State of Washington

Additional $600 in unemployment assistance set to end July 25

State employment agencies distribute benefits but don’t have authority over benefits extension

 

Washington State Parks ‘roofed accommodations’ now available for rent

Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Parks & Recreation District cabins also available for rent

 

DSHS to furlough some employees, reduce hours at all statewide agencies

Furloughs and reduced office hours to take effect June 29 through July 20

 

If schools meet health guidelines, they will likely be open for the fall officials say

Schools will consider split schedules with distance learning, phased-in openings and remote learning

State will provide additional food benefits during school closures

The Pandemic EBT will be made available to those with free or reduced-price meal programs

Ecology director criticizes changes to Clean Water Act

EPA’s new rule would prevent states from protecting water quality within their borders

A screen capture of the map available on the state Department of Commerce’s website showing hot spot areas in Kitsap County as well as nearby counties.

Public “drive-up” WiFi hot spots now available across the state, including Kitsap County

A statewide effort is underway to ensure all Washingtonians, whether they live in urban or rural areas, have access to broadband WiFi while maintaining appropriate… Continue reading

A screen capture of the map available on the state Department of Commerce’s website showing hot spot areas in Kitsap County as well as nearby counties.
A crowd gathers on the beach at Silverdale Waterfront Park to watch the Rotary Club Duck Race. This type of gathering still may not be allowed for some time. (Mark Krulish/Kitsap News Group)

State officials unsure when “new normal” will return

It has been a little over three weeks since Gov. Jay Inslee issued his stay-at-home order, which shuttered non-essential businesses and kept most U.S. citizens… Continue reading

A crowd gathers on the beach at Silverdale Waterfront Park to watch the Rotary Club Duck Race. This type of gathering still may not be allowed for some time. (Mark Krulish/Kitsap News Group)

State working to get more personal protection equipment to Washington

Healthcare workers have been on the front line of the COVID-19 crisis, and like many other states in the country, Washington has been working to… Continue reading

Washington State

Retired Navy Vice Admiral takes new role as head of Washington’s health care response team

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has appointed retired Navy Vice Admiral Raquel C. Bono as the state director for COVID-19 Health System Response Management. The former… Continue reading

All state campgrounds closed through April 30

Day-use areas and trails remain open

Washington receives 8,000 additional test kits for COVID-19

Supplies to be distributed to King, Pierce and Snohomish counties

Two state DOC employees test positive for COVID-19

DOC is “highly encouraging” all eligible employees to work remotely.

Gov. Inslee closes all Washington schools through at least April 24

Governor also expanded restriction on meetings of over 250 people to entire state

State Department of Health employee tests positive for COVID-19

Employee worked at department’s Tumwater campus

Agate Pass Bridge painting ramps up after winter break

As winter comes to a close, the Washington Department of Transportation crews resumed work finishing the paint job on the Agate Passage Bridge on Monday,… Continue reading

Washington lifts flavored vape ban, but for how long?

Despite the lifting of the temporary flavored vape ban on Feb. 3, vapor product shops across the state are cautious to celebrate as a legislative… Continue reading

Coronavirus concerns mean empty shelves in local stores

The spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has sent consumers to emptying the shelves of stores and pharmacies of their hand sanitizer, cleaning products and cold… Continue reading

Executive Director for WSPS Tricia Benson and Kitsap County Commissioner Robert Gelder testified in front of the Senate Human Services, Reentry, and Rehabilitation Committee on Feb. 4, 2020. (WA Legislature)

Olympia considers legislation on SVP’s and LRA’s

Multiple bills concerning the placement and treatment of Washington’s Sexually Violent Predators, have been making their way through the House and Senate that could have… Continue reading

Executive Director for WSPS Tricia Benson and Kitsap County Commissioner Robert Gelder testified in front of the Senate Human Services, Reentry, and Rehabilitation Committee on Feb. 4, 2020. (WA Legislature)

Navy applies to use state parks for special warfare training

Three of 29 state parks referred in the application reside in Kitsap County