan
Commissioners Proclaim National Day of Service and Remembrance
Chehalis Western Trail Now Open With 49 miles of Continuous Trail
Weekend Weather Report
Saturday, September 18: Rain before 11 a.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 11 a.m. High near 63.

Sunday, September 19: Showers, with thunderstorms possible after 11 a.m. High near 62.

Monday, September 20: Partly sunny, with a high near 63.

Report obtained from the National Weather Service
But first....
Join the Thurston County Historic Commission for the 2nd Annual Thurston County Heritage Day on Saturday, September 18, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Alex Gradwohl with the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation will share information and answer questions about maritime history in the region. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this event is being held virtually. You can register to attend here.
1
COVID-19 Update
A video from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services explaining how vaccine development met the highest standards of safety while using both new science and a century of vaccine experience. You can find a COVID-19 vaccine event in Thurston County here.
To maximize protection from COVID-19 variants and slow the spread of the virus in our community, please wear a mask. If you are not yet vaccinated, please get vaccinated as soon as possible. You can find COVID-19 vaccine events in Thurston County by visiting the county's vaccine information webpage. You can help protect yourself by practicing good self care including eating healthy and exercising, drinking plenty of water, participating in your favorite hobbies, and socializing responsibly. Be mindful to wash your hands frequently, maintain six feet of distance in social situations, and stay home when you're not feeling well.

In the last seven days, Thurston County Public Health & Social Services confirmed 702 new cases of COVID-19 and 18 hospitalizations. Sadly, Thurston County confirmed 11 deaths due to the COVID-19 virus, bringing the total lives lost to 150. Since the pandemic began, there have been 16,569 cases of COVID-19 in Thurston County and 1,072 hospitalizations. With the rise in cases and hospitalizations, many people are feeling anxious about the spread of the virus. You can find a number of mental health resources on the Thurston County COVID-19 webpage.
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Thurston County to Host Panel Discussion on Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan
Thurston County Commissioner Tye Menser will host a discussion about the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan on Monday, September 20, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. You can register to attend here.
Join Thurston County Commissioner Tye Menser for a discussion about the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan! Thurston County and the cities of Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater worked with staff from the Thurston Regional Planning Council to craft a strategic framework for reducing climate polluting greenhouse gases while maintaining—and even improving—our quality of life. Panelists are:
  • Lisa Parshley, City of Olympia Councilmember and policymaker lead for the city on the Thurston Climate Action Steering Committee
  • Schelli Slaughter, Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Director
  • Allison Osterberg, Thurston Regional Planning Council Senior Planner and contributor to the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan
  • Jennica Machado, Thurston County Economic Development Manager 

The first half of the event will be a discussion between Commissioner Menser and the panelists. The second half will be an open discussion where the audience will be invited to ask questions about the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan. If you have questions for the panelists, you can submit them now! Email your questions to smedia@co.thurston.wa.us by 5 p.m. today (Friday, September 17). You can register to attend here.
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Board of County Commissioners Join Nation in Remembering 20 Year Anniversary of 9/11
The Tribute in Light 9/11 memorial taken on September 11, 2018. Photo credit: Jesse Mills
During the board's Tuesday, September 14, regular meeting, the Board of County Commissioners proclaimed September 11 as a Day of Service and Remembrance in Thurston County. The commissioners urged all residents to honor the lives of those lost on September 11, 2001 - commonly referred to as 9/11 - in the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil in the nation's history. In response to this tragedy, Americans across the country joined in a remarkable spirit of patriotism and unity, carrying out countless acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion. Community organizations and family members of the victims of the 9/11 attack began observing the anniversary as a charitable service day to honor the memory of lives lost and those who were united in response to the tragedy, including first responders and volunteers.

The Serve America Act, approved by Congress and enacted into law on April 21, 2009, directed September 11 to be observed and recognized as an annual National Day of Service and Remembrance. National Day of Service and Remembrance activities are organized by a variety of nonprofits, faith-based and community groups, public agencies, educational institutions, private businesses, and other organizations across the nation. You can watch the presentation and reading of the proclamation here.
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Toxic Algae Advisory in Effect for Lake Lawrence
An aerial photo of Lake Lawrence. Lake Lawrence is a 330-acre lake located near Yelm.
Thurston County Public Health & Social Services has issued a Toxic Algae Advisory for Lake Lawrence. Lab results show toxin levels of microcystin at 12 ug/L from an algae sample collected from the lake on Monday, September 13. The state advisory level for microcystin is 8.0 ug/L. Microcystin is a liver toxin and possible human carcinogen. Health officials recommend taking extra precautions when an algae bloom is present to avoid health risks posed by potential toxins. You should not drink, fish, or play in the lake water. This includes swimming, wading, wind surfing, and all other forms of water recreation. Microcystin can also cause illness in livestock and pets that drink affected water.

Staff will collect samples weekly until the algae bloom clears. The advisory will remain in effect until two consecutive weeks of testing show toxin levels at or below the state advisory level. Warning signs are posted at the boat launch and other locations around the lake. You can find more information about toxic algae blooms and health risks here.
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Chehalis Western Trail Now Open
An 88-foot bridge now connects the Chehalis Western Trail - the county’s longest trail - providing 49 miles of continuous paths for runners, walkers, and cyclists.
The Chehalis Western Trail is now open! An 88-foot bridge now spans the distance to connect the county’s longest trail, providing 49 miles of continuous paths for runners, walkers, and cyclists. The new bridge has a scenic overlook and will restore habitat for spawning fish species that was inaccessible for more than 100 years.

Work on the trail began in August to repair deteriorating culverts and ensure safety of all trail users. Additional work to replace two culverts under nearby Latigo Street SE has been rescheduled for next summer.
Before you go....
Have Fall photos or planning to take some in the next few days? Then submit a photo for our Fall photo contest! Email a picture to smedia@co.thurston.wa.us with a short description and photo credit information by Tuesday, September 21, and we'll share it on our Facebook page. The photo with the most likes wins! The winning photo will be the county's banner image through the season, and the person who captured the image will receive photo attribution.
On Tuesday, September 14, the Board of Health proclaimed September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in Thurston County. Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death for Thurston County residents, and the leading cause of death among county youth aged 10‐ 17. The board encourages all residents to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide through support for prevention, actively taking time to learn more, sharing resources, and caring for those in our community. You can watch the presentation and reading of the proclamation here.